Bladder cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the bladder start to grow uncontrollably. These cancerous cells form a tumor, which can invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body.

Several factors can increase the risk of developing bladder cancer, including:

• Tobacco Use: Smoking is the leading cause of bladder cancer, with smokers being three times more likely to develop the disease than non-smokers & Ex-smokers are also has high risk of bladder cancer.
• Chemical Exposure: Occupational exposure to certain chemicals, such as aromatic amines found in dyes, rubber, and plastics, can increase the risk of bladder cancer.
• Age and Gender: Bladder cancer is more common in older adults, with the risk increasing with age. Men are also more likely to develop bladder cancer than women.
• Chronic: Bladder Inflammation: Conditions that cause chronic inflammation of the bladder, such as recurrent urinary tract infections or bladder stones, may increase the risk of bladder cancer.

The early stages of bladder cancer may not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, common symptoms may include:

• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Frequent urination
• Painful urination
• Back or pelvic pain
• Fatigue
• Weight loss without a known cause

If bladder cancer is suspected, a healthcare provider may recommend several diagnostic tests, including:

• Urinalysis: This test examines a urine sample for the presence of blood or abnormal cells.
• Imaging Tests: CT scans, or MRI scans may be used to determine the extent of the cancer and whether it has spread to other areas.
• Cystoscopy: A thin tube with a camera is inserted into the bladder to visually inspect the organ and collect tissue samples for biopsy.