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What is Bladder Cancer?
Bladder cancer ranks fifth on the list of the most common cancers in the United States. Almost 60,000 cases are diagnosed each year, and more than 12,000 will die from the disease. Men, Caucasians and smokers have twice the risk of bladder cancer than the general population. When diagnosed and treated in a localized stage, bladder cancer is very treatable, with a five-year cancer-specific survival rate approaching 95%.
Smoking is the greatest risk factor for bladder cancer. The incidence increases in people 50 years of age and older. Chronic bladder problems like infections and kidney stones may also be risk factors, although no direct link has been established.
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Patient Story
 Jeanne Dean: "If I was going to lose my bladder to cancer surgery, I was going to do it better and look better than anyone else."
Survivor Support
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Anderson Network - Call 1-800-345-6324 to speak with another bladder cancer patient.
Smoking & Tobacco Information
Fact: Smoking is the most important risk factor for bladder cancer. Cancer-causing chemicals in tobacco smoke are absorbed from the lungs and get into the blood. From the blood, they are filtered by the kidneys and collect in the urine. These chemicals damage the cells that line the inside of the bladder and increase the risk of cancer. (Source: American Cancer Society)
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