Advanced care for urologic cancers

When you choose cancer centers and urology clinics at Ascension sites of care, you get a care team that is part of a national network. Our experienced cancer doctors share best practices and the latest in prostate, bladder, kidney and urethral cancer treatment and research – bringing the best of cancer care to you. Every appointment with your oncologist or urology care team starts with a compassionate conversation. Your doctor answers your questions and gets to know you. So, you get a personalized cancer care plan. And with a plan, comes hope. We will help you navigate your care and will be by your side every step of the way, connecting the dots. Our goal is to help you get back to home, family, life and self sooner.

Urologic cancer care personalized for men and women

Urologic cancers can affect men and women. Urologists and oncologists at Ascension sites of care deliver compassionate, personalized care for all types of urologic cancers, including:

• Prostate
• Bladder 
• Kidneys (renal)
• Ureter
• Urethra

Your care may include advanced urologic procedures, kidney function tests, surgery and therapeutic treatment options from a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including urologists, nephrologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, cancer pathologists, and other cancer specialists. 

Treatment for urologic cancer with enhanced recovery options

If your kidney or bladder cancer care plan includes surgery, surgeons at Ascension sites of care use the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques and urologic robotic surgery, which may help shorten your recovery, including:

• Cryotherapy (freezing cancer cells)
• Cystoscopy for early-stage bladder cancer removal
• Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (kidney surgery)
• Laser ablation therapy for bladder cancer
• Transurethral resection of bladder tumor
• Robotic prostate surgery

Your care team may also refer to enhanced recovery pathways as part of your surgical care plan. They are an important part of our cancer treatment programs. Each recovery pathway is personalized for different types of cancer treatments to help speed up your recovery after surgery. Your care team uses these protocols to help you prepare for what to expect before, during and after surgery.  

Across our network, we offer high-tech radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted treatment options for prostate, bladder, kidney and urethral cancer delivered by highly trained specialists. And your doctor and care teams provide advanced urologic treatments and pelvic floor therapy to help manage urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction concerns. 

If you want to learn more about other possible options, talk to your doctor. You may want to ask whether cancer clinical trials are the right option for your care. 

Team approach helps navigate tests and support services

Along the way, your care may require imaging, lab tests, pharmacy support, dialysis, physical therapy, supportive palliative care, spiritual care and other specialists – you do not have to navigate your care alone. Your care team will help you schedule appointments, connect with other services and support groups, and answer your questions. From your first consultation and throughout your ongoing care, you and your doctor will stay connected through in-person and virtual visits. When you come into the clinic for your appointments, know that we’re maintaining strict precautions to keep you safe in our care. And your entire care team discusses your treatment and progress. As your care needs change, we’re ready to support you.

Talk to your doctor about urinary symptoms and changes

There are no screening tests for bladder and kidney cancer. For men, being diagnosed with prostate cancer can be a risk factor for cancer spread to the urethra. Urologists and kidney health specialists at Ascension sites of care provide advanced tests to diagnose all types of urologic cancer. 

Diagnosing urologic cancer starts with a comprehensive exam. Tumors are usually found because of urinary discomfort, blood in the urine, and weak or interrupted urination flow that gets worse over time, especially at night. Other symptoms may include:

• Blood in urine or semen
• Difficulty emptying bladder 
• Pain in the back, hips or groin that doesn’t go away
• Painful ejaculation
• Pain or burning when urinating

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.

Get a second opinion on your bladder or kidney cancer diagnosis or care plan

Get the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and care plan are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension sites of care. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Talk with one of our doctors about a personalized care plan. 

When you are facing a new diagnosis or are deciding on a surgical or therapeutic treatment plan, there’s a lot to think about. Our cancer specialists can provide a second opinion, based on our experience and as part of an integrated national network of care.

Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.

Financial assistance and support is available

We can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help you and your family with options for financial assistance. Our financial counseling team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your needs.