The urinary bladder is a hollow, balloon-shaped organ located in your lower abdomen that stores urine. When the tissues of a person’s bladder start growing abnormally, tumours tend to occur that may further lead to bladder cancer. In the United States alone, around 60,000 men and 18,000 women are reported to be diagnosed with the condition annually. Depending upon the type of bladder cells where the condition arises, bladder cancer are of three types namely transitional cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.

Common symptoms of bladder cancer include blood in the urine, frequent, urgent, or painful urination, abdominal pain, pain in the lower back, urinary incontinence, weight loss, fatigue, and bone tenderness. In case you experience any of these symptoms, see a certified health practitioner at the earliest. You may seek consultation at the HJ Hospitals as we are one of the few hospitals in Kinshasa, DRC that house well-equipped urology and oncology departments.

Causes of Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer may affect people of all ages and health statuses and no exact cause of the condition is known. However, scientists and experts have recognised certain factors that may increase a person’s chances of developing the disease. These include:

• Family history of having cancers
• Advanced age
• Smoking
• Exposure to carcinogens
• Frequent episodes of bladder infections
• Low fluid intake
• Consuming a diet high in fat
• A history of undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy

Bladder Cancer Diagnosis

Blood or blood clots in urine, pain or difficulty in passing urine, and unexplained pain in the lower abdomen are the most common signs of bladder cancer. On experiencing any of these, one must speak to a physician without delay as early diagnosis and intervention can help increase the chances of a successful recovery. The doctor may order one or more of the following diagnostic tests to confirm the condition and identify its stage:

• A urinalysis
• A cystoscopy
• A biopsy
• X-rays or a CT Scan
• An intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
• An internal or physical examination

Treatment Options for Bladder Cancer

A doctor suggests a treatment plan after considering the stage and type of bladder cancer, patient’s age, overall health and symptoms. Treatment options include:

• Surgery to remove the affected part of the bladder
• Surgery to remove the whole bladder i.e. radical cystectomy
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Medication
• Radiation therapy

In most cases, a combination treatment plan i.e. a plan including multiple therapies like chemotherapy, radiation therapy and medication is carried out for complete treatment to prevent cancer from recurring.

Preventing Bladder Cancer

Since the exact cause of bladder cancer is unknown, it is not possible to prevent the condition completely. However, a person can reduce their risk of developing it by quitting smoking, avoiding passive smoke, staying away from other carcinogens, and drinking sufficient amounts of water daily so as to maintain the health of their bladder and overall urinary system.

The Bottom Line

Bladder cancer is one of the most common and critical cancer types. Immediate intervention, attention and care are required to increase the chances of a successful recovery. People of the Democratic Republic of Congo and around can seek world-class cancer treatment and care facilities as HJ Hospitals as we are manned by some of the top, internationally recognised doctors, physicians, surgeons, urologists, oncologists, and nursing staff. With an aim to bring the best-in-class healthcare facilities in your proximity and make them affordable for everyone, HJ Hospitals is determined to leave no stone unturned to strengthen the Congo health care system. So, take good care of your health and live a healthier, happier life with our seamless medical care and wellness facilities that are available 24x7.