Episode Description
Welcome to Onco Life Centre Podcast.
A major 2026 update to U.S. bladder cancer guidelines reshapes how often patients should be checked after treatment. This episode looks at what changed and why.
You'll learn:
- A 2026 AUA and SUO guideline update refreshed how often bladder cancer checkups should happen
- Checkup frequency depends on original risk group, from low risk to high risk and carcinoma in situ
- Cystoscopy and urine cytology remain the two most common tests used to monitor for recurrence
- CT imaging of the upper urinary tract plays a supporting role, especially in higher risk disease
- Patients who had a radical cystectomy follow a different monitoring path using imaging and blood work instead of cystoscopy
- Anyone living with a urinary diversion also needs regular vitamin B12 and kidney function checks
- Two randomized trials found urine biomarker testing could safely reduce some cystoscopy visits
- The guideline panel still recommends cystoscopy and urine cytology as the backbone of monitoring for now
Staying on schedule with checkups remains the most reliable way to catch any change early. Always talk with your own care team about the plan that fits your risk group.
Blog Link: Bladder Cancer Follow-Up: How Often Should You Be Checked?
Thank you for listening to The Onco Life Podcast, your trusted source for expert cancer information and patient-centered education.
Author: Dr. CHRISTINA NG VAN TZE
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