Being diagnosed with bladder cancer is like entering an unknown world. You will be confronted with the demands of the disease, a new vocabulary and the complexities of the health care system. Treatment options can be confusing. This is an emotionally stressful time for patients and those close to them.

Understanding Bladder Cancer is a comprehensive program that gives you the information you need to actively participate in your care. Learn how to talk about cancer with your health care team and those close to you. Get the answers to your questions and gain control through understanding.

What is Bladder Cancer?
This section gives patients an important introduction to bladder cancer. It includes a discussion of risk factors and statistics about this disease. Easy-to-understand interactive diagrams explain cancer, and the anatomy and physiology of the bladder.


Back to top

Diagnosis
The Diagnosis section focuses on recognizing symptoms, understanding investigations and tests, staging bladder cancer and evaluating prognosis. It describes the symptoms of bladder cancer, the methods used to detect it (e.g., physical examination, urine cytology, cystoscopy, biopsy, x-ray, CT scan, ultrasound, bone scan, MRI scan) and the various factors that influence prognosis. Illustrative graphics and animations reveal how different stages describe the extent of the disease and how different grades are used to predict how likely the cancer is to progress.

Back to top

Treatments
The Treatments section discusses both treatment decision-making and the details of each of the primary therapies for bladder cancer: surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. It clearly shows what to expect from each treatment approach, providing answers to the questions: Why are these treatments used? How do these treatments work? What will happen during my visits? How will I manage my side effects? For each type of treatment, narrated 3-D animations and diagrams reinforce the key concepts.

Back to top

Supportive Care
The Supportive Care section focuses on the medical, psychological and social services that help patients cope with the many challenges of the disease and its treatment. The topics include managing symptoms and side effects, sexuality and body image, living with a urostomy, diet and nutrition, smoking cessation, relaxation techniques and complementary therapies. Sections on palliative care, spiritual support, psychological support and quality of life help patients address difficult emotional issues. Information on how to get in touch with support groups and services allows patients to seek out further assistance.

Back to top

Resources
In addition to the wealth of information contained in this program, the Resources section provides references to other printed and online resources. A comprehensive glossary contains the medical terms used in the program, with clear definitions and audio narrations that teach proper pronunciation.

Back to top

Clinical Level
The Clinical Level is directed at medical professionals and more experienced patients. Featuring discussions of the latest research and pathology studies, it introduces users to the principles of oncology and the key issues in the treatment of bladder cancer. With the Clinical Level advanced learners can gain the understanding and vocabulary to specify their goals and expectations, and take an active role in their care.

Back to top

Interactive Learning

Anatomy Mode. Three-dimensional interactive images allow users to explore comlex details of anatomy and understand the effects of cancer of the body.

Animations. Animations reveal simplicity in complex ideas and procedures. They demonstrate and reinforce key concepts in a dynamic, easy-to-understand format.

Patient Interviews. In the Patient Interview Videos, patients and caregivers tell their stories and offer their viewpoints. This unique component offers real-life examples of people dealing with every stage of cancer and allow users to share in the experiences of others.

Back to top | See OIES™ Demo