Bladder Cancer:

The American Cancer Society reported that 54,000 people were diagnosed with bladder cancer in 1999. It has been estimated that 60% of bladder cancers may result from smoking. Also, industrial chemicals found in dyes, rubber, leather, textiles, paint, and petroleum have been linked to bladder cancer. If you have not already quit smoking we encourage you to stop.

The medical description of your bladder cancer depends on how deeply your tumor penetrates the bladder wall. There are two main stages of bladder cancer: superficial bladder cancer and invasive bladder cancer. Superficial bladder cancer is a cancer found on the inner lining of the bladder. Invasive bladder cancer is a later-stage cancer that has grown and spread beyond the bladder lining.

Depending on its stage and grade, bladder cancer may be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or biological therapy. If the cancer is in an early, superficial stage, it can be treated with topical chemotherapy or biological therapy.