Bladder cancer is expected to register around 13 thousand new cases per year in Brazil, according to estimates from the National Cancer Institute (INCA). Considered the ninth most common tumor in the world, it develops in the cells that line the inside of the bladder, the organ responsible for storing urine.

During Purple July, a campaign dedicated to raising awareness about illnessattention is drawn to the importance of recognizing risk factors and identifying warning signs early, a measure that can significantly increase the chances of a cure.

Risks of the disease in men and women

Although it can affect men and women, the disease is more common in the male population. This is mainly explained by the greater historical exposure to smoking and chemical substances present in certain work environments, in addition to the influence of hormonal and genetic factors. Another factor is that men with an enlarged prostate may remain with urine retained in the bladder for longer, prolonging the contact of the organ’s lining with carcinogens present in the urine.

Among women, on the other hand, the diagnosis usually occurs later, as the presence of blood in the urine is often confused with a urinary infection. “Bladder cancer has well-established risk factors and symptoms that should not be ignored. The earlier the disease is identified, the greater the possibilities for treatment, preservation of the bladder and maintenance of quality of life”, says oncologist Dr. Matheus Maciel Baptista, specialist in gastrointestinal, genitourinary and central nervous system tumors at Croma Oncologia.

Signs that should not be ignored

The main warning sign of bladder cancer is the presence of blood in the urine, observed in around 80% to 90% of patients. Bleeding can appear without pain, appear and disappear over weeks or months and, precisely for this reason, it ends up being neglected. Increased urinary frequency, urgency to urinate, burning, difficulty urinating and, in more advanced cases, pain in the pelvic region or back may also occur.

Although these symptoms are also present in common problems, such as urinary infections, kidney stones or benign prostate enlargement, these conditions usually cause acute manifestations that improve after treatment.

Bladder cancer, on the other hand, tends to cause persistent symptoms or recurring. The investigation involves clinical evaluation, urine tests, imaging tests and, mainly, cystoscopy, an exam that allows the inside of the bladder to be directly visualized. If a lesion is identified, the material is removed for analysis, an essential step to confirm the diagnosis and define the therapeutic strategy.

Bladder cancer treatment

Treatment varies depending on the stage of the disease. When the tumor remains restricted to the inner lining of the bladder, The approach is usually minimally invasive and associated with the application of medications directly to the organ, allowing it to be preserved in most cases. When it invades deeper layers of the bladder, treatment usually requires more complex approaches.

In recent years, treatment has evolved significantly with the incorporation of immunotherapy, medications known as antibody-drug conjugates, capable of identifying specific proteins in cancer cells and delivering treatment directly to them, sparing healthy cells, in addition to advances in personalized medicine and robotic surgery.

“Today we are moving towards an increasingly personalized approach to treatment of bladder cancer. The incorporation of immunotherapy, drugs targeting tumor cells and personalized medicine has expanded therapeutic possibilities and has been providing better results and quality of life for patients at different stages of the disease”, explains Dr. Matheus Maciel Baptista.

Early diagnosis is the greatest ally

Despite advances in treatment, the oncologist reinforces that time continues to be crucial to the success of therapy. “The greatest ally continues to be early diagnosis, which can represent the difference between a simple treatment, with preservation of the bladder, and much more complex approaches”, he highlights.

Information and awareness about bladder cancer are key to reducing the risk of diagnosis late in the disease. Recognizing risk factors, being aware of persistent changes in urinary patterns and seeking medical evaluation when necessary contribute to early detection, increase the chances of cure and allow for less aggressive and more effective treatment approaches.

By Pamela Moraes