Bladder cancer
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Bladder cancer is more common in men than in women. 1,904 new cases of bladder and urothelial cancer were registered in 2024.
About bladder cancer
Bladder cancer is often used for cancer arising in the lining of the urinary tract. This is the reason why cancer of the renal pelvis, ureter and urethra are essentially the same disease, namely urothelial cancer. Bladder cancer can also arise in other cells in the bladder, and the cancer will then have other biological characteristics.
Bladder and urothelial cancer is the sixth largest form of cancer among men in Norway in 2024. The incidence rate is significantly higher for men than for women. Bladder and urethral cancer accounts for the largest proportion of patients diagnosed with bladder and urothelial cancer. In the period 1990–2024, the incidence of renal pelvis and ureteral cancer has remained relatively stable for both sexes. The incidence is somewhat higher for men than for women in the same time period.
In recent years, there have been more than 1,000 cases annually among men, while among women there are 400-500 a year who are affected. In 2024, 1441 men and 463 women were diagnosed with bladder cancer.
Key figures bladder cancer 2024
Number of new cases
Men: 1441
Women: 463
Rates - number of cases per 100,000
Men: 47.5
Women: 13.6
Five-year relative survival (2020-2024)
Men: 80.9 %Women: 72.6 %
Cancer survivors - both genders
16,653 people as of 31.12.2024
Deaths (2023)
Men: 288
Women: 136
Cumulative risk of developing bladder cancer by age 80 (2020-2024)
Men: 3.7 %
Women: 1.1 %
Risk Factors
The causes are not fully understood, neither for the development of bladder cancer nor for the significant gender differences.
However, known risk factors include smoking, radiation, and chronic infections in the bladder lining.
Questions about cancer
The Cancer Registry of Norway is a research institution. Our professionals therefore do not answer questions about diagnosis, assessment, treatment and follow-up from patients or their relatives.
Inquiries about this information should be directed to your general practitioner, treating institution, or the Norwegian Cancer Society's advisory service at phone: +47 21 49 49 21.