Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the bladder, which is a hollow organ in the lower abdomen that stores urine. The most common symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, which may be visible or only detectable by a microscopic exam. Other symptoms may include pain or burning during urination, frequent urination, or an urgent need to urinate. Treatment for bladder cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and may include surgery to remove the cancerous tissue, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these treatments. In some cases, the bladder may need to be removed entirely. Early detection is important for successful treatment of bladder cancer.

Although there's no guaranteed way to prevent bladder cancer, you can take steps to help reduce your risk. For instance:

• Don't smoke. If you don't smoke, don't start. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about a plan to help you stop. Support groups, medications and other methods may help you quit.
• Take caution around chemicals. If you work with chemicals, follow all safety instructions to avoid exposure.
• Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables. Choose a diet rich in a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. The antioxidants in fruits and vegetables may help reduce your risk of cancer.

Treatment options for bladder cancer depend on a number of factors, including the type of cancer, grade of the cancer and stage of the cancer, which are taken into consideration along with your overall health and your treatment preferences.

Bladder cancer treatment may include:

• Surgery, to remove the cancer cells
• Chemotherapy in the bladder (intravesical chemotherapy), to treat cancers that are confined to the lining of the bladder but have a high risk of recurrence or progression to a higher stage
• Chemotherapy for the whole body (systemic chemotherapy), to increase the chance for a cure in a person having surgery to remove the bladder, or as a primary treatment when surgery isn't an option
• Radiation therapy, to destroy cancer cells, often as a primary treatment when surgery isn't an option or isn't desired
• Immunotherapy, to trigger the body's immune system to fight cancer cells, either in the bladder or throughout the body
• Targeted therapy, to treat advanced cancer when other treatments haven't helped

A combination of treatment approaches may be recommended by your doctor and members of your care team.