Michelle Colero
Executive Director, Bladder Cancer Canada
Alan Chapman
Bladder Cancer Survivor and Advocate
Raising awareness about bladder cancer can lead to earlier diagnosis, better treatment outcomes, and improved quality of life for patients.
Bladder cancer is the fifth most common cancer in Canada, yet awareness about it remains quite low.
For example, did you know that smoking is the most common risk factor associated with bladder cancer? Or that the disease can affect people of any age? Did you know that women are often diagnosed at more advanced stages due to symptoms overlapping with other conditions?
Part of the lack of awareness stems from stigma — symptoms involving urination or side effects affecting sexual well-being are often difficult for people to talk about. But when it comes to health, knowledge is power.
Mediaplanet spoke with Michelle Colero, Executive Director at Bladder Cancer Canada, and Alan Chapman, an individual affected by bladder cancer, to learn more about the signs people should watch out for, what life with bladder cancer is like, and the patient and caregiver supports available.
What are some signs of bladder cancer people shouldn’t ignore, and why does early detection matter?
Michelle Colero: Blood in the urine is the most common sign. It’s not always a lot, but any blood in your urine is not normal. It needs to get checked out. With bladder cancer, early diagnosis is key. The sooner you’re diagnosed, the better the outcomes.
Alan Chapman: Before I was diagnosed, I’d been complaining to my GP about urinary urgency and frequency for some time. I was blindsided, though. I knew essentially nothing about bladder cancer, and my diagnosis came as a complete shock, especially since I was fit and active.
What is non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, and what should patients know about it?
MC: People are typically diagnosed with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, an early-stage cancer found inside the bladder. Ensuring it’s caught at the non-muscle invasive stage is essential because earlier diagnosis leads to earlier treatment, including surgery to remove the tumour. If the cancer returns, it can sometimes progress to become muscle invasive, meaning it’s more aggressive and could spread to other organs.
With bladder cancer, early detection is key. The sooner you’re diagnosed, the better the outcomes.
Bladder cancer has one of the highest recurrence rates of any cancer. Many patients will be on surveillance for the rest of their lives.
Alan, what helped you navigate the emotional side of bladder cancer?
AC: The diagnosis from the cystoscopy was instantaneous. Unfortunately, the urologist said the words “You have bladder cancer,” just as my wife walked into the procedure room. We were both stunned.
My cancer was muscle invasive, and I ended up needing to get my bladder removed. Before the surgery, my wife and I spoke with a Bladder Cancer Canada peer support volunteer who had gone through that same surgery. We found the support extremely helpful.
This is a treatable disease, and even if one has their bladder removed, one can continue to lead a very active and full life.
If you notice blood in your urine or other symptoms, speak with your doctor and visit bladdercancercanada.org for support and information.