Things to Know When Diagnosed With Bladder Cancer, With David VanderWeele, M.D., Ph.D.

When you’re first told you have bladder cancer, the most important thing to understand is that care and next steps depend heavily on the stage of the disease. David VanderWeele, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor in medicine - hematology/oncology at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine, stresses that early-stage cancers (those confined to the bladder lining) are treated and followed differently from cancers that have grown into deeper muscle layers or spread beyond the bladder. In all cases, the goals are similar: treat what needs treating, monitor closely so recurrence or progression is caught early and protect your quality of life.

VanderWeele emphasizes that treatment is tailored — your health care team will balance the goal of curing or controlling cancer with preserving function and quality of life. Regular monitoring is critical, especially for early‑stage disease where recurrence is possible. Your care team will schedule more frequent evaluations and adjust therapy as needed.

He also highlights the value of community — whether it’s a formal support group or simply close friends — for emotional resilience. His central message: You don’t have to go through this alone — get informed, get connected, and get the care that matches the stage and goals that matter to you.

4 Things to Know When Diagnosed With Bladder Cancer

• Your treatment and monitoring plan depends on the stage of your bladder cancer.
• Bladder cancer usually involves regular care, frequent evaluations and adjustments to treatment plans.
• A strong support network is essential — don’t go through this alone.
• Support groups can be very helpful, even for those hesitant to join.