The bladder is an organ in the body that stores urine filtered from the kidneys and facilitates the elimination of urine through contractions. The inner surface of the bladder is lined with a unique layer of cells.
Bladder cancer occurs when healthy cells in this layer undergo genetic and environmental changes, leading to the transformation of normal cells into abnormal cancer cells. While normal healthy cells grow, multiply, and die, abnormal cells exhibit uncontrolled growth and do not die. As these cells multiply, they form a tumor. These cancerous cells have a high risk of spreading to different parts of the body.
Bladder cancer most commonly manifests in individuals over the age of 65 through painless hematuria (blood in urine). The primary cause that triggers this condition is smoking. Men are four times more likely to develop bladder cancer than women.
The symptoms of bladder cancer are highly variable. Burning and bleeding during urination do not always indicate bladder cancer, as these may also be due to infections or, in women, menstruation. The most common symptoms include:

• Hematuria (bloody urination)
• Burning and pain during urination
• Slow or interrupted urination, difficulty urinating
• Lower abdominal (pelvic) pain, fullness
• Loss of bladder or bowel control

In patients with bladder cancer, surgery may be sufficient in the early stages. In more advanced stages, chemotherapy may be followed by surgery. After surgery, patients may require treatments consisting of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In some cases, to preserve the bladder, an organ-sparing approach with radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be used together. Surgery may be considered if recurrence occurs.
Early diagnosis saves lives. Therefore, any new or previously absent symptoms or signs that cause discomfort should be taken seriously and shared with your doctor without delay.