Bladder cancer affects thousands of individuals each and every year, with the highest percentage of cases in men. Research has shown that cigarette smoking is linked to bladder cancer, with other factors including age, history of cancer in the family and occupational risks also playing a role. The most common symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine. Other symptoms that are often reports may include frequent urination and a burning sensation while you urinate. Unfortunately, these symptoms are also common to other conditions such as a kidney infection.

 

Like other cancers, bladder cancer is diagnosed using stages. Stage I is the earliest stage and has the highest survival rates, while stage IV bladder cancer is the most severe and survival rates are often low. As with any cancer, early detection increases the chance for a better prognosis. Treatments for bladder cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and biological therapy.