Bladder Cancer
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Screening Recommendations
The USPSTF recommends against screening for bladder cancer in adults. (D)
Routinely encourage all patients who smoke to quit since about 50% of cases of bladder cancer occur among current or former smokers. |
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Bladder cancer refers to any of several types of malignant growths of the urinary bladder. It is a disease in which abnormal cells multiply without control in the bladder. The bladder is a hollow, muscular organ that stores urine; it is located in the pelvis. The most common type of bladder cancer begins in cells lining the inside of the bladder and is called urothelial cell or transitional cell carcinoma (UCC or TCC).
Why Employers Care
Bladder cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in men and the eighth most common in women.
- New cases estimated for 2009: 70,980 (52,810 men and 18,170 women)2
- Deaths estimated for 2009: 14,3302.
- In 2006, bladder cancer direct costs were $4 billion in the US.1
- Because of long-term survival and the need for lifelong routine monitoring and treatment, the cost per patient of bladder cancer from diagnosis to death is one of the highest of all cancers.
- Screening has been linked to identifying bladder cancer in an earlier, less invasive stage - thus reducing the costs of treatment.
- Urine dipstick testing is quick, inexpensive, and accurate.
According to The American Cancer Society, over the last ten years there has been great progress in bladder cancer identification, screening and treatment. Recently, two medications were approved by the FDA in screening for recurrent bladder cancer.
What Can Employers Do?
- Encourage healthy behaviors among employees, particularly smoking cessation. Smoking is linked to a variety of adverse health outcomes, including bladder cancer.
- Ensure that health plans are identifying and screening patients with symptoms, particularly among older patients and retirees.
Other Resources
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