Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the bladder, the organ that stores and excretes urine. It is the sixth most common type of cancer in the United States, with approximately 78,000 Americans getting diagnosed each year. Bladder cancer is more prevalent in men than in women and risks increase with age; approximately 60% of new cases are in people over the age of 65.

The symptoms of bladder cancer may include blood in the urine, pain or burning when urinating, and frequent urination. Other, more general signs of the disease can include fatigue, a loss of weight and appetite, and pain in the pelvic area. In more advanced cases of bladder cancer, the cancer can metastasize and spread to other parts of the body, often the bone, lungs and liver.

If bladder cancer is suspected, there are a variety of tests that can be done to confirm or rule it out. These include urine cytology, which looks for cancerous cells in the urine, as well as imaging tests such as CT scans and MRI to look for tumors in the bladder. In some cases, a biopsy of the bladder wall will be done for further testing.

Treatment for bladder cancer will largely depend on the stage of the cancer, and can include surgical removal of the tumor, chemotherapy for more advanced stages, and radiation therapy. In some cases, bladder cancer can be cured or controlled, but it often recurs, so it’s important to follow up with regular checkups and screenings.

It’s also important to recognize and reduce the risk factors for bladder cancer, which include smoking and exposure to certain chemicals and dyes. Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and drinking plenty of water can also help to reduce your risk.

Early diagnosis is key with bladder cancer, so if you experience any of the symptoms described above, it’s important to visit your doctor right away. With the right treatment and care, bladder cancer can be managed, and potentially cured.