From OHC
May 20, 2018
David M. Waterhouse, MD, MPH
Medical Oncologist and Co-Director of Research at OHC
“Most bladder cancers are caught early because an early symptom is blood in the urine. And when it’s caught early, the survival rate is excellent,” said David M. Waterhouse, MD, MPH, a medical oncologist and co-director of research at OHC (Oncology Hematology Care). “Unfortunately, when it’s caught at a later stage, the outcome isn’t as good.”
Fortunately, last year the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved four immunotherapy drugs for bladder cancer. Known as checkpoint inhibitors, all four drugs work by “releasing the brakes” on the immune system and allowing immune cells to attack tumors.
“We’re seeing positive results in patient participating in clinical trials that are testing new treatments for bladder cancer,” explained Dr. Waterhouse. “At OHC, we have one study that’s looking at a drug that inhibits the growth of tumor cells in the bladder. We’re also working with The Urology Group on another clinical trial drug in earlier stage disease. And, we hope to soon be participating in additional clinical trials that are expanding beyond the use of immunotherapy to treat bladder cancer.”
While treatment for bladder and other cancers is advancing, there are some things you can do now to reduce your risk of developing bladder cancer.
“One of the most important things people can do, not only for bladder cancer but for most types of cancers, is to stop smoking. And now there are numerous products and programs to help people stop,” added Dr. Waterhouse. “Whenever possible, try to avoid exposure to chemicals and dyes. And other tip that may help with bladder cancer prevention and has many other health benefits is to drink plenty of water.”
May is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month. Here are some Fast Facts* about bladder cancer:
- 81,000: The number of people who will be diagnosed this year with bladder cancer.
- 17,000: The number of people who will die from bladder cancer.
- 96: The 5-year survival rate of people with bladder cancer that has not spread beyond the inner layer of the bladder wall is 96%.
- 73: The average age people are diagnosed with bladder cancer.
- 55: ninety percent of people with bladder cancer are older than 55.
- 11: It is the 11th most common cancer in women.
- 4: Men are 4 times more likely than women to be diagnosed with the disease.
- 4: It is the 4th most common cancer in men.
- 2: Incidence rates in white men are 2 times more than those of black men
For more information about bladder cancer, call 1-800-710-4674 or contact us here.
OHC has been fighting cancer on the front lines for more than three decades. We are the region’s premier source of treatment for nearly every form of adult cancer and complex blood disorder, and we’re the Tri-state’s largest independent cancer clinical trial provider. OHC offers the latest medical, gynecologic and radiation therapy, always seeking better treatment options. OHC is certified by the American Society for Clinical Oncology in the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative Certification Program, is the only accredited Oncology Medical Home in Cincinnati and is one of only 196 cancer practices nationally to be accepted into the Medicare Oncology Initiative. At its heart, our approach to cancer care is simple – to surround you with everything you need so you can focus on what matters most: beating cancer.
*From the American Society of Clinical Oncology
