Things to Know When You’re a Woman at Risk for Bladder Cancer, With Armine Smith, M.D.

Armine Smith, M.D., a urologic oncologist and co-director of the Women’s Bladder Cancer Program at Johns Hopkins University, shares critical advice for women navigating bladder cancer symptoms and diagnosis. While bladder cancer is often thought of as a disease that primarily affects older men, women are frequently diagnosed at later stages due to misattributed symptoms.

One of the biggest red flags Smith highlights is blood in the urine — at any level and at any time. Women are often repeatedly treated for urinary tract infections (UTIs), even when urine cultures come back negative. If symptoms persist or recur, it’s essential to ask your doctor whether further testing is warranted and consider requesting a referral to a urologist. The gold standard for bladder cancer diagnosis is a cystoscopy, a quick and minimally uncomfortable procedure comparable to a Pap smear.

Smith urges women to trust their instincts, track symptoms and not hesitate to get a second opinion if they feel dismissed. She also emphasizes awareness of risk factors, including smoking, certain workplace exposures (like dyes or chemicals) and family history of cancer. While bladder cancer is rarely hereditary, syndromes linked to colorectal or gynecologic cancers may increase risk.

Most importantly, early detection saves lives. Bladder cancer is often very treatable when caught early, sometimes requiring only outpatient procedures.

4 Things to Know When You’re a Woman at Risk for Bladder Cancer

• Blood in your urine is never normal — even once. Don’t ignore it.
• Bladder cancer is not just a men’s disease. Women often get diagnosed later due to misattributed symptoms.
• Bladder cancer is highly treatable when caught early, sometimes with outpatient procedures.
• Track your symptoms and speak up. Your voice can be the first step to early detection.