Bladder Cancer Deserves Urgent Attention

Date: May-09-2013It is the 4th most common cancer in men[1] (and 11th in women), but bladder cancer
remains an extremely low priority in the UK. Action on Bladder Cancer[2] (ABC) reports
that almost half (45%) of the UK public do not know that even just one episode of blood in
the urine, the most common warning sign, could mean bladder cancer. Smoking is the most
common cause of bladder cancer and yet 95% of people are not aware of this. ABC calls for
much stronger recognition of bladder cancer amongst the general public and the medical
profession in order to prevent avoidable deaths.

ABC welcomes a recent paper[3] which highlights the paucity of clinical studies in
bladder cancer compared with other cancers with a similar incidence. Well-designed
randomised controlled trials usually provide the strongest evidence possible regarding the
efficacy of new diagnostic tools or interventions and yet studies into bladder cancer are
comparatively few and those that have been performed are under-utilised.

Dr Alison Birtle, Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer & Consultant Oncologist, Preston;
ABC Trustee and Chair of the NCRI Clinical Sub Group on Bladder Cancer says, "Bladder
cancer is not just one disease. As our medical understanding is growing, we need to be
tailoring information accordingly for patients, so that they receive sufficient
information on their condition to be involved in making informed choices about their care
options. The type of information that someone with low risk bladder cancer will need is
very different from someone who has been diagnosed with very late stage disease."

A more robust framework of support is needed for all patients and ABC is supporting
new initiatives to improve the lives of people with bladder cancer. One example is a new
group being set up by NHS Lothian in South East Scotland with Maggies, Macmillan and SCAN (South East Scotland Cancer Network).

Mr Param Mariappan, Consultant Urologist, NHS Lothian and Regional Advisor to ABC
says, "The focus of the South East Scotland Support Group is an 'out of hospital' service
for those affected by bladder cancer to share and learn from others with similar
experiences. Supplementing the care provided within the healthcare setting, this group is
being established around a 'buddying system' and workshops specifically tailored to
different states of the disease. Over and above what we do as Clinicians, extended care is
critical for a patient with cancer. I term this CIS (Communication, Information and
Support) - Our Support Group looks to bring individuals together who can help others
likely to go through a similar experience of care."

Mr Brian Sibbald O.B.E. who has been affected by bladder cancer and involved in the
beginnings of the Group says, "At the moment, because of my treatment, I don't have
cancer, but I feel I am still on a journey. To me, it is important to find ways, such as a
dedicated support group to share and reassure others who are more recently diagnosed with
bladder cancer."

Over 10,000 people are diagnosed every year in the UK and ABC, the only UK charity
dedicated to bladder cancer, wants to encourage more people to understand more about the
disease. Up to date information on the disease and advice on how people can help raise
awareness is available through the ABC website.
The work of ABC supports the Be Clear on Cancer Campaign run by the Department of Health
as well as Bladder Cancer initiatives organised throughout the US during May-July 2013.

Mr Colin Bunce, Chair of ABC and Consultant Urologist in Barnet says: "The profile of
bladder cancer and, as a result, the care of patients can be significantly improved by
asking the public and healthcare professionals and providers to become involved in our
dedicated Charity, ABC - we want to work
together".
Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.