Personal Care for Bladder Cancer in Southern California
Bladder cancer is responsible for about five percent of new cancer diagnoses in the US. It usually forms in the inside lining of the bladder. Around 50 percent of cases are found in the very early stages, which are more treatable. Bladder cancer is a type of genitourinary cancer.
At Dignity Health Southern California hospitals, doctors and staff use breakthrough therapies to aggressively treat bladder cancer. Your care team will include highly trained oncologists and radiation therapists, as well as specialized nurses, technicians, and support staff. Find a Doctor who treats bladder cancer at one of our Southern California hospitals:
- St. Mary Medical Center Long Beach
- California Hospital Medical Center
- Northridge Hospital Medical Center
What Causes Bladder Cancer?
Doctors aren’t sure why some people get bladder cancer. However, they have identified risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing it. If you smoke, you are two to three times more likely to develop bladder cancer than people who don’t smoke. About 50 percent of bladder cancer cases in the US are thought to be caused by smoking. Stopping smoking is the most important thing you can do to help prevent bladder cancer.
Other risk factors for bladder cancer include exposure to chemicals in paints, dyes, rubber, and plastics, and chronic or frequent urinary tract infections.
Bladder Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms of bladder cancer tend to start early, leading to prompt diagnosis. Early signs include:
- Trouble urinating or weak urine stream
- Burning or pain with urination
- Urgent or frequent urination
- Blood in the urine
These can be symptoms of other conditions, so it’s important to see a doctor at one of our Dignity Health Southern California hospitals for the right diagnosis.
Bladder Cancer Treatment at Dignity Health Southern California
Treatment for bladder cancer depends on the stage of the cancer. Early stages respond best to surgery followed by chemotherapy inside the bladder (intravesical chemotherapy). Later stages are typically treated with surgery, radiation, and systemic chemotherapy. Depending on your particular cancer and treatment goals, your doctor may combine several of these treatments to create the most effective treatment plan for your needs.
Talk to an expert at Dignity Health to learn more about our personalized cancer care services.
Dignity Health offers a range of treatment options for bladder cancer in Southern California.