Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer starts in the cells of the bladder. The bladder is an integral part of the urinary system – it is a hollow organ in the pelvis which stores urine before it is eliminated from the body. Nearly all of these cancers start in the lining of the bladder, and are called urothelial carcinomas. These are often diagnosed at an early stage, before they have grown into the muscle wall of the bladder and become invasive.

About this Cancer

Statistics

According to the Canadian Cancer Statistics 2025, it is expected that around 12,600 new bladder cancer cases will be diagnosed (9,500 males and 3,100 females) and 2,500 will die from the disease (1,800 males and 730 females).

For males, bladder cancer is the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer (7%).

Source: Canadian Cancer Statistics 2025.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually appear as the tumor gets larger, rather than during the early stages. Symptoms can include:

  • More frequent and urgent urination
  • Experiencing burning/pain while urinating
  • Having difficulty urinating
  • Pain in the lower back or the pelvis

For more information, check out the Canadian Cancer Society.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for bladder cancer:

  • Smoking tobacco
  • Arsenic (naturally occurring, for example from rocks and soil)
  • Chemical exposure at work
  • Aristolochic acids (naturally occurring in plants)
  • Opium
  • A history of chemotherapy or radiation therapy
  • Persistent bladder irritation
  • Bladder birth abnormalities
  • Lynch syndrome (Type B)
  • Previous cancer in the urinary tract

For more information, check out the Canadian Cancer Society.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of bladder cancer may include:

  • Cystoscopy (examination of the inside the bladder)
  • Biopsy (extracting a sample of tissue)
  • CT urogram
  • Urine cytology (analysis of a urine sample)

Check out the Mayo Clinic for more information.

Treatment

Treatments for bladder cancer may include:

  • Surgery
  • Immunotherapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Targeted therapy

For more information check out the Canadian Cancer Society. 

Stories from Survivors

Resources

Latest Research

Bladder Cancer Groups

Canada

Bladder Cancer Canada: “Bladder Cancer Canada is the first and only patient advocacy organization in Canada dedicated to bladder cancer issues. As the first and only patient advocacy organization in Canada dedicated to bladder cancer issues, Bladder Cancer Canada is proud to provide patients, their caregivers and families with the support and resources to help them navigate life with and beyond a bladder cancer diagnosis.” Visit them at Bladder Cancer Canada.