The American Cancer Society estimates that over 20,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with urothelial bladder cancer (UBC), also known as bladder cancer, in 2024.
Learning about symptoms and what groups are most affected can help you take steps toward prevention.
Take our quick quiz to test your knowledge of UBC and ways to decrease your risk.
1. Women are at higher risk of developing urothelial bladder cancer.
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false. Often referred to as the “white man’s cancer,” men are four times more likely to develop urothelial bladder cancer (UBC) than women. However, women have worse outcomes than men. The same symptoms in women are often misdiagnosed as chronic UTIs or irregular menstrual bleeding.
2. Incontinence (the loss of bladder control) is a common symptom of bladder cancer.
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false. Incontinence is not typically a symptom of UBC. Its most common symptoms are overactive bladder, painful urination, or blood in the urine due to irritation from abnormal growths and inflammation of the bladder lining. However, these issues can also occur with other health problems, such as a UTI. If you’re experiencing any of these concerns, it’s important to visit your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
3. There is a high risk of bladder cancer returning after treatment.
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true. Not only is bladder cancer common, but it reoccurs 50%–80% of the time, the highest rate of any type of cancer. Having a team of providers to help you manage physical and emotional changes and staying on top of post-procedure follow-ups and tests are important during recovery.
4. Genetics is the most significant risk factor for bladder cancer.
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false. While genetics can play a role in developing bladder cancer, 1 in 2 cases are associated with cigarette smoking and vaping, making it the number one cause of UBC. That number has increased for women from 28% since 2011. Wondering how smoking affects your bladder? Carcinogenic chemicals present in nicotine and tobacco can damage the cells that line the bladder and increase your risk of cancer. Being a former smoker doubles your risk, so whether you currently smoke or haven’t picked up a cigarette in years, it’s important to make sure your healthcare provider knows your smoking history.
5. Those with bladder cancer have a significant risk of developing depression.
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true. Studies show that 8 out of 10 people with bladder cancer have post-treatment depression. Losing part or all of your bladder can affect your appetite, sense of taste, bowel movements, and leave you with a general feeling of embarrassment about your body, which can be challenging to talk about, even with your partner or loved ones. It can also be uncomfortable to navigate intimacy, sex and the workplace. Seeking support groups, expressing your feelings and receiving whole-body care can help you cope with UBC.
6. Black women have a higher risk of dying from urothelial bladder cancer.
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true. Black women tend to have more aggressive tumors than Black men and white men and women. They also tend to have more advanced tumors at the time of diagnosis. Studies have shown that patients also tend to get worse care even when they have comparable health insurance to their white counterparts. This may be related to systemic inequities that lead to Black people to be more likely to have less access to insurance coverage, screenings and treatment.
7. High levels of arsenic in your drinking water can increase your risk of developing bladder cancer.
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true. Studies have found that carcinogens in tap water can increase your risk of bladder cancer. Before you stock up on bottled water, find out if your water is safe for drinking. If your home is supplied with well water, a water filtration company or an online kit can test for abnormal levels of arsenic. Quarterly reports of your public water can be accessed on your local water utility’s website.
This educational resource was created with support from Daiichi Sankyo.
