Bladder Cancer Screening
At present there is no UK screening programme for bladder cancer.
A simple test using a "dipstick" placed in a specimen of urine can detect a number of factors including the presence of small amounts of blood.
Although the presence of blood, whether visible or not, may be due to several causes, including vigorous exercise and lifting, it can also indicate the presence of bladder cancer.
If a urine "dipstick" test is positive in the absence of an obvious cause such as infection (e.g., cystitis) or kidney disease, then a further test should be undertaken within a couple of weeks making sure that no physical exertion or lifting has occurred before the test.
A further positive test may require further investigations thereafter.
Prevention
Stopping smoking is the most effective measure that can be done to reduce the risk of getting bladder cancer. Even if a superficial bladder cancer has been diagnosed, stopping smoking will reduce the risk of developing more tumours in the future.
A diet high in fruit and vegetables and low in fat may help to reduce the risk.
