2023-05-23 07:54:46
Much less publicized than breast cancer or prostate cancer, bladder cancer affects each year between 13,000 and 20,000 people, mostly men. Second urological cancer, it remains very unknown to the general public. The month of May is devoted to bladder cancer, an opportunity to raise awareness about this cancer and in particular about the first signs to watch out for.
Bladder cancer, second urological cancer
The bladder cancer particularly concerns men, with 4 times more male cases than female cases. The average age at diagnosis is 70 ans. Compared to other cancers, bladder cancer is still largely unknown to the general public even though it is the second most common urological cancer after prostate cancer.
On the occasion of Bladder Cancer Month, two players in prevention and care, the French Association of Urology (AFU) and the Cancer Bladder France patient association are launching a communication campaign to educate the general public on issues related to bladder cancer. As with any cancer, the prognosis is all the more favorable when the cancer is diagnosed early and at an early stage. To date, there is no validated method for systematic screening of bladder tumours, but certain signs should alert.
Bladder Cancer Month in May
In 80 to 90% of bladder cancers, the first symptom is visible presence of blood in the urine, which specialists call thehematuria. Other signs should lead to prompt medical attention, such as the occurrence of recurrent cystitis (lower urinary tract infections) or even urination disorders (urinary burning, frequent urination). The stakes are high, since diagnosed early, the prognosis of bladder cancer is favorable, with a survival rate of 80% at 5 years. On the other hand, this survival rate decreases rapidly if the tumor is not detected quickly. It is only 5% when the tumor is diagnosed at the metastatic stage (bladder cancer can metastasize to the lymph nodes, liver, lungs or bones).
Those most at risk of developing bladder cancer are men over the age of 65. A major risk factor is smoking, which is estimated to be responsible for 53% of male cases and 39% of female cases. Smoking cessation plays an essential role in prevention here. Certain occupational exposures may also have a role in the development of bladder tumours.
Knowing how to recognize the first warning signs for a more favorable prognosis
Once bladder cancer has been diagnosed, several treatments are available and implemented depending on the stage and extent of the cancer:
- A cystoscopy (exploration of the bladder under endoscopy)
- Bladder surgery;
- Chemotherapy drugs;
- Endovesical instillations to stimulate the immune system (immunotherapy);
- Radiotherapy.
Faced with bladder cancer, new therapeutic solutions are currently being developed and could contribute to improving care and treatment. prognosis of this cancer in the next few years. A better understanding of bladder cancer, and in particular the first suggestive signs, can at the same time improve the diagnosis and therefore the prognosis.
Estelle B., Doctor of Pharmacy
Sources
– BLADDER CANCER CAMPAIGN. www.e-cancer.fr. Accessed May 22, 2023.
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