What is bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer begins in cells lining the bladder. As the cancer grows, it becomes a bladder tumour, taking up space and pressing on nearby organs to cause symptoms. If left untreated, it can spread to other body parts (metastatic cancer).
Most people diagnosed with bladder cancer are aged 75 and above and it’s more common in men than women.
Often, bladder cancer can be diagnosed and treated early for a positive outcome. There are options for every stage of cancer, and many of the latest treatments are available at GenesisCare.
This page covers treatments for bladder cancer, including early-stage (non-muscle invasive), and invasive bladder cancer. To learn more about symptoms, causes, stages, and diagnosis, please visit our page on bladder cancer.
Diagnosing bladder cancer
Getting a diagnosis of bladder cancer might start when you see a doctor about symptoms or if a urine test finds traces of blood.
The next step is seeing a specialist, who may use several tests and scans to explore what’s causing your bladder concerns. These include:
- Cystoscopy – looking inside the bladder with a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera
- Blood tests and urine tests
- Ultrasound or CT scan – imaging scans to look for abnormal growths or changes to the bladder and nearby organs
- Biopsy – taking a small sample of cells for testing, either during a cystoscopy or later on during surgery for bladder cancer
If you’re diagnosed with bladder cancer, you may have further tests to identify the stage and type of cancer, such as an MRI scan. The results help your doctor design a treatment plan that can offer you the best possible outcomes.
At GenesisCare our clinician led UrologyHub provides fast access to appointments with a leading urologist for same day tests and scans to investigate the cause of your symptoms, so any treatment required can start without delay.
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Flexible appointments often within 24 hours - Monday to Friday at varying weekday and evening times.
Overview of bladder cancer treatment
There are treatment options at every stage of bladder cancer. Your treatment plan is based on the size, stage and type of bladder cancer, alongside your general health and, of course, your preferences.
Treatment often begins with surgery. Some people will have a combination of bladder cancer therapies, which are carefully tailored to give the best possible cancer control while minimising side effects.
The main treatments for bladder cancer are:
- Surgery – taking out some of the bladder (partial cystectomy) or all of the bladder (radical cystectomy)
- Radiotherapy – uses high-energy radiation beams targeted at areas of cancer
- Adaptive radiotherapy – uses a "plan of the day" approach, selecting the best of three pre-planned treatments each day based on bladder fullness
- Chemotherapy – drugs that destroy cancer cells
- Immunotherapy – drugs that help your immune system recognise and fight the cancer
- Targeted therapies – can target cancer cells with specific characteristics
Cystectomy (bladder removal surgery)
Surgery is often the first step in treating bladder cancer, including for non-muscle invasive and invasive stages. Some early-stage and low-risk bladder cancers can be successfully treated with surgery.
The type of procedure you have depends on your cancer stage.
- Transurethral removal of bladder tumour (TURBT) – surgery to remove the tumour through your urine tube (urethra), which is used for early bladder cancer with a low risk of coming back
- Cystectomy – surgery to remove some of your bladder (partial cystectomy) or all of your bladder (radical cystectomy), which is used for invasive bladder cancer and early bladder cancer with a high risk of coming back
Techniques to remove the bladder include keyhole surgery (manual or robotic) or open surgery. When possible, keyhole surgery is recommended.
If most or all of your bladder must be removed, you’ll need a new way to store urine. The options include having a bag fitted to collect urine outside the body (urostomy), an internal bag, or bladder reconstruction.
Our bladder consultants include expert surgeons who work in local and nationally renowned hospitals. They work together with other cancer specialists to decide the best course of treatment for you.
If your consultant recommends bladder cancer surgery, this can be arranged conveniently at one of our partner hospitals. You can then continue your other treatments at GenesisCare.
What to expect after bladder tumour removal
Bladder surgery may sound worrying. Know that your care team will be there to support you, and they take every care to limit the impact surgery has on you.
A TURBT is a simpler procedure, and you might go home the same day. Partial and complete bladder removal are big procedures. You may be in hospital for up to two weeks while you recover.
Possible side effects of surgery include:
- Pain
- Blood in the urine
- Infections
- A blood clot in the leg
- Bloating, nausea or vomiting
- The bladder or bowels leaking inside
- Hernia
Many of these risks are temporary and can be treated. You may also have longer-term changes to your kidney function, bladder and bowel habits, and during sex. Your care team can support you in managing these.
During a cystectomy, some of your reproductive organs may be taken out. If you want children in the future, talk to your doctor about your options before the surgery.
It can feel like there’s a lot to take in before having a cystectomy. Your doctor will talk you through what to expect during and after the surgery, and you’ll have time to ask any questions.
Radiotherapy for bladder cancer
Radiotherapy can sometimes be offered as an alternative to surgery for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. This might be alongside chemotherapy, called chemoradiation.
It’s also an option for bladder cancer that has spread (metastatic or advanced). It can help control cancer growth and ease symptoms to help you live more comfortably and, sometimes, for longer. This is called palliative radiotherapy.
At GenesisCare, we’re the leading private provider of radiotherapy in the UK. Not all radiotherapy treatments are alike, and our approach is defined by the latest technology and innovative techniques, carefully planned and overseen by teams of leading experts.
Our latest-generation radiotherapy machines (called Linacs) deliver highly targeted radiation beams, designed to be effective while minimising the radiation dose to healthy tissues.
Our radiotherapy treatments for bladder cancer combine:
- Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) – widely recognised to be the highest standard of care currently available for patients needing this type of radiotherapy treatment
- Image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) – using X-ray scans before and during treatment to pinpoint the precise location of the tumour, minimising radiation to healthy tissues
- Adaptive radiotherapy - using a ‘plan of the day’ approach to account for natural changes in bladder size, treatment is targeted more accurately to the tumour. Delivered as standard for patients undergoing radical treatment
Radiotherapy side effects
The newest radiotherapy treatments for bladder cancer aim to target the tumour with high accuracy, helping to minimise side effects caused by exposing healthy tissue to radiation.
It’s normal to have some effects after treatment. These are manageable and should start to gradually ease after a couple of weeks.
These short-term side effects include:
- Feeling tired and weak
- An irritated bladder e.g. needing to go often or urgently
- Pain when urinating
- Diarrhoea, wind, and bloating
Long-lasting side effects from bladder radiotherapy are not common. They include fatigue, blood in the urine, changes to your bladder or bowel habits, and weaker pelvic bones.
You may find that your sex life is affected by radiotherapy. This includes low sex drive, difficulty getting or keeping erections, and vaginal dryness.
Speak to your doctor if you notice any of these, as there are ways to help you manage.
At GenesisCare, we continue to invest in improving radiotherapy with a focus on helping people live well after treatment. We offer many of the latest technologies and techniques so that our patients can benefit from the very best cancer care.
Chemotherapy for bladder cancer
There are different options for chemotherapy to treat bladder cancer. It can be used to treat all stages of bladder cancer and is often combined with other therapies like surgery or radiotherapy.
The options vary depending on the stage of the cancer. These include:
Early-stage (non-invasive) bladder cancer
- Intravesical chemotherapy – chemotherapy is placed directly into the bladder to treat cancer in the bladder lining and help prevent it from coming back. This minimises side effects compared with chemotherapy into a vein
- Heated localised chemotherapy – chemotherapy is injected into the bladder and microwaves heat the bladder wall to make it more sensitive to the chemotherapy
Advanced (muscle invasive) bladder cancer
- Systemic neoadjuvant chemotherapy - A full course of chemotherapy delivered into a vein using a drip before surgery to shrink the tumour and improve treatment success. This involves multiple treatment sessions, not just a single dose.
- Systemic adjuvant chemotherapy – Typically given in cycles every two to three weeks, depending on the specific drug used. A full course usually consists of four to six cycles, which can take around three to four months to complete. Treatment is given through the bloodstream using a drip, to help reduce the risk of the cancer returning.
Chemotherapy may be your main treatment if you have metastatic or advanced bladder cancer. The aim is to help you live more comfortably and, sometimes, for longer.
At GenesisCare, we offer the latest chemotherapy for bladder cancer at our Macmillan-accredited treatment centres. You’ll be treated in a private chemotherapy suite, with a 24/7 on-call service with a dedicated cancer specialist nurse for anything you may need.
Chemotherapy side effects
How you feel after chemotherapy depends on the dose, how long you have it for, and whether you’re having localised treatment to the bladder or systemic chemotherapy through a vein.
Most side effects of chemotherapy are temporary, and your care team will offer supportive care and advice to manage them.
Common side effects include:
- Feeling very tired
- Losing your appetite or losing weight
- Bleeding or bruising more easily
- Nausea or vomiting
- Changes to bowel movements
- Hair loss
Chemotherapy can increase your risk of getting a serious infection. Your care team will explain what to look out for and what to do if you become unwell.
Our specialist nurses take every care to support you during this time. They’re available 24/7 if you have any concerns and can offer advice and treatments to help you manage.
Immunotherapy for bladder cancer
Immunotherapy helps your immune system recognise and fight cancer cells. It can be part of treatment plans for all stages of bladder cancer.
Early bladder cancer may be treated with an immunotherapy called Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). It’s given directly to the bladder through a catheter tube. BCG works by stimulating the growth and activity of your immune system cells in the bladder lining.
Immunotherapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer is usually given into a vein through a drip. It’s used for certain types of bladder cancer and when chemotherapy isn’t suitable.
Metastatic bladder cancer can also be managed with immunotherapy. This might be alongside or after chemotherapy.
Immunotherapy side effects
The side effects of immunotherapy depend on the drug you’re having, the dose and duration, and your general health. The effects are mostly temporary and can be managed with treatment.
If you’re having BCG, most side effects are only within the bladder, such as irritated bladder, blood in the urine, or painful urination.
General side effects of bladder immunotherapy include:
- Fatigue
- Stomach upsets e.g. nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation
- Losing your appetite
- Skin symptoms e.g. dry skin, rash, itching
- Flu-like symptoms e.g. fever, chills, headache, muscle aches
- Cough or difficulty breathing
- High or low blood pressure
- Swelling in hands or feet
- Changes in blood sugar levels
Some treatments may have late side effects that appear long after treatment is finished. These include mild memory changes, fatigue, or hormonal shifts. In some cases, regular check-ups are needed for heart, nerve, or organ health to help catch and manage any concerns early.
If you have any concerns during your treatment, reach out to your care team. Our expert consultants are here to help you manage the effects of treatment.
At GenesisCare our patients have access to the latest immunotherapy treatments, including early access to the latest drugs.
Targeted therapy for bladder cancer
Targeted therapies are some of the newest treatments for bladder cancer. In the UK, many of these are only available within clinical trials.
A targeted therapy focuses on specific genes in cancer. It uses this to block certain processes the cancer needs to grow and survive.
Bladder cancer targeted therapies include:
- Growth inhibitors
- Tyrosine kinase inhibitors
These targeted therapies can work for bladder cancer with changes to the NTRK gene. This is quite rare, but your doctor can offer a genetic test.
At GenesisCare, we continue to invest in many of the latest treatments for bladder cancer. If you are interested in having targeted therapy as part of a clinical trial, ask your consultant about studies you could join.
Targeted therapy side effects
The side effects of targeted therapy depend on the type of treatment you’re having. Many of these are temporary and ease with time.
Common side effects include:
- Increased risk of infections
- Anaemia (low red blood cells)
- Nerve problems e.g. tingling, numbness, balance issues
- Stomach upsets e.g. nausea, diarrhoea or constipation
- Skin changes e.g. dryness, rashes or sensitivity to sunlight
- Tiredness
- Muscle and joint pain
- Bruising and bleeding
Some side effects may last after treatment ends. Nerve issues like tingling or numbness can linger, and fatigue may take weeks to fade. Changes in taste, digestion, or skin sensitivity can also last for some time.
Speak to your care team if you have any concerns during treatment. They can offer advice and treatments to help you manage the impact of treatment.
Bladder cancer treatment at GenesisCare
We provide exceptional bladder cancer care, wherever you are on your journey. From noticing the first symptoms through to diagnosis and treatment for all stages of bladder cancer, our world-class service is here for you every step of the way.
Our commitment is to provide access to innovative bladder cancer treatments and advanced radiotherapy techniques, many of which are not widely available elsewhere – all with less waiting and worrying.
We understand that bladder cancer can impact your wellbeing beyond the treatment room. That’s why we offer all our patients tailored exercise medicine plans and wellbeing sessions through our unique partnership with Penny Brohn UK – at no extra cost.
Learn more about our approach to bladder cancer care, or contact us for more information and help booking appointments
Make an enquiry
We’re recognised by all private medical providers, including Bupa, AXA PPP, Aviva and Vitality. Self-pay options are also available. Contact our team to help guide you through the process.
FAQs about bladder cancer treatment
Bladder removal (a cystectomy) aims to take out all the cancer. If your cancer has a high risk of returning, your treatment plan will also usually include chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
For some people, bladder cancer will return after treatment. This can happen at any time, though it’s usually within the first two years.
There are treatment options if your bladder cancer comes back. These usually depend on how widespread the cancer is and which treatments you had before.
The most common places for bladder cancer to spread are the lymph nodes, bones, lungs, liver and peritoneum, which is the area between the back passage and genitals.
When bladder cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it’s called advanced or metastatic bladder cancer. Treatment is focused on controlling the cancer and easing symptoms to help you live more comfortably and, sometimes, for longer.
How long you live after diagnosis depends on several things, including the stage of your cancer, how fast it’s growing, and your general health. Sometimes, bladder cancer can be cured, especially when diagnosed early.
Bladder cancer survival rates from Cancer Research UK suggest that after diagnosis of bladder cancer:
- 8 in 10 people with stage one live at least five years
- Just under 5 in 10 people with stage two live at least five years
- 4 in 10 people with stage three live at least five years
- 1 in 10 people* with stage four live at least five years
Stages of bladder cancer have different names to other cancers. Stage one cancer is non-muscle invasive cancer. Stages two and three are muscle-invasive bladder cancers. Stage four is advanced or metastatic bladder cancer.
The best person to speak to about your life expectancy is your doctor, as they can consider your individual circumstances.
*The statistics for stage four bladder cancer are for people of all ages, so they may not reflect the outlook for a person of your age.
A cystectomy is a significant procedure. It can take a few weeks to recover, and you’ll likely need pain medicines to help you manage for around two weeks.
Your care team will talk you through what to expect after surgery, and ways that we can help you through your recovery.
Bladder cancer can sometimes be cured, especially at early stages (non-muscle invasive bladder cancer). That’s why it’s so important to see a doctor quickly about any symptoms, so that treatment can start as soon as possible.
Hearing directly from our patients shows you that you’re not alone and GenesisCare will support you at every step of your journey.
Reviewed by:
Dr Nicola Dallas
Consultant Clinical Oncologist
March 2025
