Compassionate, personalized care for bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is the second most common urologic cancer and typically begins in the cells lining the inside of the bladder. When caught early, it often responds well to treatment. At Endeavor Health, our specialists offer collaborative, personalized care that balances the best chance for cure with quality-of-life preservation.

We offer advanced diagnostic tools, minimally invasive procedures, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and bladder-sparing options — all tailored to each patient.

Understanding bladder cancer

Bladder cancer most commonly starts in the urothelial cells that line the bladder. It may be classified as non-muscle invasive or muscle-invasive, depending on how deeply it grows into the bladder wall.

Risk factors include:

  • Smoking or tobacco use
  • Older age
  • Male sex assigned at birth
  • Family history of bladder cancer
  • Exposure to certain chemicals (e.g., in dye, rubber or textile industries)
  • Previous radiation therapy to the pelvis
Common symptoms of bladder cancer

Signs of bladder cancer may include:

  • Blood in the urine (hematuria), with or without pain
  • Frequent urination or urgency
  • Painful urination
  • Pelvic or lower back pain
  • Difficulty urinating

See your provider if you notice any of these symptoms, especially blood in the urine, which is the most common sign.

Bladder cancer tests and screenings

There is no standard screening test for bladder cancer, but testing is recommended for those with blood in the urine or symptoms of concern.

Common diagnostic tools include:

Used to detect blood or abnormal cells in the urine.

A scope inserted through the urethra to visualize the bladder lining and take biopsies.

Imaging tests that assess the urinary tract for tumors or spread.

Confirms cancer diagnosis and helps determine stage.

May identify markers to guide targeted treatment options.

Bladder cancer treatment and therapies

Our surgeons are skilled in minimally invasive surgery to remove tumors in the bladder. If the bladder must be removed, reconstructive options are available to restore normal function.

We use chemotherapy before or after surgery to treat invasive cancers, and sometimes combined with radiation to preserve the bladder.

Our experts use BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) to treat early-stage bladder cancer. Checkpoint inhibitors may be used for more advanced disease.

Our radiation oncologists use radiation therapy alone or with chemotherapy if you are not a surgical candidate or if you want to preserve the bladder.

We offer bladder-sparing therapy, a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, which may allow you to keep your bladder while effectively treating the cancer.

Why Endeavor Health?

At Endeavor Health, we combine advanced bladder cancer treatment with expert coordination and compassionate, personalized support.

Your case is reviewed by a team that includes urologic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists and nurse navigators.

We offer leading-edge immunotherapy and access to clinical trials for bladder cancer, including therapies not yet widely available.

We support your wellness through integrative medicine, nutrition, social work, financial counseling, and survivorship planning.

Care team

Our bladder cancer care team includes urologic surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, genetic counselors, nurse navigators, dietitians, social workers and rehabilitation specialists — all working together to create your personalized treatment plan.

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Bladder cancer FAQs

The most common early symptom is blood in the urine. Other signs include frequent urination, urgency and pelvic discomfort.

Yes — especially when detected early. Many patients with non-muscle invasive disease achieve long-term remission.

Not always. Many patients qualify for bladder-sparing approaches using minimally invasive surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

Bladder cancer has a relatively high recurrence rate, so ongoing monitoring with cystoscopy and urine testing is important.

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Clinical trials & research

Patients at Endeavor Health may have access to groundbreaking clinical trials through national oncology clinical trial cooperatives — such as NRG Oncology, ECOG-ACRIN and Alliance — as well as our own investigator-initiated studies. We also offer innovative opportunities through the Kellogg Cancer Center’s personal genomics program and comprehensive biobank. These resources expand options for diagnosis, treatment and survivorship across cancer types.

Learn more about clinical trials

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Make an appointment

If you have symptoms or have been diagnosed with bladder cancer, our team is ready to help. Schedule a consultation today.

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Your care journey is our mission

The Endeavor Health Cancer Institute offers expert bladder cancer care, combining precision treatment, surgical innovation and personalized support in one integrated system.

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