Bladder Cancer Health Article

Coping with cancer treatment

As with any cancer, shock and stress are natural reactions to a confirmed bladder cancer diagnosis. Coping is often made easier with access to helpful information and support services. Many patients want to learn all they can about the disease and their treatment choices so as to be fully involved in the decisions that are being made concerning their medical care. The national cancer organizations are an important source of medical information. Many associations have also been organized to allow patients the opportunity to meet others undergoing similar experiences in support groups.

Patients are often uncomfortable during the first few days after bladder surgery. They may also experiencefatigue and weakness. Those undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy may experience side effects such as pain, fatigue, rashes, or bleeding. Pain can be controlled with medication and patients should feel free to discuss aspects of pain relief with their physician or nurse.

Clinical trials

In 2001 the National Cancer Institute (NCI) supported over 50 bladder cancer clinical trials to evaluate a variety of anticancer drugs. Some trials study new treatments involving radiation therapy, chemotherapy, biological therapies, and new combinations of various therapies. Other trials study ways to lower the side effects of treatment. Patients who take part in these studies often have the chance to benefit from promising new drugs and developments. Those interested in taking part in a trial should discuss the possibility with their physician and consult an NCI booklet entitled, "Taking Part in Clinical Trials: What Cancer Patients Need To Know" (NIH Publication #97-4250).

Prevention

Since it is not known what exactly causes bladder cancer, there is no certain way to prevent its occurrence. Avoiding risk factors whenever possible is the best alternative. Since smoking doubles one's risk of getting bladder cancer, avoiding tobacco may prevent at least half the deaths that result from bladder cancer. Taking appropriate safety precautions when working with organic cancer-causing chemicals is another way of reducing one's risk.

Those with a history of bladder cancer, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and other conditions that cause long-term irritation to the bladder are advised to undergo regular screening tests such as urine cytology, cystoscopy, and x rays of the urinary tract, so that cancer may be detected at an early stage and treated appropriately.