Hematuria screening for bladder cancer

J Occup Med. 1990 Sep;32(9):838-45. doi: 10.1097/00043764-199009000-00016.

Abstract

Detection of bladder cancer before deep invasion occurs offers patients a favorable prognosis. Because most bladder cancers, even when noninvasive, produce hematuria, screening asymptomatic persons at risk for bladder cancer for hematuria provides a means of promoting early detection and has the potential to reduce morbidity and mortality. However, bladder cancer-induced hematuria is quite intermittent; thus, repetitive testing is necessary. In a pilot study, 11.4% of asymptomatic men over age 50 who had at least one positive dipstick result were found on urologic work-up to have bladder cancers that were caught early enough to receive purportedly curative treatment. Issues concerning the applicability of this methodology to other high-risk populations are discussed and efforts now underway to confirm and expand upon this screening program are described.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Hematuria / diagnosis*
  • Hematuria / etiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / methods*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Occupational Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Occupational Diseases / etiology
  • Reagent Strips
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / etiology

Substances

  • Reagent Strips