Bladder cancer affects approximately 70,000 Americans each year, yet few people know much about this life-changing disease, according to the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN). Thus, the advocacy group is holding a forum to enhance the public’s understanding of the risks and signs of bladder cancer, the importance of early detection, and treatment options. The forum, titled “Understanding Bladder Cancer,” will pull together a panel of bladder cancer specialists who will provide a complete overview of the disease, treatments available, and recent advances.

Bladder cancer is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, and is generally eclipsed by more recognizable cancers such as those affecting the breast and colon. But it is not uncommon. Risk is higher in smokers, and the chance of getting bladder cancer increases as people age.

Other factors can also lead to bladder cancer. For example, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a warning to doctors and patients that the type 2 diabetes drug, Actos, put patients at risk for bladder cancer. Patients who used the drug long-term were at greater risk for developing the disease.

Because bladder cancer has a high recurrence rate, patients require lifelong surveillance, making it one of the most expensive cancers. The most frequent symptom of the disease is blood in the urine.

The BCAN forum will be held Saturday, September 24 in Denver. The forum is open to bladder cancer patients, their loved ones, and caregivers. For more information about the forum or bladder cancer, visit www.BCAN.org, or call 888-901-BCAN.

Source: PR Web

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