The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2009 there will be about 70,980 new cases of bladder cancer diagnosed in the United States (about 52,810 men and 18,170 women). The chance of a man developing this cancer at any time during his life is about 1 in 27 and for a woman, 1 in 84.

In 2009, there will also be about 14,330 deaths from bladder cancer in the United States (about 10,180 men and 4,150 women). In spite of the increased incidence, the rate of people dying of this cancer has decreased over the past 20 years. More than 500,000 people in the United States are survivors of this cancer.

This is a cancer of older people. Nearly 90% of people with this cancer are over the age of 55.

Bladder cancer is nearly 3 times more likely to occur in men than in women. It is the fourth most common cancer diagnosed in men.

Whites are diagnosed with bladder cancer almost twice as often as blacks. Hispanics have an even lower rate than blacks.

Usually, when most patients are first diagnosed with bladder cancer, their cancer is confined to the bladder (74%). In 19% of the cases, the cancer has spread to nearby tissues outside the bladder and in 3% it has spread to distant sites. Black patients generally have more advanced disease when they are diagnosed, compared to whites.

Last Medical Review: 01/27/2009
Last Revised: 5/13/2009