Bladder Cancer : In Depth - Managing Side...
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The best way to protect yourself from bladder cancer is to know what makes you more likely to get it. These are called your risk factors. Knowing what puts you at risk for bladder cancer can help you make healthy choices in your life to help prevent it. You'll learn about your risk factors in this section.
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Cigarette smoking causes 87 percent of lung cancer deaths and is responsible for most cancers of the larynx, oral cavity, esophagus, and bladder (see Question 1).
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1. How important is it to stop smoking? It is very important. Tobacco use remains the single most preventable cause of death in the United States. Cigarette smoking accounts for nearly one-third of all cancer deaths in this country each year.
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Key Points The lower tar and nicotine numbers on light cigarette packs and in ads are misleading (see Question 1).
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Learn how to get help to quit smoking and improve your chances of quitting. This document explains the best ways for you to quit as well as new treatments to help. It lists new medications that can double or triple your chances of quitting and quitting for good. It also tells about ways to avoid relapses and talks about concerns you may have about quitting, including weight gain.
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When you've been diagnosed with cancer--particularly lung cancer--it may be hard to think or talk about quitting smoking. Why? Because you smoke even though everybody knows that smoking is bad for your health. And everyone knows that it can cause cancer. Plus, we also know that quitting is hard.
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Key Points Secondhand smoke (also called environmental tobacco smoke) is the combination of smoke given off by the burning end of a tobacco product and the smoke exhaled by the smoker (see Question 1).
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Key Points Snuff is a finely ground or shredded tobacco that is either sniffed through the nose or placed between the cheek and gum. Chewing tobacco is used by putting a wad of tobacco inside the cheek (see Question 1).
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World No Tobacco Day is celebrated around the world every year on May 31, under the sponsorship of the World Health Organization (WHO).
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Screening tests check for signs of cancer in people who don't have any symptoms. Early detection of bladder cancer improves the chance of successful treatment. However, screening for bladder cancer is not usually recommended for people who do not show symptoms or do not have strong risk factors for the disease. Your doctor may recommend screening tests if any of the following is true for you.
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Cystoscopy is a procedure that lets your doctor look directly inside your urethra and bladder. It can be used to:
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Cystography (also called retrograde cystography) is an exam of the bladder using x-rays. This test is done by a radiologist, a doctor who specializes in the use of x-ray imaging to diagnose and treat health conditions. During a cystography, the bladder is filled with a special contrast medium (x-ray dye) or radioactive medium (radionuclide). This medium ensures more detailed x-ray pictures.
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A urodynamics study is a series of tests that gives your doctor a detailed look at the function of your bladder and urethra. These tests can help your doctor evaluate any problems you may be having with storing urine or voiding (eliminating) urine from your body.
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The study may be done in the doctor's office, a clinic, or a hospital. Depending on which tests are being done, the study may take up to an hour or more. The tests are generally painless, so you don't need sedating medication.
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Early attention to symptoms is the best way to find and treat bladder cancer. The earlier bladder cancer is found, the easier it is to treat--and the better your chance of being cured.
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Blood in your urine is a condition known as hematuria. Most of the time, the cause of hematuria is not serious. However, blood in the urine should never be ignored. Your doctor can evaluate you to identify the cause of the bleeding and treat it, if necessary.
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A wide range of problems can lead to blood in the urine. Some of the most common causes—such as kidney or bladder stones, enlargement of the prostate, and infection—are often easily treated.
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When you are being treated for bladder cancer, it's likely that you will have side effects from that treatment, and perhaps symptoms of the disease itself. The cancer may cause symptoms if the tumor puts pressure on an organ or body part and causes pain. Or the tumor may interfere with that organ's or body part's function.
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Treating your cancer to get the best results is important. But your quality of life also matters. Let your doctor and nurse know if you are experiencing any side effects or discomfort. Make sure to tell your doctor or nurse how these problems affect your day-to-day life. Your healthcare team is there to help you manage your symptoms as well as to treat your cancer.
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Dealing with your feelings is often easier as you learn more about your disease and get support from other people. Doctors, nurses, and other members of your healthcare team can answer questions about your concerns. Talking with friends and relatives or getting in touch with others who have had cancer can be helpful. Meeting with a social worker, counselor, or member of the clergy may also be helpful. Many people with cancer attend support groups where they share what they have learned about cancer and its treatments. Here are some options for finding support.
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You will most likely have physical concerns since your cancer may cause symptoms and you may have side effects from your treatment. In this section, you'll learn more about how to respond to some of the most common ones. Your reaction depends on the treatment you get. We've listed symptoms and side effects alphabetically so that you can easily find tips to ease the problems you are having.
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There are several forms of bladder dysfunction. They include: Urinary incontinence. This is a loss of bladder control. There are varying degrees of incontinence. The bladder may leak urine, or a person may have complete lack of control over the bladder.
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Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to treat your cancer. From the moment you found out you had cancer, you most likely have had questions about treatment. You are not facing cancer treatment alone. Loved ones, support groups, and counseling can help you. Keep a list of any questions you have for your radiation therapy team. Ask these questions during your visits, or call if you need to. And use the resources below for information.
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Having side effects of radiation therapy does not mean that your cancer is getting worse or that therapy isn't working.
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TIP: Ask a family member or friend to give you some help applying lotion in hard-to-reach spots.
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Chemotherapy can reduce the number of red blood cells in your body. When you have too few of these cells, anemia can result. Anemia has many symptoms. Talk to your health care provider if you have any of the signs listed here. You may need treatment.
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Chemotherapy can make your blood less able to clot. This happens because the treatment reduces the number of platelets (clotting agents) in your blood. As a result, your risk of bruising and bleeding increases. To help prevent problem bleeding, use the tips on this handout.
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You develop mouth sores Mouth pain keeps you from eating Mouth sores (stomatitis) and dry mouth are common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These side effects occur because these treatments affect normal cells as well as cancer cells. Using the tips on this handout may help you feel better.
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Caution: Call your doctor if your cuticles become red and painful or show other changes.
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During chemotherapy, the energy provided by a healthy diet can help you rebuild normal cells. It can also help you keep up your strength and fight infection. As a result, you may feel better and be more able to cope with side effects. Ask your doctor about your nutrition needs.
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Minor skin problems are common side effects of chemotherapy. These side effects occur because the treatment affects normal cells as well as cancer cells. To manage these side effects, try the tips on this handout.
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Constipation (difficulty passing stool) is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Constipation can be caused by the medications you are taking. It can also occur if you're not getting enough exercise and nourishment. Fluids are important in managing constipation.
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Diarrhea (loose stools) is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Diarrhea results when treatment affects the normal cells lining the intestine. To help limit this problem, try the tips on this handout.
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Fatigue is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It can be caused by worry, lack of sleep, and poor appetite. Fatigue can also be a sign of anemia (a shortage of red blood cells). This could require medical treatment. The tips below can help you feel better.
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Hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It occurs because these treatments affect normal cells as well as cancer cells. Not all types of chemotherapy and radiation therapy cause hair loss, but if it does happen, these tips can help.
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Nausea or vomiting lasts for 24 hours or more You have trouble keeping fluids down
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Now that you are facing treatment for cancer, you may have concerns that you want to share. If you do want to talk, you may not know how to start. These ideas may help.
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Chemotherapy can make your body less able to fight off infection. This happens because treatment reduces the number of white blood cells (infection fighters) in your body. To help prevent infections, try the tips on this handout.
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