Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that originates within the bladder, or the balloon-shaped organ in your urinary system that is responsible for the storage of urine. More than 69,000 people contracted and almost 15,000 people died from bladder cancer in 2011, according to the American Cancer Society. When people develop bladder cancer, cells in their bladder grow more rapidly than normal and often form into tumors. In a similar manner to other types of cancer, bladder cancer worsens when it spreads to other organs and glands within the body. The symptoms of bladder cancer are treatable if a doctor diagnoses the cancer early enough, but bladder cancer often becomes more noticeable as it worsens and spreads. Many of the symptoms of bladder cancer are similar to other conditions that affect the bladder and surrounding organs, including bladder, kidney and prostate infections. People who develop chronic urinary tract infections are at an increased risk of developing bladder cancer. Smoking cigarettes or cigars and having a family history of bladder cancer are also major risk factors for bladder cancer. The most common symptoms of bladder cancer include painful sensations during urination, the frequent urge and need to urinate, pain in the abdomen, urine leakage and hematuria. Some people develop certain symptoms of bladder cancer, such as blood in the urine or frequent urination, but sometimes bladder cancer remains undetectable until it has spread to other parts of the body. As bladder cancer develops into later stages, it often causes more severe symptoms, such as the inability to urinate, intense Back pain or difficulty sleeping. People who have milder symptoms, such as a recurrent need to urinate, should seek medical attention quickly because these signs could help them to get an early diagnosis and treatment. Doctors often perform surgery to remove cancerous growths within bladders. During surgery, they have to take out a portion or the whole bladder during a procedure known as a cystectomy. After getting surgery, patients often develop symptoms similar to bladder cancer, such as the frequent need to urinate, urinary incontinence or pain during urination. After getting surgery, patients are in danger of symptoms such as infections, an inability to enjoy sex or a decrease libido, internal bleeding or hematuria, according to the American Cancer Society. After patients are treated for bladder cancer, their condition as well as their symptoms can return. Once they have received treatment, it is important for patients to get regular checkups and make lifestyle changes, such as stopping smoking, so that they don't develop cancer again.