News that NFL legend Deion Sanders is recovering after a battle with bladder cancer has sparked an important conversation about a form of cancer that is often under-discussed and underfunded in research.
An estimated 85,000 new cases of bladder cancer are expected in the coming year. It is more common in men than women, more prevalent in older individuals, and more frequently found in people with a history of smoking or exposure to certain chemicals.
But then there are exceptions.
Sanders’ recent announcement highlights one such exception. At 57 years old, he is significantly younger than many bladder cancer patients. I was 45. Same thing. I wasn’t a lifelong smoker and never worked around chemicals. Luck of the draw, I guess.
Sanders reported his diagnosis of an aggressive form of bladder cancer after a tumor was spotted in his bladder during a CT scan.
I was diagnosed with bladder cancer after noticing the one tell-tale sign that should never be ignored: drops of blood in my urine.
Many forms of bladder cancer are aggressive and can recur in subsequent years. High recurrence rates may explain why Sanders and his medical team chose a full bladder removal as their treatment path.
Sanders described his journey today as “tremendous” and “tough.”
Treatment options can range from full bladder removal to BCG therapy, depending on the diagnosis and prognosis. BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) is a type of immunotherapy delivered via catheter directly into the bladder over weeks, months, or years. It aims to stimulate the immune system to fight off returning cancer cells. If BCG remains effective, patients may retain their bladder; however, recurrence may necessitate other treatment decisions.
In my case, I had high-grade urothelial carcinoma (aggressive bladder cancer). A tumor was detected during testing after I noticed two bright drops of blood in my urine. Fortunately, it was caught before it had grown into the muscle. The distinction between non-muscle invasive and muscle-invasive tumors can literally be a matter of life and death.
Following two Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT) procedures to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue, I began BCG immunotherapy. This treatment involved a series of appointments over several years, and I continue to undergo routine scopes to monitor for any cancer recurrence.
The most crucial sign of bladder cancer is blood in the urine. While frequent or painful urination might suggest a urinary tract infection, it’s vital not to ignore these symptoms. See a doctor promptly. Had I ignored those two drops of blood five years ago, my outcome could have been very different.
For more information: BCAN.org, The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network
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