Hi, I’m a 51 year old male with a 7cm High grade Bladder cancer tumor. I’m waiting on the second batch of histology to confirm if either T3 or T1 (Long story).
Reoccurance is a real concern for me, I have seen data that bladder cancer reoccurs post BCG in 50 - 70% of cases within 5 years. Do you have any data on BCG reoccurance and over a longer period ?
Hi JMo51Male,
Thank you for getting in touch with Macmillan Cancer Support. I’m Kelly one of the Cancer Information Nurses.
It’s understandable to want to feel informed about your treatment and how well this would work to prevent a reoccurrence of the cancer.
As you mention the data mainly focuses on cases within 5 years and I struggled to find any data beyond this time. This is due to the fact follow up support after treatment and research is usually up to five years.
We can’t say for certain that there isn’t information available but unfortunately we don’t have access to all medical databases here.
We’d encourage you to get back in touch with your consultant or named bladder cancer nurse specialist. It’s okay to make them aware of your concerns and to ask them if they are aware of any research or data regarding BCG reoccurrence over a longer period of time.
They may also be able to give further reassurance about how they will monitor for reoccurrence after treatment finishes. For example, regular cystoscopy procedures to check the bladder for any signs of the cancer returning as part of your follow up plan.
We’re aware that waiting for a confirmed diagnosis and waiting for treatment to start can cause a lot of anxiety and worry.
It’s good to see that you have joined our bladder cancer forum on our online community. The support here can be invaluable.
Our help with how you’re feeling information also explores different types of emotional support available which may help at this time.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by email, webchat or phone. The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am-8pm.
Best wishes,
Kelly
Ref: KA/AP
