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

  • Bladder Cancer is the 5th most common cancer in Canada with more than 90% of cases occurring in adults aged over 50.
  • According to the Canadian Cancer Society Statistics (2023), bladder cancer was estimated to account for 8.2% of 124,200 male cancer cases (1,018 cases) and 2.8% of 114,900 female cancer cases (348 cases). The mortality rate has decreased by -3.4% per year since 2016.
  • According to 2024 CCS estimations, bladder cancer is expected to account for the 4th most commonly diagnosed cancer among males in 2024, and 10/11th among females.
  • It is also expected that around 12,300 new bladder cancer cases will be diagnosed (9,300 men and 3,000 women) and 2,600 will die from the disease (1,900 men and 740 women).

Source: Canadian Cancer Society

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.