Bladder Cancer
| The Diagnosis | The Treatment | Questions |  |
The Bladder
The bladder is a hollow, muscular balloon-like organ that collects and stores urine.
It is situated in the lower part of the abdomen.
Urine consists of water and waste products not needed by the body.
The Cause
The causes of bladder cancer are largely unknown. However, a number of factors are known to increase the risk of getting bladder cancer.
Cigarette smoking is the common known risk factor for developing cancer of the bladder.
Other factors include chemicals that are used in dye factories, rubber, leather, paint, print, petrol and other organic chemical industries.
In parts of the world where bilharziasis (a chronic parasitic infection of the bladder) is common, there are many cases of cancer of the bladder.
Cyclamate, a type of artificial sweetener, causes bladder cancer in mice when given in very large doses. It has been banned in the United States.
Bladder cancer occurs most commonly between 50 and 70 years of age and is twice as common in men as in women.
Bladder Cancer In Hong Kong
There were 477 new Bladder Cancer cases in 2007
There were 376 new cases among men in 2007
There were 101 new cases among women in 2007
It is more common in men than women, the ratio is 3.7 to 1.
Source: Hong Kong Cancer Registry, Hospital Authority, 2007
The Symptoms
The most common symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine (haematuria).
Sometimes blood clots can form and these may cause painful muscle spasms in the bladder.
There may also be burning on passing urine and a need to pass urine often.
If you do see any blood in your urine, you must have it checked by your doctor as soon as possible.
