An A-Z Guide to Bladder Cancer

A-Z of Bladder Cancer

A quick look at the A to Z of bladder cancer. This article aims to raise awareness for everything bladder cancer, from the first symptoms to helping others come to terms with their illness.

A- Anxiety – It is natural to feel anxious after first being diagnosed. But the charity Fight Bladder Cancer is on hand to ensure that any individuals experiencing anxiety over their illness can be shared with others who have walked along the same path, their website is full of helpful Q&A’s to help you at the beginning of your journey.

B- Blood – Blood in your urine is a primary symptom of bladder cancer.  If you notice blood in your urine even once, you should contact your GP immediately.

C- Coping with the side effects – Side effects of treatments can arise and vary from person to person. Most side effects gradually go away in the weeks or months after treatment, but some side effects can continue. One of the side effects of treatment is tiredness; to cope with tiredness try these tips shared by Cancer Research UK.

D- Depressive thoughts – There is always someone out there willing to listen. You can join Macmillan cancer support community for additional support at any point during your treatment. The support can be catered to you based on location so that you get tailored local support. Alternatively, Fight Bladder Cancer offer a Confidential Forum, using their Bladder Buddy service, they are here to help you.

E-  Eating problems – Some symptoms can have an adverse effect on the body, and in turn can lead to or worsen other side effects. For example, if you are in a lot of pain, you are more likely to feel fatigued, potentially leading to depression and less motivation to eat. It is important to maintain a healthy balanced diet while going through treatment.

F- Fertility – Your treatment team can provide more information about ways to manage any changes to your fertility. These changes may be upsetting and impact on your relationships. As such, it would be helpful to talk about how you’re feeling – with your partner, family members or a counsellor. For more information on how treatment can affect fertility for both men and women, visit Cancer Council for more information.

G- Grants and loans – Different areas have local welfare assistance schemes that may be able to provide grants and loans. These schemes help people who are on a low income or receive state aid. Further information can be found by contacting your local council.

H-  Help – There are so many ways we can support cancer charities, even during lockdown! Here are some amazing ways to raise money virtually. 

I-  Incontinence – Common bladder cancer symptoms include weight loss, tiredness and incontinence. As a result of pressure in the spine or near the bladder, weakening of the muscles that control the bladder and bowels. Head to our product page to browse items that will help you live a full, active life; even with continence issues.

J- Jobseeker’s Allowance – If you have cancer and are looking for work, you may be able to claim Jobseeker’s Allowance to help support you and your family.

K-   Kindness – Kindness is shown in the lengths that people are willing to go to in raising money virtually despite Covid-19. Fight Bladder Cancer UK remains committed to raising awareness for bladder cancer during Bladder Cancer Awareness Month despite this setback, and many ready to support them. .

L- Loneliness and isolation – Many people can feel like they are going through their bladder cancer journey alone, especially during lockdown. This has been shown in the rise in phone calls to charities during this time. Take a look at our ways to stay happy and connected during isolation during lockdown.

M- Moving – To maintain a healthy lifestyle during your journey. Take a look at our ways to keep active during lockdown if you are able to. 

N- Nutritional support – Maintaining a healthy diet has been linked to lower chances of developing cancer, with up to 10% of cancers may be linked to a bad diet. A lack of fruits and vegetables may also be responsible for 6% of cancers in men.

O- Online support – The charity Fight Bladder Cancer began its journey when its founder found inadequate information on bladder cancer when he was first diagnosed. Andrew Winterbottom wanted to create a friendly community for people that had recently been diagnosed with the illness and their families, he ensured that there would be enough support for others embarking on their journey.

P-  Pain- Pain can be an indicator of bladder cancer, some people experience a stinging sensation while urinating. Visit your GP if you experience this, it could be a sign of bladder cancer.

Q-  Questions – There are so many questions that people would like answered when first diagnosed with bladder cancer. If you feel overwhelmed with questions for your next doctor’s visit, you can find some targeted questions to ask your doctor. 

R- Research – Research is what much of the money raised by charities go towards. Clinical trials are essential in increasing knowledge on bladder cancer. So take up a home based challenge to raise money during May! An idea would be to challenge yourself to a virtual race, measuring the distance on Strava or Fitbit and get family and friends to sponsor you.

S- Symptoms- One of the primary aims of Bladder Cancer Awareness Month is to raise awareness of the symptoms. The NHS website has a comprehensive list of the symptoms of bladder cancer and where you can seek medical advice. 

T-  Treatment – There are many treatments out there for bladder cancer. Some of which can be found and explained in detail on the Cancer Research UK website.

U-  Urostomy – A urostomy, also called an ostomy, makes a new path for urine to flow through your body. Normally, urine goes from your kidneys to your bladder, then out of your body through a tube called the urethra. You can order your ostomy bag via Nightingale. 

W- Walking – Walking is a low impact method of keeping fit, it is also a brilliant way of raising money for cancer! (See section H for more details on how to do this)

Z-  Zest! Eating an orange coloured fruit or vegetable every day in May to raise awareness for bladder cancer! Take a picture and share on Social Media using the hashtag #BladderCancerAware