Gender differences in stage distribution of bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVES

To compare stage distribution between men and women with bladder cancer at first presentation.

METHODS

The population-based Netherlands Cancer Registry was used to investigate stage differences of newly diagnosed bladder cancer, including upper urinary tract tumors in female and male patients.

RESULTS

The stage distribution at first presentation for both bladder cancer and upper urinary tract tumors was slightly worse in female patients with transitional cell carcinoma than in male patients. The stage differences were more clear in non-transitional cell carcinoma (squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and sarcoma) of the bladder, with female patients presenting with higher stages. Because of the large numbers, these gender differences in stage distribution were statistically significant in both TCC (P <0.0001) and non-TCC (P <0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Treating physicians should be aware that female patients are more frequently diagnosed with higher stages at the first presentation for bladder cancer and upper urinary tract tumors.