Understanding the Gender Divide: Exploring Bladder Cancer in Men and Women

By Dr. Shashi Kumar in Renal Care

Aug 11, 2025

Understanding the Gender Divide in Bladder Cancer: Men vs. Women

Bladder cancer is a cancer type that arises in the lining of the urinary bladder, the organ that stores and releases urine. Every year, more than 80,000 people in the United States hear the devastating news that they have bladder cancer. This disease can strike both men and women, but it is far more common in men. Men are nearly three times more likely to get bladder cancer than women.

This difference between men and women has puzzled scientists for a long time. They have been working hard to understand why men are at greater risk. Some researchers believe it might be linked to different exposures to harmful chemicals, smoking habits, or even genetic factors.

Bladder cancer is a complex medical condition that can bring a lot of pain and uncertainty. Having support and clear information is essential to help navigate this challenging time. In this blog, we will explore what bladder cancer is, why it affects men more than women, and what you can do if you or a loved one is facing this diagnosis. Our goal is to provide compassionate guidance and hope, helping you understand this disease in simple terms.

Incidence Rates of Bladder Cancer in Men

According to the American Cancer Society, the incidence rate of bladder cancer in men is approximately 37 per 100,000 individuals. This means that for every 100,000 men, 37 will be diagnosed with bladder cancer. The high incidence rate in men is believed to be linked to several factors, including:

Increased exposure to carcinogenic chemicals and substances
Hormonal differences that may influence the development of the disease
Genetic factors that predispose men to a higher risk of bladder cancer

Incidence Rates of Bladder Cancer in Women

In contrast, the incidence rate of bladder cancer in women is significantly lower, at approximately 12 per 100,000 individuals. This lower incidence rate in women has been attributed to a variety of factors, including:

Hormonal differences that may provide some protective effects
Lower exposure to certain risk factors, such as occupational exposures
Differences in the way the immune system responds to the development of bladder cancer

Common Symptoms of Bladder Cancer in Men and Women

The symptoms of bladder cancer are often similar in both men and women, and may include:

Presence of blood in the urine (hematuria). It may cause the urine to appear red, pink, or cola-coloured
Frequent urination with little output
Pain or burning sensation during urination
Difficulty urinating
Lower back pain or pelvic pain
Loss of bladder control
Fatigue or generalised weakness
Unintentionally weight loss
Painless hematuria( blood in urine)

Risk Factors for Bladder Cancer in Men

Several risk factors can contribute to the higher incidence of bladder cancer in men, including:

Smoking: Smokers are at a greater risk of inflicting bladder cancer compared to non-smokers.
Occupational Exposures: Certain occupations, such as those in the dye, rubber, heavy metals, and leather industries, have been associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer in men.
Genetic Factors: Some genetic variations and mutations have been correlated to a higher risk of bladder cancer in men.

Risk Factors for Bladder Cancer in Women

While the incidence of bladder cancer is lower in women, there are still several risk factors contributing to the development of the disease, including:

Smoking: Similar to men, women who smoke have a higher risk of developing bladder cancer.
Age: Bladder cancer risk increases with age, mainly after the age of 55.
Obesity: Studies have suggested that obesity may be a risk factor for bladder cancer in women.
Hormonal factors: Changes in hormonal levels, such as those experienced during pregnancy or menopause, may influence the risk of bladder cancer in women.

Diagnosis of Bladder Cancer

The diagnosis of bladder cancer involves:

Medical History and Physical Evaluation: A doctor will ask for a detailed questionnaire about the patient's symptoms, risk factors, & family history of cancer. The doctor may conduct a physical examination, including a pelvic exam for women and a digital rectal exam for men, to check for abnormalities.
Urine Analysis: Doctors may perform urine cytology and urine culture to rule out the underlying cause and look for cancer cells.
Imaging Tests: Ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI may provide detailed imaging of the urinary tract to identify tumours, determine their size & location, and check for spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
Cystoscopy: A doctor may insert a cystoscope with a light source and a camera attached through the urethra to examine the bladder visually for tumours or abnormalities.
Biopsy: Sometimes, the doctor may perform a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer cells.

Treatment Options for Bladder Cancer

Treatment modalities for bladder cancer depend on the stage and type of the disease, and may include:

Surgery: Removal of the tumour or the entire bladder (cystectomy)
Chemotherapy: Systemic or intravesical (directly into the bladder)
Radiation therapy: Brachytherapy (internal radiation) or external beam radiation
Immunotherapy: Stimulating the body's immune system to fight the cancer
Palliative Care: Helps relieve symptoms associated with advanced bladder cancer

Prevention and Early Detection of Bladder Cancer

Early detection and prevention are essential components in the fight against bladder cancer. Regular check-ups and screenings, particularly for individuals with known risk factors, can help identify the disease in its early stages when it is more treatable.

Additionally, some lifestyle alterations, such as quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol consumption, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding exposure to certain chemicals, can lower the risk of developing bladder cancer.

Conclusion

Understanding the gender divide in bladder cancer is crucial for improving outcomes and addressing the unique needs of both men and women affected by this disease. Doctors can develop more targeted and effective prevention, early detection, and treatment strategies by exploring the underlying factors contributing to the disparity in incidence rates. By breaking down the gender divide in bladder cancer, we can work towards a future where all individuals have an equal chance of avoiding and overcoming this challenging condition.

FAQs

What is the primary cause of the gender divide in bladder cancer?
The primary cause of the gender divide in bladder cancer is believed to be a combination of factors, including increased exposure to carcinogenic chemicals and substances, hormonal differences, and genetic predisposition in men.
Are there any specific risk factors for bladder cancer that are more common in women?
Yes, some risk factors that are more common in women include obesity and hormonal fluctuations, such as during pregnancy or menopause.
Can bladder cancer be prevented?
You can take several proactive steps to lower the risk of bladder cancer, including quitting smoking, avoiding exposure to certain chemicals, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
What are the most prevalent symptoms of bladder cancer?
The signs and symptoms of bladder cancer include blood in the urine, frequent or painful urination, frequent urge to urinate, difficulty urinating, and pain in the pelvic area and the lower back region.
How is bladder cancer typically diagnosed?
The diagnosis of bladder cancer involves a combination of medical history review, physical assessment, and various imaging analyses, such as CT scans or MRI. It also consists of a procedure called cystoscopy, which involves inserting a small camera into the bladder to examine the tissue.