Bladder cancer, characterized by the disruption of cells in the bladder wall leading to tumor formation, affects thousands annually. In France alone, over 14,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, with men accounting for approximately 80% of these diagnoses. The good news is that the majority of cases are localized,frequently enough resulting in a relatively favorable prognosis.

The Primary Culprit: Tobacco Use

The bladder’s role in concentrating urine before elimination means its lining is exposed to toxic substances, including tobacco derivatives. The bladder concentrates the urine before eliminating them and the bladder mucosa therefore remains in contact with all the toxic substances which are eliminated from our body, such as tobacco derivatives, explains Dr.Delphine Borchiellini, a medical oncologist. Consequently,tobacco use stands out as the leading preventable risk factor.

Beyond tobacco, other contributing factors include chronic infections and occupational exposure to chemicals found in industries like painting, dyeing, metalworking, and oil refining.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

The most common initial sign of bladder cancer is hematuria, or blood in the urine. While other conditions, such as infections or urinary tract stones, can also cause this symptom, they typically present with additional indicators. Dr. Borchiellini emphasizes,this is the presence of blood in the urine. if other pathologies can be responsible for it (infection,urinary tract calculations),they are often associated with other signs that make the difference. If in doubt, especially if there are no other symptoms or in the event of a recurrent hematuria, you must consult your doctor or an urologist. Any unexplained or recurring hematuria warrants immediate medical evaluation.

The Imperative of Early Diagnosis

Early detection is paramount in improving treatment outcomes. A public awareness campaign, supported by MSD France and the Cancer Vessie France association, aims to educate individuals about the importance of monitoring urine color and seeking prompt medical attention if blood is detected. The campaign utilizes a color chart to help people recognize abnormal urine coloration.

Lori Cirefire, president of Cancer Vessie France, notes, Cancer Vessie France is the only association of patients dedicated to bladder cancer in France. The association focuses on increasing awareness of the disease’s signs and symptoms to promote early diagnosis. We work to make the signs of the disease better known and promote early diagnosis. Too often, patients consult late.A survey by the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition (2023) reveals that 54 % of patients were not aware of the signs and symptoms of bladder cancer before their diagnosis, ignoring that the presence of blood visible in the urine was a key symptom. This alert signal should never be taken lightly: even isolated, it requires immediate consultation. Awareness remains essential in the face of this disease.

Treatment Strategies and Innovations

When detected early, at a localized stage, the primary goal is often curative.Dr. Borchiellini states, The objective remains healing. The higher the disease,the lower the chances of healing,even if there have been many innovations in the treatments used for the past 5 years. However, advanced disease stages present greater challenges, although recent advancements in treatment options offer hope.

Less common symptoms that may indicate bladder cancer include persistent abdominal or pelvic pain and kidney failure due to urinary tract obstruction.In cases of metastasis, symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss may also occur. This is the case of abdominal or pelvic pain that last, renal failure by obstruction of urinary tract. in case of metastases, certain other symptoms must alert: fatigue, lack of appetite, weight loss … explains Dr.Borchiellini.

Available Support and Treatment Modalities

Treatment approaches vary depending on the stage and characteristics of the cancer. For superficial bladder cancer, tumors are typically removed via endoscopic procedures, sometimes followed by local treatments. In the event of superficial illness, tumors are removed by endovesical routes, with possibly other local treatments, says Dr. Borchiellini.

For more invasive cancers, treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy.For infiltrating disease, management is based on total surgery or radiotherapy, sometimes associated with chemotherapy or immunotherapy.In the event of metastases,these drug treatments are privileged,the ablation of the bladder is not recommended in first intention.Many innovations improve management at all stages, especially in robotic surgery, radiotherapy and new targeted therapies.

The role of Patient Support Associations

Patient support associations play a crucial role in providing facts, resources, and emotional support to individuals affected by bladder cancer. Lori Cire emphasizes, The bladder cancer remains a subject little mentioned, so patients and their loved ones can feel isolated. Our association offers them a space for exchange and support between peers, facilitating their journey and improving dialog with their doctor. A well -informed patient adheres better to his treatment, which is why we provide scientifically validated information. We also support research by relaying the needs of patients to health professionals and the French Urology Association. Patients can contact us via our website www.cancer-vessie.fr by email, or on Facebook.