In the world of sports, it's said that "Offense wins games; defense wins championships." This mantra was lived out by two-time Super Bowl champion Deion Sanders, who dominated the field with his defensive expertise as left and right cornerback. As a former defensive champion, Sanders knows the importance of taking charge — both on the football field and with his physical health.
After experiencing bladder incontinence, Sanders went in for a routine checkup. His doctor found a tumor in his bladder, and he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bladder cancer.
Within a month, he underwent surgery to have his bladder removed. Sanders is now cancer-free and plans to rejoin his team on the field.
While you may have heard that bladder incontinence can be a sign of bladder cancer, keep reading to learn what you should know about this condition. Our experts are here to provide information about how bladder cancer develops, risk factors for bladder cancer, symptoms and treatment options.
What Are the Risk Factors for Bladder Cancer?
Bladder cancer starts in the lining of the bladder, and like other cancers, it's "staged" according to its degree of progression, or how much it has spread. The biggest risk factor for developing bladder cancer is smoking. In fact, if you smoke, your chances of developing bladder cancer are more than double what they are for nonsmokers.
Other possible causes and contributors may include chemical exposures in the workplace — especially exposure to chemicals employed in the manufacturing of dyes, but also to those used in producing rubber, leather, paint products and certain textiles.
Bladder cancer risk factors include:
- Age (older than 55)
- Being male
- Bladder inflammation
- Chemical exposure
- Family or personal cancer history
- Previous cancer treatment
- Smoking
If you have any of these risk factors, it's a good idea to visit your primary care provider for the preventive health care you deserve.
How Does Bladder Cancer Develop?
The bladder is a hollow organ in the lower pelvis that stores urine. When you urinate, the muscles in the walls of the bladder contract, and urine is forced out of the bladder through a tube called the urethra.
Bladder cancer develops when cells that make up the urinary bladder grow out of control. As more cancer cells develop, they can form a tumor, similar to Sanders' experience. With time, the cancer cells can spread (or metastasize) to other parts of the body.
What Are the Symptoms of Bladder Cancer?
Bladder cancer signs and symptoms can include:
- Back pain
- Bladder incontinence
- Blood in urine (hematuria), which may cause urine to appear bright red or cola colored
- Frequent urination
- Painful urination
If you notice discolored urine and are concerned it could contain blood, make an appointment with your doctor to get it checked right away. Reach out to your doctor if you have any other signs or symptoms that worry you.
What Are Bladder Cancer Treatment Options?
Treatments for bladder cancer can include intravesical therapy (where therapeutic drugs are injected directly into the bladder) as well as surgical interventions, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
We're Here to Help You Take Charge of Your Health
We understand urologic issues can be hard to talk about. But you don't have to feel embarrassed. Our urology specialists will listen to and address your symptoms and concerns with uncommon compassion and expertise.
Using state-of-the-art technology — which includes minimally invasive surgical options — we'll create a tailored treatment plan so you can feel like yourself again. Put your health first by visiting us here to learn more about our urology care and how we can partner with you on your journey to wholeness.
