Learn about the diagnosis of bladder cancer, including essential tests and how to cope with anxiety during the process.
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Overview
If your doctor suspects you have bladder cancer, they will examine you and arrange tests. The tests you have may include:
- general tests to check your overall health and body function
- tests to find cancer
- further tests to see if the cancer has spread (metastasised).
Some tests may be repeated during and after treatment to see how the treatment is working. If you feel anxious waiting for test results, it may help to talk to a friend or family member, or call Cancer Council 13 11 20.
Podcast: Tests and Cancer
Listen to more of our podcast for people affected by cancer
Video: Understanding cancer tests, treatment and support
Being told you have cancer can be overwhelming — but you’re not alone. This video explains what happens after a diagnosis, the different treatment options, and how Cancer Council can support you. Click on Settings 
to turn on auto-generated subtitles in your language.
Resources in other languages
Find information on coping with a cancer diagnosis in Arabic, Greek, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, and Vietnamese.
Prof Manish Patel, Urological Cancer and Robotic Surgeon, Westmead Hospital, Macquarie University Hospital, and The University of Sydney, NSW. This edition is based on the previous edition, which was reviewed by the following panel: Donna Clifford, Urology Nurse Practitioner, Royal Adelaide Hospital, SA; Marc Diocera, Genitourinary Nurse Consultant, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Dr Renee Finnigan, Radiation Oncologist, Gold Coast University Hospital, QLD; Lisa Hann, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Dr Andrew Hirschhorn, Director of Allied Health and MQ Health Academy, MQ Health, Macquarie University, NSW; Anne Marie Lyons, Stomal Therapy Nurse, Concord Hospital and NSW Stoma Limited, NSW; John McDonald, Consumer; Prof Manish Patel (see above); Dr Jason Paterdis, Urological Surgeon, Brisbane Urology Clinic, QLD; Dr Prassannah Satasivam, Urologist and Robotic Surgeon, Epworth Hospitals and Cabrini Hospitals, VIC Graeme Sissing, Consumer; Prof Martin Stockler, Medical Oncologist, The University of Sydney, Concord Cancer Centre, and Chris O’Brien Lifehouse RPA, NSW.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
