Management of urinary bladder cancer

A series of 231 patients, 198 males and 33 females, suffering from primary urinary bladder cancer and treated by various combinations of surgery, radiotherapy and cancer chemotherapy, was categorized into 4 treatment groups, analysed and compared with those recorded in the literature. Patients in stages T1 and T2, if treated adequately, have an excellent and good prognosis respectively, while those in stages T3 and T4, unfortunately the majority, have a prognosis that is decidedly disappointing. Haematuria is of the greatest significance and should be investigated without delay if symptoms in patients in early stage T1 are to be diagnosed, treated and cured. In a review of the aetiology, smoking, among possible predisposing factors, poses the greatest hazard for the general population. A strong plea is made that smoking never be started, or if started, that it be given up immediately, if the health of the nation is to be our prime concern