What is the cure rate for bladder cancer?
If detected and treated early, bladder cancer is almost always cured (the five-year survival rate of early bladder cancer is 90 percent). Unfortunately, less than one in 10 patients with metastatic bladder cancer survive five or more years. (Metastatic means the cancer has spread to other areas, such as lymph nodes, bones, lung or other part of the body.) Each year about 6000 men and 3000 women will die of the disease. During the past 30 years, the death rate for bladder cancer has declined slightly for men; more so for women. This success is attributed to earlier detection and better treatment options. Top Back What is the function of the bladder? The bladder is a muscular sac that collects and stores urine. It is hollow with a shape that depends on how much urine it holds. When it is empty it looks like a deflated balloon. As it fills, it becomes rounded and pushes up against the abdomen. Top Back How does bladder cancer grow? The bladder is lined by special cells, called transitiona
