Bladder Cancer - FAQs
We Have Answers to Your Bladder Cancer Questions
If you suspect that you have bladder cancer, the most important thing you can do is see a physician and receive Phoenix bladder cancer treatment as soon as possible. Thankfully, early detection often yields a positive outcome, so visit our Phoenix cancer center today and learn more about your treatment options.
To help you understand bladder cancer a little better, here are answers to some of the most common questions our patients ask.
Q: What is Bladder Cancer?
Answer: Bladder cancer is a form of cancer that begins in the cells that line the bladder. When these cells begin to grow abnormally and out of control, they can eventually form tumors and spread to other parts of the urinary tract. Bladder cancer causes approximately 15,000 deaths every year and is the sixth most common type of cancer in the nation.
Q: Am I at Risk?
Answer: While it is not yet known what causes bladder cancer, smoking has been shown to be the largest risk factor for the disease. Those who smoke are twice as likely to get bladder cancer as those who don’t smoke. Other risk factors include genetics and exposure to environmental carcinogens. Workers who are most at risk include those that work with chemicals, rubber and leather, firefighters, machinists, textile workers, hairdressers, and painters.
Q: What Are Common Symptoms of Bladder Cancer?
Answer: The most common (and obvious) symptom of bladder cancer is bloody urine. Other common symptoms include increased urination frequency and urgency or discomfort when urinating. Urinary tract infections also share these common symptoms, so it is important to see your doctor.
What Is the Next Step?
Answer: If you think you have bladder cancer, see a physician right away (preferably a urologist). Keep in mind that there are currently hundreds of thousands of bladder cancer survivors in the U.S., so there is no need to lose hope if you are diagnosed with the disease.
If you have questions about bladder cancer or your treatment options, please contact Orange County CyberKnife at 714-962-7100 or fill out our convenient online form