Bladder, kidney and prostate cancers

The risk of developing bladder cancer increases with age. It is more common in males.

Bladder cancer is associated with smoking and exposure to industrial and agriculture chemicals. 

Early detection

There are no screening tests for bladder cancer.

Symptoms

You should go to your doctor if you notice any of the following:

• blood in your urine
• pain while urinating
• needing to empty your bladder a lot. 

These symptoms can indicate bladder cancer but do not necessarily mean you have bladder cancer.

Your doctor may refer you to a urologist either at the Royal Darwin Hospital or Darwin Private Hospital. 

Initial diagnosis

Your urologist will scan your kidneys and inspect your bladder by passing a telescope through the urethra. This is called a cystoscopy. 

Treatment

Most bladder cancers are not serious and can be removed by a telescope. 

A small number of bladder cancers are more serious and may need more aggressive treatment like removal of the bladder, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. 

The Royal Darwin Hospital and Darwin Private Hospital have bladder cancer specialists. You do not need to leave the Northern Territory for treatment.