Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the bladder. It’s one of the more common cancers affecting both men and women, although it predominantly affects those over the age of 55.

The question of whether bladder cancer is curable is one that many patients, as well as their families, seek answers to. If you’ve been diagnosed, you’ll understandably want to know your treatment options and the prognosis that you might face.

Types of bladder cancer

Bladder cancer typically begins in the urothelial cells lining the inside of the bladder. This type of cancer is often categorised into two types:

Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer is confined to the lining of the bladder, while muscle-invasive cancer spreads into the bladder wall and can potentially spread to other parts of the body.

In the UK, bladder cancer is the 11th most common cancer, with approximately 10,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The majority of these cases are non-muscle invasive, which tend to have a better prognosis compared to the muscle-invasive forms.

Treatment options for bladder cancer

When it comes to treating bladder cancer, the approach depends on the stage and grade of the disease.

Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer

For non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, the main treatment options include surgery to remove the tumour, often using a procedure called transurethral resection of the bladder tumour (TURBT). Chemotherapy or immunotherapy might be used to reduce the risk of the cancer returning.

Muscle-invasive bladder cancer

For muscle-invasive bladder cancer, the treatment is more aggressive and often involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and sometimes radiation therapy. In many cases, patients may undergo a cystectomy, which is the removal of the bladder. This can be a life-saving procedure and is often followed by the creation of a new way for the body to store and pass urine, such as through a urinary diversion or a neobladder.

So, is bladder cancer curable?

The term “curable” can be somewhat complex when it comes to cancer. A cure means that the disease is completely eradicated, and the patient is no longer at risk of it returning. For bladder cancer, the likelihood of a cure depends significantly on the stage and grade of the cancer at the time of diagnosis.

Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer

For non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, the chances of long-term survival and cure are quite good, particularly when the cancer is caught early. Most people diagnosed with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer can expect to be cancer-free after successful treatment. However, this type of bladder cancer has a high rate of recurrence, meaning that patients will need to be monitored closely for years after treatment.

Muscle-invasive bladder cancer

When it comes to muscle-invasive bladder cancer, the situation is more challenging. The chances of a complete cure are lower, and treatment often focuses on managing the disease and extending life. However, advances in treatment have improved survival rates significantly. For patients who undergo radical surgery and follow-up therapies, many can achieve long-term survival.

Recent studies have shown that bladder cancer survival rates have improved over the past few decades. According to Cancer Research, the overall 5-year survival rate for bladder cancer is 50%, but this varies depending on the stage of the disease. For non-muscle invasive cancers, the 5-year survival rate can be as high as 85%, whereas muscle-invasive cancers may have a survival rate closer to 35%.

Early detection and advances in treatment

Early detection plays a vital role in the successful treatment and potential cure of bladder cancer. Patients are encouraged to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as blood in the urine, frequent urination, or pain during urination. As with many types of cancer, the earlier bladder cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of effective treatment and a positive outcome.

Advancements in bladder cancer treatments are constantly being made. Immunotherapy, for example, has become an increasingly important treatment option. Drugs such as pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and atezolizumab (Tecentriq) have shown promise in treating advanced bladder cancer by boosting the body’s immune system to fight the cancer cells. These therapies are becoming standard options for patients with more advanced stages of the disease.

Another breakthrough in bladder cancer treatment is the development of targeted therapies, which work by targeting specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth. These therapies are often used in combination with other treatments to improve outcomes for patients with advanced or recurrent bladder cancer.

Final notes 

The question of whether bladder cancer is curable depends largely on the stage at which it is diagnosed and the type of treatment administered. For those diagnosed early, particularly with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, the outlook is often positive. 

However, bladder cancer, like all cancers, presents challenges that require vigilance, treatment, and sometimes, long-term care. If you’ve been diagnosed, it’s crucial to work closely with your healthcare team to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific situation. Bladder cancer, though serious, is more manageable than ever, with the possibility of a full recovery for many.

Related read: Does Bladder Cancer Cause Pain?