An overview of bladder cancer: treatment and nursing implications

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To review the incidence, pathophysiologic mechanisms, treatment options, and nursing care of patients with bladder cancer. DATA SOURCES: Published articles, book chapters, American Cancer Society materials, and a computerized data base. DATA SYNTHESIS: Nearly 53,000 cases of bladder cancer will be diagnosed this year. Recent studies link mutations on the p53 gene and abnormalities on chromosome 9 to bladder cancer. Seventy percent of patients present with local tumors within the bladder. Surgery and intravesical chemotherapy are the most common treatments for superficial bladder cancer. Deeply invasive disease sometimes can be cured by surgery, irradiation, or a combination of treatment modalities. Early stage detection has a 91% survival rate. Prevention strategies include smoking cessation and reduction of the risk of occupational exposure to toxic chemicals. CONCLUSIONS: Bladder cancer is a prevalent disease with significant morbidity. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Knowledge about bladder cancer will help nurses prevent and manage the disease and its treatment complications and meet patients' psychological needs.