National Cancer Institute National Cancer Institute
U.S. National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute
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What You Need To Know About™ Bladder Cancer
    Posted: 09/07/2001    Updated: 09/16/2002
Introduction

This National Cancer Institute (NCI) booklet (NIH Publication No. 01-1559) has important information about cancer* of the bladder. Each year in the United States, bladder cancer is diagnosed in 38,000 men and 15,000 women. This is the fourth most common type of cancer in men and the eighth most common in women.

This booklet discusses possible causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. It also has information to help patients cope with bladder cancer.

Research is increasing what we know about bladder cancer. Scientists are learning more about its causes. They are exploring new ways to prevent, detect, diagnose, and treat this disease. Because of research, people with bladder cancer have an improved quality of life and less chance of dying from this disease.

Information specialists at the NCI's Cancer Information Service 1 can answer callers' questions about cancer and can send National Cancer Institute publications. The number to call is 1-800-4-CANCER. Also, anyone may view or order NCI publications on the Internet at http://www.cancer.gov/publications.

*Words that may be new to readers appear in italics. Definitions of these and other terms related to cancer can be found in the Dictionary 2. For some words, a "sounds-like" spelling is also given.


Glossary Terms

bladder (BLA-der)
The organ that stores urine.
cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
quality of life
The overall enjoyment of life. Many clinical trials assess the effects of cancer and its treatment on the quality of life. These studies measure aspects of an individual’s sense of well-being and ability to carry out various activities.


Table of Links

1http://cis.nci.nih.gov
2http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary