Bladder cancer detection, treatment and outcomes: opportunities and challenges.

ABSTRACT

Bladder cancer (BlCa) is the fifth most common cancer in the United States and one of the ten deadliest. It ranks fifth among all cancers in total costs, consuming almost $3 billion annually, and has an extensive effect on quality of life for survivors and their families. Despite this human and economic toll, BlCa ranks comparatively low on the national agenda. Our understanding of this disease has grown exponentially over the last decade, paving the way for better prevention, detection, treatment, monitoring, and quality of life. Increasing national attention to BlCa is likely to improve disease burden and patient quality of life.