Bladder Cancer

Bladder The bladder is a hollow organ at the base of the pelvis that collects urine from the kidneys prior to passing it from the body. Nearly all invasive bladder cancers begin in the lining of the bladder and then spread into the bladder wall. These are called transitional cell cancers (or urothelial cancers).

Less common invasive bladder cancers include squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas that are also likely to spread into the bladder wall.

Incidence

Nationwide there were 2446 new cases of invasive bladder cancer in 2012.

Bladder cancer is much more common in men.

Risk of diagnosis before age 75

Men Men: 1 in 111 Woman Women: 1 in 428

Causes/Risk Factors

The causes of bladder cancer are not fully understood.
Factors that put some people at risk are:

  • Smoking cigarettes
  • Workplace exposure to certain chemicals used in the textile, petrochemical and rubber industries

 

 

 

If the information on this website raises any questions or concerns relating to your cancer, please call Cancer Council on 13 11 20. Specialist cancer nurses staff the line Monday to Friday 9.00am-5.00pm.