Nearly 2,000 Hoosiers Diagnosed With Bladder Cancer Last Year

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INDIANA – Bladder cancer affected over 1,600 Hoosiers last year. You’re being warned on Bladder Health Awareness Month, to watch out for the symptoms.

The most common sign is blood in the urine,” said Dr. Rena Malik, assistant professor and director of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, at the University of Maryland Medical System.

Dr. Rena Malik

She said blood could also be found microscopically if you have a urine test at the doctor’s office. The treatment can be quite costly. She says urinating more frequently and urgently can aslo be a symptom, but can also be a sign of overactive bladder. You may also have pain during urination or pain in the back.

“We look inside the bladder with a camera…to make sure that it’s not recurred,” she said. That procedure is called a cystoscopy.

Chemo is also used to make sure the cancer doesn’t come back.

Malik said though there is no regular screening, if you have the symptoms, you should make an appointment.

“If you keep seeing blood in the urine or keep getting treated for urinary tract infections, absolutely make sure you see a urologist.”

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