Understanding Bladder Cancer Survival Rate and Prognosis

Bladder cancer survival rates depend largely on how early the cancer is diagnosed and whether it has spread beyond the bladder. The overall five-year relative survival rate is about 78%, but survival is much higher for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and lower for advanced disease. Factors such as cancer stage, grade, age, overall health and response to treatment all affect prognosis and long-term outcomes.  

What You Need to Know About Bladder Cancer Survival Rates  

Doctors use survival statistics to estimate how bladder cancer may affect long-term health outcomes. These numbers are based on large groups of patients treated over many years and cannot predict an individual person’s outcome.  

Key facts about bladder cancer survival rates:  

• The overall five-year relative survival rate for bladder cancer is about 78%.  

• Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) has a five-year survival rate of about 96%.  

• Muscle-invasive bladder cancer has lower survival rates because the cancer has spread deeper into the bladder wall.  

• Advanced or metastatic bladder cancer has lower survival rates, but newer treatments continue to improve outcomes.  

• Regular follow-up care is important because bladder cancer can return after treatment.  

Source data comes from the American Cancer Society and national cancer registries covering patients diagnosed between 2013 and 2019.  

What is the survival rate of bladder cancer by stage?  

 Bladder cancer survival by stage varies significantly depending on whether the cancer stays inside the bladder or spreads to nearby tissues or distant organs.  

Bladder Cancer Survival Rates by Stage  

Bladder Cancer Stage	Description	Five-Year Relative Survival Rate
Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC)	Cancer stays in the inner bladder lining	96%
Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC)	Cancer has grown into the bladder muscle	71%
Locally advanced  bladder cancer	Cancer has spread outside the bladder to nearby tissues or lymph nodes	39%
Distant metastatic bladder cancer	Cancer has spread to distant organs	8%

Key Takeaways  

• More than half of bladder cancer cases are diagnosed as NMIBC.  

• Earlier diagnosis is associated with better outcomes.  

• Survival rates continue to improve as newer treatments become available, including immunotherapy and targeted therapies.  

It is important to remember that statistics about the five-year survival rates for people with bladder cancer are estimates only and come from annual data based on the number of people with this cancer.  A number of new and promising bladder cancer treatments that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the last five years might not be reflected in a five-year survival rate statistic. Want to learn more? You can peruse our database of bladder cancer treatments.  

Just like no single treatment is right for all bladder cancer patients, there is not one statistic that applies to everyone either.  Talk with your doctor about your situation to gain the best understanding you can.  

What factors affect bladder cancer prognosis?  

Bladder cancer prognosis depends on medical and personal factors.  

Important Prognostic Factors  

• Cancer stage  

• Tumor grade (low-grade vs. high-grade)  

• Whether the cancer is non-muscle invasive or muscle invasive  

• Tumor size and number of tumors  

• Presence of carcinoma in situ (CIS)  

• Whether the cancer returns after treatment  

• Patient age and overall health  

• Response to treatment  

Why Prognosis Varies  

• Two people with the same diagnosis may still have different outcomes because bladder cancer behaves differently from person to person.  

• Doctors use pathology reports, imaging tests, and treatment response to estimate prognosis and guide care decisions.  

Can bladder cancer come back after treatment?  

Research shows   

• The risk of recurrence within five years ranges from 31% to 78%.  

• The risk of progression ranges from less than 1% to 45%.  

Risk depends on:  

• Tumor grade  

• Tumor stage  

• Number of tumors  

• Prior recurrences  

• Response to treatment  

Because recurrence is common, regular monitoring is essential. Read research on bladder cancer recurrence.   

Follow-Up Care May Include  

• Cystoscopy  

• Urine testing  

• Imaging scans  

• Blood tests  

• Physical exams  

Patients should follow their urologist’s recommended surveillance schedule closely.  

Can bladder cancer return after bladder removal surgery?  

Yes, cancer can come back after having bladder removal surgery. Bladder cancer can spread to other areas of the urinary tract or other organs. It is important to receive regularly scheduled follow-up care after a cystectomy.  

Patients who undergo cystectomy may still need:  

• Imaging tests  

• Lab monitoring  

• Physical exams  

• Ongoing oncology care   

Survival rate for women with bladder cancer  

Bladder cancer is more common in men than women, but women often experience worse outcomes.  

Researchers believe this may be related to:  

• Delayed diagnosis.  

• Symptoms being mistaken for urinary tract infections.  

• Diagnosis at more advanced stages.  

• Biological differences in tumor behavior.  

Women should not ignore symptoms such as blood in the urine, urinary urgency or painful urination.  

Early evaluation improves the chance of detecting bladder cancer sooner.  

Resources  

Get your free copy of Bladder Cancer Basics  

Learn about the Survivor to Survivor program.  

Read a story from a bladder cancer survivor, Jill.  

Frequently Asked Questions About Bladder Cancer Survival Rates

What is the average survival rate for bladder cancer?  

The overall five-year relative survival rate for bladder cancer is approximately 78%, according to the American Cancer Society.  

What is the survival rate for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer?  

Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer has a five-year relative survival rate of about 96%.  

Does bladder cancer come back?  

Yes. Bladder cancer has a high recurrence rate, which is why ongoing monitoring and follow-up care are important after treatment.  

What factors affect a bladder cancer prognosis?  

Important factors include cancer stage, tumor grade, age, overall health, treatment response, and whether the cancer has spread.  

Can people live many years after bladder cancer?  

Yes. Many people live for years after bladder cancer treatment, especially when the disease is diagnosed early and monitored carefully.  

Understanding Survival Curves with Dr. Alicia Morgans, MD, MPH

When researchers present the results of their clinical trials, they often use survival curves to show the benefit of one treatment over another. During a recent Understanding Advanced/Metastatic Bladder Cancer webinar, Dr. Alicia Morgans, MD, MPH, of Dana Farber Cancer Institute has a simple explanation of those charts that you might see on a website or read in a medical journal or article.