Main treatments for bladder cancer
Bladder cancer can often be treated.
The treatment you’ll have depends on:
- the type of cancer you have
- the size of the cancer
- where it is
- if it has spread
- your general health
You’ll usually be offered surgery to treat bladder cancer. You may also have chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted medicines.
Your specialist treatment team will:
- explain the treatments, the benefits and side effects
- work with you to make a treatment plan that’s best for you
- help you to manage the side effects of treatment
You’ll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments. You may also have tests and scans.
If you have any symptoms or side effects that you’re worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.
Surgery
Surgery is the main treatment for bladder cancer.
You may also need surgery if the cancer has spread to other areas of your body or if it has come back again after being removed.
Several types of surgery can be used to treat bladder cancer. For example, you may have surgery to:
- remove the cancer from your bladder lining
- remove all or part of your bladder and make a new way for you to pee
- unblock the tubes that carry pee from the kidneys to the bladder (ureters) or the tube that carries pee out of your body (urethra)
You’ll be supported through surgery and recovery by your specialist treatment team.
