Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the bladder, a muscular organ located in the lower abdomen. The stage of bladder cancer is determined by how far it has spread into the bladder wall and surrounding tissues. Stage 1 bladder cancer is early-stage cancer that has not spread beyond the bladder lining [

What are the subtypes of stage 1 bladder cancer?

There are three main subtypes of stage 1 bladder cancer:

Stage 1 Bladder Cancer Staging and Diagnosis

Cancer is stage by using the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM system [4] for cancer to allow doctors and the cancer care team to assess how far cancer has spread. In general, the TNM system is used to describe and classify cancers, including {cancer type}, where:

Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Stage 1 bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in those assigned male at birth and the eighth most common cancer in those assigned female at birth [

In the United States, it is estimated that there will be around 81,180 new cases of bladder cancer in 2022, with about 4.2% new cancer cases. Stage 1 bladder cancer is relatively common in people aged 65 to 74 (31.7%) [

Some of the main ways of diagnosing stage 1 bladder cancer include the following:

Early-stage bladder cancer may not cause notable symptoms. However, as the cancer grows, it can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

It's important to note that other conditions, such as a urinary tract infection or kidney stones, can also cause these symptoms. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, seeing a doctor is important to determine the cause.

Stage 1 bladder cancer is early-stage cancer that has not spread beyond the bladder lining. Stage 1 cancer treatment depends on the type and size of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health and personal preferences.

Stage 1 bladder cancer primary/first-line treatment

The standard stage 1 bladder cancer treatment is transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) [

]. This is a surgical procedure in which a small, flexible instrument is passed through the urethra and into the bladder to remove the tumor. During TURBT, the surgeon may also remove a small amount of surrounding tissue for examination under a microscope (biopsy).

Following TURBT, the patient may receive intravesical therapy, administering medication directly into the bladder. This destroys any remaining cancer cells and reduces the risk of recurrence. The most commonly used intravesical therapy is Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy, an immunotherapy that stimulates the immune system to attack cancer cells [

Other Types of Treatments for Stage 1 Bladder Cancer

Additional treatments may be necessary if cancer has spread deeper into the bladder wall or to other nearby organs. These may include:

The chances of curing stage 1 bladder cancer are generally good, especially if the cancer is detected early and treated promptly. The death rate per 100,000 persons suffering from stage 1 blood cancer has been steady at four from 1992 to 2020. However, there is still a risk of recurrence, so regular follow-up with a doctor is important. 

Prognosis: Stage 1 Bladder Cancer Survival Rate

According to the National Cancer Institute, cancer stage 1 survival rate for bladder cancer is around 77.1% [

], which means that out of 100 patients, 77 would survive for five years or more. However, the rate does not include the possibility of patients dying from causes other than bladder cancer. Moreover, the exact stage 1 cancer survival rate is difficult to assess as patients vary in health and illness. 51% of survivors suffered from primary cancer, while 34% had localized cancers. 

Patients that suffer from stage one cancer have a range of effective treatment options that can help improve their chances of survival and cure. However, stage 1 bladder cancer has a high chance of recurrence, and regular medical checkups are necessary. Although TURB and other treatment methods provide a significant cure rate, stage 1 bladder cancer recurs in about 80% of all cases [

Stage 1 bladder cancer is divided into two types:

Most bladder cancers are low-grade. However, the early stages of cancer are relatively quickly growing and can spread quickly. Thus, it is important to diagnose the disease quickly. 

Lifestyle changes for preventing and managing bladder cancer

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent bladder cancer, certain lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of developing the disease. Additionally, if you have been diagnosed with bladder cancer, making certain lifestyle changes can help manage the disease and improve your quality of life [

Smoking is a major risk factor for bladder cancer. Smokers are two to three times more likely to develop bladder cancer than non-smokers. If you smoke, quitting can reduce your risk of developing bladder cancer and improve your overall health. Talk to your healthcare provider about resources to help you quit smoking, such as nicotine replacement therapy, medications, or counseling.

Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing bladder cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce your risk of developing the disease. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. A healthy regime would include moderate-intensity exercises, such as walking, cycling, or swimming.

Drinking plenty of fluids can help flush toxins out of your body, which can help reduce your risk of developing bladder cancer. You should drink at least eight glasses of water per day. You can also increase your fluid intake by drinking herbal tea, low-sugar fruit juice, or water-rich fruits and vegetables.

Certain chemicals, such as those in industrial workplaces, can increase your risk of developing bladder cancer. If you work in an industry that exposes you to chemicals, take precautions to protect yourself, such as wearing protective clothing and equipment. You can also reduce exposure to chemicals in your home by using natural cleaning products and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke.

Chronic bladder inflammation, such as recurring urinary tract infections or interstitial cystitis, can increase your risk of developing bladder cancer. If you experience chronic bladder inflammation, talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options to manage the condition and reduce your risk of developing bladder cancer.

Stage 1 bladder cancer is the early stage of cancer that has not spread beyond the bladder lining. While stage 1 bladder cancer is relatively uncommon, it is important to be aware of the symptoms and to see a doctor if you experience any of them, as early diagnosis and treatment can improve the chances of a successful outcome. The first-line treatment for stage 1 bladder cancer is TURBT, followed by intravesical therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence. Additional treatments may be necessary if cancer has spread deeper into the bladder wall or to other nearby organs. While the chances of cure for stage 1 bladder cancer are generally good, regular follow-up with a doctor is important to monitor for any signs of recurrence.

Stage 1 Bladder Cancer

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