Bladder Cancer Care
Bladder cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the United States, impacting nearly 80,000 people each year. As with many other forms of cancer, early detection, and treatment are critical to successful outcomes and quality of life.
As a leading cancer care clinical trial team, Community Clinical Trials work to help educate patients and families on bladder cancer and its treatments, as well as guiding them through the process from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.
What Is Bladder Cancer?
Bladder cancer starts in the bladder, the organ in the lower abdomen that stores urine. It is a common type of cancer, with around 55,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the United States alone. The most common symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine. Other symptoms may include having to urinate often, pain while urinating, and back pain.
Recent research has found that bladder cancer is most often caused by smoking and exposure to certain chemicals (such as those used in dye and rubber manufacturing). In addition, people who have had radiation therapy for prostate or cervical cancer are at a higher risk of developing bladder cancer.
The American Cancer Society estimates that about 80,000 bladder cancer diagnoses will occur this year. If caught early enough, bladder cancer can be treated successfully with surgery or chemotherapy.
When you work with Community Clinical Trials you gain access to a team of experienced clinicians who will guide you through the entire process.
What Are The Symptoms Of Bladder Cancer?
Symptoms of bladder cancer depend on the stage and type of cancer.
Some of the more common symptoms include:
Blood in the urine
Lower back pain on one side of the body
Pain in the abdomen
Bone pain or tenderness
Being unable to urinate
Fatigue
Painful urination
Urinary frequency or urgency
In some cases, tissue fragments may also be present in the urine. It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions and do not necessarily indicate bladder cancer. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
What Treatments Are Available For Bladder Cancer?
Bladder cancer is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment. The type of treatment depends on the stage and grade of the tumor. Surgery is oftentimes used to remove early-stage bladder tumors, while more advanced cases may require chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or target therapy.
In some cases, a combination of treatments may be used to achieve the best results. Surgery, for example, may be combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy to treat muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Additionally, follow-up testing is often recommended after treatment to ensure that the cancer has not returned.
Regardless of the type of treatment you receive for bladder cancer, it's important to work closely and communicate with your healthcare team throughout the process.
Find Hope With Bladder Cancer Trials!
For those suffering from bladder cancer, clinical trials can provide hope and the potential for improved outcomes.
Clinical trials are research studies that treat people with a particular medical condition to evaluate new treatments, medications, or strategies to manage the diseases and improve quality of life.
At our clinic, Community Clinical Trials works closely with each patient to help them find the clinical trial that is right for them. We have a full team of experienced medical professionals who will help you every step of the way,from enrollment to completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Community Clinical Trials stays up to date with the latest advancements in bladder cancer research and clinical trials. We can discuss any relevant opportunities during your consultation.
Our unique partnerships allow us to work alongside top researchers and clinical trial teams to learn and employ the latest treatments and cutting-edge medications. We understand how important it is for bladder cancer patients to have access to these treatments.