Bladder cancer

If you’re affected by bladder cancer, you may have many questions about how it is diagnosed, treatment options, side effects and how to stay well. You can find trustworthy information about all aspects of your experience below.

Download PDF

What is bladder cancer?

Bladder cancer begins when cells in the inner lining of the bladder become abnormal. Get an overview of bladder cancer, what causes it and who gets it.

Symptoms

Learn about the common symptoms of bladder cancer and when to see your doctor.

Getting diagnosed

Find out about the tests for bladder cancer, how bladder cancer is diagnosed and staged, and who will provide your care.

Making treatment decisions

Learn how to make the right treatment decisions for your own unique situation.

Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer treatment

If cancer cells are found only in the inner layers of the bladder (non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer), the main treatment is surgery to remove the cancer.

Muscle-invasive bladder cancer treatment

When bladder cancer has invaded the muscle layer, the main treatment options are surgery to remove the whole bladder or trimodal therapy (bladder-conserving surgery, followed by chemoradiation).

Urinary diversions

If you have surgery to remove the bladder, you will need another way to collect and store urine. This is known as a urinary diversion.

Life after treatment

Learn about follow-up care, what happens if the cancer returns, and how to look after your physical and mental health.

Advanced bladder cancer treatment

If the bladder cancer is advanced, treatments will aim to control its growth and manage symptoms.

Questions for your doctorAsking your doctor questions will help you make informed decisions. Here’s a list of questions you may want to ask.

Print these questions

Diagnosis

What type of bladder cancer do I have?
Has the cancer spread? If so, where has it spread? How fast is it growing?
Are the latest tests and treatments for this cancer available in this hospital?
Will a multidisciplinary team be involved in my care?
Are there clinical guidelines for this type of cancer?

Treatment

What treatment do you recommend? What is the aim of the treatment?
If an operation is recommended, how many times have you performed it?
Are there other treatment choices for me? If not, why not?
If I don’t have the treatment, what should I expect?
I’m thinking of getting a second opinion. Can you recommend anyone?
How long will treatment take? Will I have to stay in hospital?
Are there any out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Medicare or my private health cover? Can the cost be reduced if I can’t afford it?
How will we know if the treatment is working?
Are there any clinical trials or research studies I could join?

Side effects

What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment?
If I need the bladder removed, what are my options for storing urine?
Will I have a lot of pain? What will be done about this?
Can I work, drive and do my normal activities while having treatment?
Will the treatment affect my sex life and fertility?
Should I change my diet or physical activity during or after treatment?
Are there any complementary therapies that might help me?

After treatment

How often will I need check-ups after treatment?
If the cancer returns, how will I know? What treatments could I have?

Podcast for people affected by cancer

Listen now

Need to talk?

Call 13 11 20 to talk to a health professional Or email us your questions.