Bladder cancer, often referred to as the “Cinderella of cancers,” is a prevalent but underestimated health issue in Europe. In this blog, we will shed light on the critical aspects of bladder cancer, including its prevalence, the lack of awareness, and the importance of early detection. Let’s embark on a journey to understand why bladder cancer deserves more attention and funding.
The fifth most common cancer
Did you know that bladder cancer is the fifth most common cancer in Europe? Despite its high incidence, it remains in the shadows, overshadowed by more well-known cancers. This neglect is startling, considering that bladder cancer has one of the highest lifetime costs of any cancer. Shockingly, research funding allocated to bladder cancer is among the lowest in the cancer research landscape.
Gender disparities in symptoms
Bladder cancer presents a unique challenge due to the disparity in symptom recognition between genders. Women often face a troubling scenario where they are almost twice as likely as men to receive alternative explanations for their symptoms, such as urinary tract infections, when they first seek medical attention. This disparity in initial diagnosis can, unfortunately, lead to delayed treatment and poorer outcomes for women.
The urgent need for awareness
One of the primary culprits behind the lack of early detection is the glaring lack of awareness. Bladder cancer awareness is alarmingly low, as revealed by a recent survey conducted by the <a href=”https://uroweb.org/”>European Association of Urology</a> (EAU). Shockingly, nearly 60% of European adults are either unfamiliar with bladder cancer or unaware of its severity.
Recognising symptoms of bladder cancer
Bladder cancer often manifests with subtle symptoms, such as a change in the colour of urine or the presence of blood in urine. Surprisingly, more than half (55%) of those surveyed did not know that a change in the colour of urine could be an early indication of bladder cancer. This lack of recognition can be life-threatening, as early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes.
Reluctance to seek medical advice
The survey also exposed another concerning trend: a reluctance among adults to seek medical advice, even when they notice potential symptoms. Astonishingly, 20% of participants admitted that they would wait for a week or longer before consulting a doctor or healthcare professional after observing a change in the colour of their urine. The most common reason cited for this delay was the expectation that the symptoms would resolve on their own.
The expert opinion
Professor Arnulf Stenzl, Secretary General-elect of the EAU and a renowned expert in bladder cancer, emphasises the critical importance of early diagnosis. Patients diagnosed at stage 1 have an impressive 80% chance of surviving five years, compared to a discouraging 40% at stage 3. These statistics underscore the urgency of increasing public education about bladder cancer symptoms and the necessity of consulting specialists like urologists.
Conclusion
Bladder cancer is a silent epidemic in Europe, deserving of far more attention and funding than it currently receives. The lack of awareness, gender disparities in symptom recognition, and delayed medical consultations all contribute to the challenges faced by bladder cancer patients. It is imperative that we take action now to change the narrative surrounding this disease, ensuring earlier diagnosis and ultimately lowering mortality rates.
