Strategies to improve quality of life in bladder cancer patients

Abstract

Bladder cancer is a heterogeneous disease that includes both tumors with low risk of dissemination as well as highly malignant tumors with a considerable potential to metastasize. The patient's quality of life is closely related to the management of the disease. The challenge for the urologist is to acknowledge the malignant potential of the cancer and to adjust the approach to the patient accordingly. Patients with low-risk bladder cancer should avoid an exaggerated follow-up, but on the other hand high-risk patients must be sufficiently surveyed to secure that definitive surgical treatment is performed before it's too late. When the decision to perform a cystectomy has been made, it is crucial that the patient understands the consequences of the surgery as well as the possible options for urinary reconstruction. This review focuses on aspects of bladder cancer management that we believe are vital for the quality of life of these patients.

Case Study On Patients' Gender, Lifestyle And Coping With Non-Invasive Bladder Cancer

“…Bladder cancer patients must cope with the limitations imposed by their condition and require meticulous follow-ups (Billings & Moos, 1981;Roalsden, Aarsaether, Kunsten, & Patel, 2014). Coping was defined as the cognitive appraisal of a stressor and the behavioral effort needed to manage its demands (Folkman, 1984;Folkman et al, 1986;Lazarus & Folkman, 1984).…”

Bladder cancer in the elderly patient: challenges and solutions

“…Among patients with MIBC, decreases in HRQoL develop after RC with urinary tract reconstruction (ie, ileal conduit, continent cutaneous diversion, and orthotropic neobladder), particularly in the sexual and urinary domains 68,78. Despite the many studies that compared various urinary reconstructive approaches after RC, there are inadequate data to support the superiority of any of the three urinary diversions in regard to HRQoL 73,78.…”

“…Despite the many studies that compared various urinary reconstructive approaches after RC, there are inadequate data to support the superiority of any of the three urinary diversions in regard to HRQoL 73,78. There are advantages and disadvantages of each procedure; thus, it is of the utmost importance to provide patients with adequate information about each surgical approach to allow individuals to make an informed decision 78.…”

“…Despite the many studies that compared various urinary reconstructive approaches after RC, there are inadequate data to support the superiority of any of the three urinary diversions in regard to HRQoL 73,78. There are advantages and disadvantages of each procedure; thus, it is of the utmost importance to provide patients with adequate information about each surgical approach to allow individuals to make an informed decision 78. Decreased body image, increased self-consciousness, and decreases in travel and activity levels are frequently experienced by patients with ileal conduits, whereas those with continent diversions report urinary symptoms related to use of a catheter 68,78.…”

“…There are advantages and disadvantages of each procedure; thus, it is of the utmost importance to provide patients with adequate information about each surgical approach to allow individuals to make an informed decision 78. Decreased body image, increased self-consciousness, and decreases in travel and activity levels are frequently experienced by patients with ileal conduits, whereas those with continent diversions report urinary symptoms related to use of a catheter 68,78. Among patients who underwent construction of orthotropic neobladders, night-time leakage can negatively impact HRQoL 68.…”