Bladder Cancer Prevention

It is important not to smoke in order to avoid bladder cancer. It’s also important to drink water throughout the day to flush out toxic substances and eat a diet rich in vegetables and fruits.

Help Reduce Your Risk of Bladder Cancer

• If you smoke, please consider getting help to quit through one of WellStar’s tobacco cessation programs. WellStar physicians know that not smoking is one of the most important things a person can do to avoid cancer.
• Take caution with chemicals. If you work with chemicals, follow all safety instructions to avoid exposure.

Tests and Screenings for Bladder Cancer

Tests and procedures used to diagnose bladder cancer may include:

• Your WellStar doctor may perform urinanalysis to look for abnormal red cells in the urine, which could indicate a sign of bladder cancer.
• Cystoscopy. During cystoscopy, a doctor inserts a narrow tube (cystoscope) through the urethra. The cystoscope has a lens and fiber-optic lighting system, allowing the doctor to see the inside of the urethra and bladder.
• TURBT (transurtheral resection of bladder tumor). During cystoscopy, a doctor may pass a special tool through the urethra and into the bladder in order to collect a small cell sample (biopsy) for testing or to remove the entire tumor as treatment. TURBT is usually completed under general anesthesia
• Urine cytology. A sample of urine is analyzed under a microscope to check for cancer cells in a procedure called urine cytology.
• Imaging tests. Imaging tests allow a doctor to examine the structures of your urinary tract. You may receive a dye, which can be injected into a vein. An intravenous pyelogram is a type of X-ray imaging test that uses a dye to highlight the bladder and ureters. A computerized tomography (CT) scan is a type of X-ray test that allows your doctor to better see your urinary tract and surrounding tissues.