Questions to ask: Bladder cancer

Diagnosis

• Is my cancer non-muscle-invasive or muscle-invasive?
• What is the grade of my cancer, and is it low, intermediate, or high risk?
• Was bladder muscle included in my TURBT sample? Do I need a second TURBT?
• Do I have carcinoma in situ (CIS)?
• Has the cancer spread to lymph nodes or other organs?
• Do I need a CT urogram to check my kidneys and ureters?
• Is the goal of treatment to cure the cancer or to control it?
• If my cancer has spread, has my tumor been tested for FGFR3 and HER2?
• Should I see a genetic counselor or be tested for Lynch syndrome?
• Could my job or past chemical exposure be linked to my cancer?
• Should I get a second opinion, and can you help arrange one?

Before

• What treatment do you suggest, and why?
• Will I get BCG? How often, and for how long?
• Am I able to get cisplatin, based on my kidney function, hearing, and nerves?
• Will I have treatment before surgery? Will I need more treatment after?
• Is keeping my bladder with radiation and chemotherapy an option for me?
• If my bladder is removed, which type of urinary diversion is best for me?
• Can I meet with an ostomy nurse before surgery?
• How will surgery affect my sex life and fertility?
• Are there clinical trials I could join?
• How long will I be in the hospital, and how long is recovery?
• What help is there to quit smoking?
• What costs should I expect, and who can help with insurance?

During

• How will we know if the treatment is working?
• Which side effects should I call about right away?
• What should I do after each BCG treatment to protect myself and my family?
• How can I manage bladder burning and needing to pee often?
• What should I watch for with numbness, rash, or blood sugar on enfortumab vedotin?
• When is my next cystoscopy or scan?
• What happens if BCG does not work for me?
• Can I see a palliative care team to help with symptoms?
• Can I see a dietitian, social worker, or counselor?
• How can my caregiver help, and what should they watch for?

After

• How often will I need cystoscopy, urine tests, and scans?
• What signs could mean the cancer has come back?
• Do I need to keep checking my kidneys and ureters?
• What long-term side effects should I watch for?
• Who can help me with my urostomy or neobladder over time?
• Who will be my main doctor after treatment ends?
• Where can my family and I find support groups?
• Should my family members know about any inherited cancer risk?

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.