Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is a type of urological cancer that often develops in the cells lining the bladder.

By combining different areas of expertise and the latest research, oncologists at Goshen Center for Cancer Care can provide you with collaborative care for bladder cancer. Our team aggressively treats cancer while focusing on your best possible quality of life. With naturopathic medicine and supportive services for you and your family, we make life after a bladder cancer diagnosis a little less scary.

Bladder cancer symptoms

Symptoms often appear in the early stages of the disease, leading doctors to finding tumors before the cancer is advanced. These symptoms may include:

• Trouble urinating
• Weak urine stream
• Blood in the urine
• Frequent or urgent urination
• Pain or burning with urination

Other conditions can cause these symptoms, so tell your primary care provider for a prompt evaluation.

Causes and prevention

The exact cause of bladder cancer is unknown, but research suggests that certain risk factors increase your chance of developing the disease. Smoking is the main risk factor, so prevention strategies focus on quitting tobacco. Goshen Health offers smoking cessation programs to help you quit tobacco to improve your overall quality of life and lower your risk for cancer.

Other risk factors include chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs) and exposure to chemicals in paints, dyes, plastic and rubber.

Treating bladder cancer at Goshen Center for Cancer Care

When it comes to bladder cancer, attacking the disease head on is our strategy. At Goshen Center for Cancer Care, we deliver treatments – often directly to the tumor – to have a better chance at killing cancer cells.

Bladder cancer treatment depends on the stage, but we may recommend and blend the following treatments for the best possible outcome:

• Chemotherapy – cancer-killing drugs that may be applied directly to the tumor or throughout the body
• Radiation – shrinks tumors and provides pain relief

Part of our integrated approach is finding personalized treatment through collaborative care, which means our providers consult you to discuss the best treatment.