Bladder Cancer in Women – Signs, Symptoms and Treatments

August 14, 2024

Table of Contents/Quick Links

• Understanding bladder cancer in women
• Bladder cancer symptoms in women
• What to do if you experience bladder cancer symptoms 
• Male vs. female bladder cancer 
• What do women need to know about bladder cancer?
• Sharing stories to advance research
• Online support group for women with bladder cancer
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Advice and stories from women survivors

Understanding Bladder Cancer in Women

Each year, about 82,000 people will be diagnosed with bladder cancer in the United States. Of those, more than 19,000 will be women. 

Bladder cancer has long been considered a disease of older men. Though it is more prevalent in men, studies have shown that women are more likely to present more advanced tumors at diagnosis. According to a report published by the National Cancer Institute, the outcomes and survival rates for women with bladder cancer lag behind those of men at all stages of the disease. African-American women have poorer outcomes when diagnosed with bladder cancer. They present with the highest proportion of advanced and aggressive tumors when compared to African-American men and Caucasian men and women. 

It is important for women to understand their risks for bladder cancer and know what to ask their doctors. Awareness is the key: in most cases, bladder cancer is treatable, but prompt diagnosis is critical.

Bladder Cancer Symptoms in Women

The most important thing for you is to know the signs and symptoms of bladder cancer. Be sure to report them to your physician immediately. The most common sign—blood in the urine—can be visible (though it may sometimes appear dark brown or orange) but can sometimes only be detected under a microscopic examination. It is important to visit your doctor for routine examinations. Most bleeding associated with bladder cancer is painless. Close to 30 percent of bladder cancer patients experience burning, frequent urination, or a sensation of incomplete emptying when they urinate.

Other symptoms that may be indicative of bladder cancer include:

• Abdominal pain: When you experience pain in your abdomen that comes and goes or does not go away
• Fatigue: Constantly feeling tired or tiring easily.
• Lower back pain: Pain in your lower back that does not feel the same as a pulled muscle or disk problem.
• Appetite loss or weight loss: Losing weight without trying or losing interest in eating.

What to do if you experience bladder cancer symptoms 

If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately. Many women may first go to a primary care physician or gynecologist if they have blood in their urine. Primary care and gynecology follow their own guidelines for assessing blood in urine. This can sometimes delay their diagnosis until the cancer is more advanced. A urologist is generally the medical professional who diagnoses bladder cancer. Blood in urine is not normal and should be checked out.

Learn more about the statistics, treatment, and survival differences in our webinar: Women and Bladder Cancer.

Why is there a disparity between men and women with bladder cancer?

In many cases, there are significant delays in diagnosing bladder cancer in women. Many women ignore the most basic symptom—blood in the urine. They may associate it with menstruation or menopause and delay reporting this symptom to their doctors. Even after reporting the problem to their doctors, blood in the urine may be initially misdiagnosed. It may be seen as a symptom of post-menopausal bleeding, simple cystitis or a urinary tract infection. As a result, a bladder cancer diagnosis can be overlooked for a year or more.

Men are at a higher risk of developing bladder cancer. However, women present with more advanced diseases and have more unfavorable outcomes. Research has shown that there is often a delay for women getting into treatment for bladder cancer. Men actually receive a cystoscopy (to look inside the bladder) a lot quicker and then start treatment sooner in their diagnosis than women. To learn more, BCAN’s 2021 Bladder Cancer Think Tank featured presentations about biological sex differences in bladder cancer.

What do women need to know about bladder cancer?

• Bladder cancer can affect women at any age.
• Smoking is the greatest controllable risk factor. Smokers get bladder cancer twice as often as non-smokers. However, up to 50% of bladder cancer patients may have no history of smoking. Learn more about the risks associated with bladder cancer.
• Bladder cancer symptoms may be identical to those of a bladder infection and the two problems may occur together. If symptoms do not disappear after treatment with antibiotics, insist upon further evaluation to determine whether bladder cancer is present.
• Bladder cancer has the highest recurrence rate of any form of cancer—between 50-80 percent.

Women and Bladder Cancer: Sharing Stories to Advance Research

BCAN was invited to share the experiences of women diagnosed with bladder cancer at the “Bladder Cancer in Women: Identifying Research Needs to Improve Diagnosis and Treatment” program sponsored by Johns Hopkins Greenberg Bladder Cancer Institute and the American Urological Association Translational Research Collaboration. Each of these women’s stories are memorable and unique. Sadly, their stories are repeated around the country because women are not the “typical bladder cancer patient.” 

Read the transcript of their presentation.

Online Support Group for Women

Join BCAN each month to talk about issues and concerns that are unique to women facing bladder cancer and meet others who know what you are going through. Moderated by nurse and BCAN patient advocate Karen Sachse, RN, MSN and Social Worker Miriam Pomerantz Kadosh, MSW, LCSW.

The support group meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 7- 8:30 pm pm ET.  You must register for each session you plan to attend.  We look forward to seeing you.

Background

Bladder cancer has long been considered a disease of older men. In 2023, the American Cancer Society estimates more than 82,000 will be diagnosed with bladder cancer in the United States. Of those, more than19,000 will be women. Though it is more prevalent in men, studies have shown that women are more likely to present more advanced tumors at diagnosis. According to a report published by the National Cancer Institute, the outcomes and survival rates for women with bladder cancer lags behind that of men at all stages of the disease. African-American women have poorer outcomes when diagnosed with bladder cancer. They present with the highest proportion of advanced and aggressive tumors when compared to African-American men and Caucasian men and women. You can learn more about about the statistics, treatment and survival differences in our webinar: Women and Bladder Cancer.

It is important for women to understand their risks for bladder cancer and know what to ask their doctors. Awareness is the key: in most cases, bladder cancer is treatable, but prompt diagnosis is critical.

Men are at a higher risk of developing bladder cancer. However, women present with more advanced disease and have more unfavorable outcomes. Research has shown that there is often a delay for women getting into treatment for bladder cancer. Men actually receive a cystoscopy (to look inside the bladder) a lot quicker, and then start treatment sooner in their diagnosis than women. To learn more, BCAN’s 2021 Bladder Cancer Think Tank featured presentations about biologic sex differences in bladder cancer.

Why is there a disparity between men and women with bladder cancer?

In many cases, there are significant delays in diagnosing bladder cancer in women. Many women ignore the most basic symptom—blood in the urine. They may associate it with menstruation or menopause and delay reporting this symptom to their doctors. Even after reporting the problem to their doctors, blood in the urine may be initially misdiagnosed. It may be seen as a symptom of post-menopausal bleeding, simple cystitis or a urinary tract infection. As a result, a bladder cancer diagnosis can be overlooked for a year or more.

What do women need to know about bladder cancer?

• Bladder cancer can affect women at any age.
• Smoking is the greatest controllable risk factor. Smokers get bladder cancer twice as often as non-smokers. However, up to 50% of bladder cancer patients may have no history of smoking. Learn more about the risks associated with bladder cancer.

• Bladder cancer symptoms may be identical to those of a bladder infection and the two problems may occur together. If symptoms do not disappear after treatment with antibiotics, insist upon further evaluation to determine whether bladder cancer is present.
• Bladder cancer has the highest recurrence rate of any form of cancer—between 50-80 percent.

Watch our informative webinar: Women and Bladder Cancer the Unspoken Demographic

What can you do?

The most important thing for you is to know the signs and symptoms of bladder cancer. Be sure to report them to your physician immediately. The most common sign—blood in the urine—can be visible (though it may sometimes appear dark brown or orange) but could also only be detected under a microscopic examination. It is important to visit your doctor for routine examinations. Most bleeding associated with bladder cancer is painless. Close to 30 percent of bladder cancer patients experience burning, frequent urination or a sensation of incomplete emptying when they urinate.

If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible. Many women may first go to a primary care physician or gynecologist if they have blood in their urine. Primary care and gynecology follow their own guidelines for assessing blood in urine. This can sometimes delay their diagnosis until the cancer is more advanced. A urologist is generally the medical professional that diagnoses bladder cancer. View the American Urological Association Guidelines for Microhematuria. Blood in urine is not normal and should be checked out.

Women and Bladder Cancer: Sharing Stories to Advance Research

BCAN was invited to share the experiences of women diagnosed with bladder cancer at the “Bladder Cancer in Women: Identifying Research Needs to Improve Diagnosis and Treatment” program sponsored by Johns Hopkins Greenberg Bladder Cancer Institute and the American Urological Association Translational Research Collaboration. Each of these women’s stories are memorable and unique. Sadly, their stories are repeated around the country because women are not the “typical bladder cancer patient.” Read the the transcript of their presentation.

Online Support Group for Women with Bladder Cancer

Join BCAN each month to talk about issues and concerns that are unique to women facing bladder cancer and meet others who know what you are going through. Moderated by nurse and BCAN patient advocate Karen Sachse, RN, MSN and Social Worker Miriam Pomerantz Kadosh, MSW, LCSW. 

The support group meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 7- 8:30 pm ET.  

You must register for each session you plan to attend. We look forward to seeing you.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bladder Cancer in Women

What are the first signs of bladder cancer in women?

The first signs often include blood in the urine, frequent urination, and painful urination. Early detection is crucial for better outcomes.

Can bladder cancer be cured completely?

Bladder cancer can be treated successfully, especially when detected early. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy.

How common is bladder cancer in women compared to men?

Bladder cancer is more common in men, but women often experience more advanced stages of the disease at diagnosis, leading to a higher mortality rate.

Are there any lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of bladder cancer?

Yes, quitting smoking, avoiding exposure to industrial chemicals, staying hydrated, and maintaining a healthy diet can reduce the risk of bladder cancer.

What resources are available for women diagnosed with bladder cancer?

Numerous resources include cancer support groups, counseling services, educational materials, and online communities like the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network.

How is bladder cancer staged?

Bladder cancer is staged based on how far it has spread: Stage 0 (non-invasive), Stage I (into connective tissue), Stage II (into muscle), Stage III (into surrounding tissues), and Stage IV (metastasized to distant organs).

What is the survival rate for bladder cancer in women?

Survival rates depend on the stage at diagnosis. Early-stage bladder cancer has a higher survival rate, while advanced stages have lower survival rates.

What is a cystoscopy, and is it painful?

A cystoscopy is a procedure where a scope is inserted into the bladder through the urethra to examine the bladder lining. It can cause discomfort but is generally not painful. Local anesthesia is often used.

Can bladder cancer recur after treatment?

Yes, bladder cancer can recur. Regular follow-up appointments and monitoring are crucial for early detection of recurrence.

What are the side effects of chemotherapy for bladder cancer?

Common side effects include fatigue, nausea, hair loss, increased risk of infections, and mouth sores. Side effects vary depending on the individual and the specific chemotherapy drugs used.

Is bladder cancer hereditary?

A family history of bladder cancer can increase the risk, indicating a possible genetic predisposition. However, most cases are not directly inherited.

How can chronic bladder irritation lead to cancer?

Chronic irritation, such as from recurrent infections or long-term catheter use, can cause changes in bladder cells, increasing the risk of developing bladder cancer.

Are there any early-detection tests for bladder cancer?

Yes, urine tests that detect cancer cells or specific biomarkers, along with regular cystoscopies for high-risk individuals, can aid in the early detection of bladder cancer.

How does smoking increase the risk of bladder cancer?

Smoking introduces harmful chemicals into the body, which are filtered by the kidneys and stored in the bladder. These chemicals can damage bladder cells, increasing cancer risk.

What should women do if they experience symptoms of bladder cancer?

If you experience symptoms such as blood in the urine, frequent urination, or pelvic pain, consult a healthcare provider promptly for evaluation and possible diagnostic testing.

What role do genetics play in bladder cancer?

Genetics can influence bladder cancer risk, particularly if there is a family history. Genetic mutations and inherited conditions can contribute to the development of bladder cancer, though most cases are sporadic rather than hereditary.

Is there a connection between bladder cancer and other types of cancer?

Individuals with bladder cancer may have an increased risk of developing other types of cancers, particularly those related to the urinary tract. Regular monitoring and screenings are important for early detection of any secondary cancers.

Advice and stories from women survivors of bladder cancer 

The good news is that in most cases, if caught early, bladder cancer is a manageable disease. There are tens of thousands of women surviving and thriving, even with bladder cancer today. Read some of their stories below.