Bladder Cancer
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When bladder cancer is found and treated early, the chances of survival are very good, with an approximate 94% five-year survival rate for early bladder cancer. Risk factors for bladder cancer include smoking (causes one-third of bladder cancers), occupational exposure to carcinogens, age, race (Caucasians are at highest risk), age, chronic bladder problems and a history of bladder cancer. Bladder cancer's staging, treatment and prognosis depends on how deeply it has invaded the organ. At diagnosis, 90% of cases are Transitional Cell Carcinomas (in the three outer layers of the organ) within which 75% are superficial. Only 5 to 8% of cases are squamous cell carcinomas that are likely to invade deeper layers, and only 2% are adenocarcinomas, which are very likely to invade deeper layers. Such invasive bladder cancers may spread outside the bladder and affect other organs. Early diagnosis is extremely important in this disease. |
 Guidebook on Bladder Cancer |
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