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Bladder Cancer Survivorship

What is bladder cancer survivorship?

Bladder cancer survivorship includes providing patient-focused care that does not end when treatment is finished. It involves teamwork among different healthcare professionals at every stage of the cancer journey.

A person is considered a cancer survivor from the time of diagnosis through the balance of life.  Survivors include those living with cancer and those free of cancer.

Each patient has unique and complex experiences. Survivorship is not just about test results and follow-up visits, it promotes overall health and the prevention of other diseases and manages treatment side effects. Survivorship supports the emotional well-being of patients and those who help care for them.

Click above to download our Bladder Cancer Survivorship Fact Sheet

The content on this page is designed to provide tools for patients and families to help navigate the bladder cancer survivorship journey.

What are the elements of survivorship?

Bladder cancer survivors can focus on actions and lifestyle choices that improve overall well-being and help manage overall health. This includes regular medical check-ups, following treatment plans, eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, and avoiding smoking. It also involves staying informed about bladder cancer, seeking support, and adopting practices that enhance both physical and emotional health. Listed below are items that can be considered as different elements of bladder cancer survivorship:

Emotional Well-being

Involves managing the stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis. It includes maintaining a positive outlook, finding support from friends, family, or support groups, and seeking professional help if needed. It’s about finding ways to cope with the emotional ups and downs, staying hopeful, and taking care of one’s mental health alongside physical health. These resources are provided to help you manage your mental health after a bladder cancer diagnosis.

Healthful Diet and Nutrition

A healthful diet after bladder cancer involves eating nutritious foods to help your body heal and stay strong. Focus on plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Drink enough water and limit processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats. This balanced diet can boost your immune system, improve energy levels, and support your overall recovery and well-being.

Smoking Cessation

Quitting smoking when diagnosed with bladder cancer is crucial because smoking can make the cancer worse and reduce the effectiveness of treatments. Stopping smoking helps improve your overall health, boosts your immune system, and can increase the chances of a better outcome from your cancer treatment.

Physical Health

Exercise is important after bladder cancer because it helps you regain strength, improve your mood, and boost your overall health. It can reduce fatigue, help maintain a healthy weight, and lower the risk of cancer coming back. Regular physical activity also supports better bladder function and can enhance your quality of life.

Urinary Health

After bladder cancer, taking care of your urinary health is important to prevent infections, manage symptoms, and improve overall comfort. This includes staying hydrated, following medical advice, and possibly making lifestyle changes to support bladder function. Regular check-ups and monitoring are also key to catching any issues early and maintaining good urinary health.

Sexual Health

After bladder cancer, sexual health may be affected due to surgery, treatments, or emotional stress. It’s important to talk openly with your healthcare provider about any concerns. They can offer solutions to help manage changes in sexual function or desire. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, seeking support, and communicating with your partner can also improve sexual health and intimacy.

Mental Health and Emotional Support

After bladder cancer, taking care of your mental health is crucial. It’s normal to feel stressed, anxious, or depressed. Seeking psychosocial support, such as talking to a counselor, joining support groups, or leaning on family and friends, can help you cope with these feelings. This support can improve your emotional well-being and help you navigate the challenges of recovery.

Treatment-related side effects

After bladder cancer treatment, you might experience side effects such as fatigue, nausea, urinary issues, or changes in bowel habits. Other side effects can include changes in sexual function, appetite loss, and emotional challenges like anxiety or depression. These effects vary from person to person and can be managed with the help of your healthcare team, who can provide treatments and strategies to help you feel better.

Additional Resources

These resources may help you navigate bladder cancer survivorship:

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