Bladder Cancer

The UK NSC policy on Bladder Cancer screening in adults

More Information

More than 10,000 people are diagnosed with bladder cancer in the UK each year. It is the fourth most common cancer in men, and the tenth most common cancer in women. Bladder cancer is rare in people under 40; the average age at diagnosis is 65. By the time of diagnosis, about 85% of bladder cancers are still limited to the bladder. The rest will have also spread to the lymph nodes (glands).

Image © Clinical Skills Ltd and provided courtesy of Cancerbackup.

» Read more about bladder cancer on NHS Choices

» Read more about bladder cancer on Cancerbackup

Notes

Screening by urine dip stick testing for protein and blood is not recommended and should no longer take place.

Policy Position

Screening for bladder cancer should not be offered. This has been reviewed as part of the Cancer Reform Strategy for England.

This policy was reviewed in Dec 2010 but no significant changes were made. It is due to be considered again in 2014/15, or earlier if significant new evidence emerges.

Evidence Supporting the Policy

Cancer Reform Strategy (Dec 2007). Department of Health.

Stakeholders

Bladder & Bowel Foundation
The British Association for Cancer Research
The British Association of Urological Surgeons
Cancer Research UK
Macmillan
Rarer Cancers Forum
Royal College of Pathologists
Royal College of Physicians
Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
Royal College of Surgeons
Urostomy Association

The stakeholder groups will be involved when the policy is next reviewed. If you think your organisation should be added, please contact us.

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