Bladder Cancer Symptoms, Prevention And Treatment in Women

The signs, diagnosis, and treatment of female bladder cancer pose unique challenges. Understanding the signs and getting regular medical checkups are crucial for early detection and prompt treatment.

Bladder cancer in women: Bladder cancer develops when certain cells in the tissue lining the bladder change or mutate, becoming aberrant cells that proliferate and develop bladder tumors. If left untreated, bladder cancer has the potential to spread through the bladder walls to nearby lymph nodes before spreading to the bones, lungs, or liver. It is very common for both men and women to get bladder cancer. However, women face several challenges when it comes to detecting and treating this disease. Bladder cancer in women can occasionally present with unusual symptoms and requires specialized care.

Symptoms of bladder cancer in women

1. The most typical sign of bladder cancer is blood in the urine. However, having blood in your urine alone is not a guarantee that you have bladder cancer.
2. Female bladder cancer patients may experience frequent urination. Sometimes this symptom can be mistaken for a urinary tract infection or other benign conditions. However, if it continues, it is imperative to get medical help.
3. Similar to a urinary tract infection, bladder cancer can cause discomfort or agony when urinating. However, persistent discomfort may be a sign of a more serious problem, such as bladder cancer; as a result, it should not be overlooked, but requires additional medical attention.
4. Women with bladder cancer may suddenly need to urinate, even though their bladders are not full. This sense of urgency can interfere with daily life and have a detrimental effect on the patient’s quality of life.

Bladder Cancer Prevention for Women

1. Give up smoking: A major risk factor for bladder cancer is smoking. To reduce the chance of developing this disease, women who smoke should quit. Seeking medical therapy or getting support from support groups is recommended to overcome nicotine addiction.
2. Keep hydrated: Regular consumption of plenty of water helps to dilute the urine and flush potential carcinogens from the bladder. Try to consume at least 8 cups (64 ounces) of water per day, unless otherwise directed by a health professional.
3. Healthy diet: The necessary vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants included in a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains help maintain overall health, including bladder health.
4. Avoid chemical exposure: Women who work in fields that expose them to chemicals, such as paints, dyes, and hair products, should take precautions to limit contact and wear protective equipment.

Treatment of bladder cancer in women

1. Surgery: Surgery is a crucial component in the treatment of female bladder cancer. Transurethral resection of the tumor (TURBT) is the standard treatment for early-stage bladder cancer. When the condition is more severe, a radical cystectomy (removal of the bladder) may be necessary, which is sometimes followed by the construction of a new pathway for urine to leave the body.
2. Chemotherapy: To kill cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence, chemotherapy drugs may be given before or after surgery. In severe situations, intravenous chemotherapy may be given through a catheter directly into the bladder to treat the condition.
3. Radiotherapy: For those who are not candidates for surgery, it can be used as a stand-alone therapeutic treatment or in conjunction with surgery. Destroying cancer cells, high energy radiation is part of it.
4. Immunotherapy: Immune checkpoint inhibitors such as pembrolizumab and atezolizumab have shown efficacy in the treatment of advanced bladder cancer. These drugs improve the immune system’s ability to fight cancer cells.

Bladder cancer is mosVery little is observed in women over 55 years of age, so it is suggested to take precautionary measures and undergo periodic check-ups to avoid serious conditions.