Bladder Cancer
The remarkable cancer care you deserve.
If you’ve been diagnosed with bladder cancer, you can feel confident you'll receive exceptional care and support from the cancer specialists at Novant Health Cancer Institute. You'll have access to leading-edge cancer treatment programs, educational resources, clinical trials and nurse navigators who act as your advocate from day one.
What is bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer and other urologic cancers develop when abnormal cells in the urinary lining of the bladder begin to grow out of control. This growth can lead to the development of tumors and may spread to other body parts. Although anyone can get bladder cancer, it usually affects older adults and former or current smokers
Bladder cancer symptoms
Symptoms of bladder cancer include:
- Lower back pain on one side of the body
- Blood in your urine
- Frequent or painful urination
If you experience any signs of bladder cancer, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible for testing. If needed, a urology specialist will review your symptoms and check your urine for abnormalities.
Expert support for your diagnosis
If you've been diagnosed with bladder cancer, the multidisciplinary team at Novant Health Cancer Institute will meet to review your situation to determine the best treatment for you. We’ll explain your treatment options and may connect you with a nurse navigator to help begin scheduling appointments.
Bladder Cancer Treatment
Your collaborative team of bladder cancer specialists, including medical, surgical and radiation oncologists, pathologists, nutritionists and nurse navigators, will assess and monitor your treatment with a focus on bladder-sparing options. As part of your cancer care, you may undergo one or more cutting-edge treatments. This might include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery, either alone or in combination.
Why Choose Novant Health?
Accredited by multiple national organizations, including the Commission on Cancer and the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®), your Novant Health physician is committed to providing excellence in cancer care. You can feel confident that you will be supported throughout your cancer journey by a specialized team of experts focused on your specific needs. We work in state-of-the-art cancer care centers that are among the best in the country.
Your cancer journey is unique. That’s why our nationally recognized cancer teams work with you to develop a personalized care plan. At Novant Health, you’ll have access to the most current treatment options available only at leading cancer institutes. Your treatment may include clinical research trials or robotics, microsurgeries, new radiation technologies, or cellular and immune therapies. Together, we can treat your cancer, manage your symptoms, and provide you with support at all stages.
You're not alone on your cancer journey. At Novant Health, rest assured you’ll have all the resources you need to tackle your life-changing diagnosis. Our multidisciplinary, collaborative approach brings together experts with knowledge from different specialties to support you every step of the way. In addition to oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons, your team may include nurse navigators, nutritionists, integrative medicine specialists, genetic counselors, social workers, symptom management and palliative care specialists, and more.
Nationally Recognized Care
- National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC)
- Commission on Cancer (CoC)
- Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI)
- Radiation Oncology Practice Accreditation (ROPA-ACR)
- APEx Accreditation (ASTRO)
- Magnet Recognition-American Nursing Credentialing Center
- American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP)
- National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)
- Southeast Clinical Oncology Research Consortium (SCOR)/National Cancer Institute (NCI) Community Oncology Research Program
- Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT)
- National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC)
Your Cancer Support Services
Our certified nurse navigators are specially trained to guide you throughout your entire treatment journey. They'll help you understand your diagnosis, review your cancer treatment options with you, answer questions, help you schedule appointments to minimize clinic visits, and provide resources and encouragement every step of the way.
Cancer impacts your whole family. Take advantage of Novant Health cancer resources like counseling, cancer support groups, educational programs, and referrals to financial resources. We help you and your loved ones manage your emotional and practical needs during cancer diagnosis and treatment.
There may be times during your diagnosis, treatment or recovery when you want deeper spiritual and emotional support. We offer multi-faith support and guidance to you and your family members. Let your physician or nurse know if you would like to speak with a chaplain.
Fighting cancer can take a toll on your body. To help you get stronger and more comfortable, we offer a wide range of personalized services to help you manage your symptoms. These services can include nutrition counseling, exercise coaching, physical therapy, rehabilitation and lymphedema treatment. Many of our clinics also provide board-certified specialists in palliative care and pain management.
At Novant Health, we’re committed to care for all of you during your treatment. Integrative medicine is evidence-based treatment available in the Charlotte and Winston-Salem areas that, when combined with medical therapies, can enhance your overall healing and well-being through treatment and beyond. We’ll connect you with holistic care that may include services like pet therapy, massage, meditation and stress management, nutrition counseling, wellness programs, acupuncture and yoga.
Most cases of cancer occur by chance. However, sometimes cancer can be hereditary, which means that it runs in the family. Genetic counseling and genetic testing can help determine if you or your family members are at an increased risk to develop certain types of cancer. Understanding your hereditary risks can help prevent cancer, detect it early, or impact treatment decisions for an existing cancer. Our genetic counselors can talk with you about your family history of cancer and genetic testing options.
Your bladder cancer care team
Urologists
Urologists are surgeons that specialize in management of the urinary system and have a vital role in the screening, diagnosis and treatment of localized bladder cancer. They collaborate with other cancer specialists, performing bladder biopsies and helping manage delivery of cancer fighting drugs directly into the bladder. Our surgeons perform both open and minimally invasive procedures using the most up-to-date surgical techniques and advanced robotic surgery systems.
Medical oncologists
If you're diagnosed with bladder cancer, your comprehensive team of cancer experts will include a medical oncologist. Your medical oncologist will lead and oversee your medical treatments, including chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy or targeted therapy.
Radiologists
Radiologists can locate and diagnose your cancer using imaging scans, including CTs, bone scans, MRIs and PET/CTs. Radiologists may also perform or assist with minimally invasive surgical procedures (interventional radiology) to help biopsy different areas of the body.
Support specialists
At Novant Health Cancer Institute, we take a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to your care and treatment. You may work with a variety of highly trained specialists including geneticists, nutritionists, pathologists, and pain and alternative care experts.
You’re Entitled to a Second Opinion.
Are you concerned or confused about a cancer diagnosis or treatment recommendation you've received?
Another perspective on your case and options can give you some peace of mind. Reach out for a virtual session or in-person consultation.
Experience the Future of Cancer Care, Today.
Together, we can beat cancer. Clinical research studies drive breakthroughs in the prevention, detection and treatment of many cancer conditions.
If eligible to join a clinical trial, you could access new cancer treatments before they’re available to the general public. Explore clinical trials and speak with your cancer team to see if any are right for you.
Search for Clinical Trials at Novant Health