Screening is done to find a problem and treat it early. Tests are given to people who do not have symptoms but who may be at high risk.
Screening Guidelines
There are no standard tests for bladder cancer screening. Those with a higher risk of bladder cancer are:
- Heavy smokers
- People who work in certain jobs that expose them to known cancer-causing agents
- People who have had bladder cancer in the past
- People with certain structural problems since birth
Tests for those with high risk may include:
- Urine tests—to look for blood or abnormal cells
- Cystoscopy—to look for tumors or changes in the bladder wall
The doctor can discuss a person's bladder cancer risk and advise tests, if needed.
References
Bladder cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/bladder-cancer. Accessed March 30, 2022.
Can bladder cancer be found early? American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/detection.html. Accessed March 30, 2022.
Screening for bladder and other urothelial cancers. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/bladder/patient/bladder-screening-pdq#section/%5F38. Accessed March 30, 2022.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Nicole Meregian, PA
- Update Date: 03/30/2022