A National Leader in Innovative Urologic Oncology

Urologic cancer includes any of the cancers affecting the bladder, prostate, penis, urethra, kidneys, or testicles. Urologic cancer occurs when the epithelial cells, which line the internal surfaces of the organs of the urinary tract or male reproductive system, become malignant, or cancerous.

Patient outcomes of urologic cancer may depend on the cancer type and stage, however, it is considered to be highly treatable in its early stages.

Learn more about urologic cancer causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Why Choose Us for Urologic Cancer Care

State-of-the-Art Urologic Cancer Treatment in New Jersey

RWJBarnabas Health, in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, meets the highest standards in urologic cancer research, treatment, prevention and education. We offer access to the full spectrum of therapeutic procedures and advanced urologic cancer treatment options including clinical trials, radiation therapy techniques and complex surgical procedures.

New Jersey’s Largest Network of Cancer Specialists

Our integrated care model for urologic cancer treatment includes the state’s largest network of cancer specialists, working together to ensure the greatest patient outcomes. The team includes:

• Highly-trained medical oncologists, urologic oncologists and radiation oncologists
• Urologists
• Advanced practice nurses and certified technicians with enhanced credentials in cancer specialty care
• Nurse navigators
• Nutrition experts
• Oncology support professionals

Oncology Nurse Navigators Guide You Through Your Urologic Cancer Journey

Our oncology nurse navigators help patients through their urologic cancer and kidney cancer journeys, from securing initial appointments to coordinating follow-up visits related to treatments and procedures, all the way through aspects of survivorship. Oncology nurse navigators also can refer you to social workers or financial counselors for matters about health insurance, financial concerns and other challenges.

To schedule an appointment with one of New Jersey’s best urologic cancer specialists, call 844-CANCERNJ or 844-226-2376.

What Causes Urologic Cancer?

The cause of urologic cancer continue to be studied, however, there are lifestyle and environmental factors that have been associated with an increased risk of developing it. They include:

• Male. More males than females develop a form of urologic cancer. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), prostate cancer is the most common of the urologic cancers among men in all racial/ethnic groups.
• Age. There is an increased likelihood of developing urologic cancer among those aged 50 and older.
• Heredity. Although bladder cancer, a form of urologic cancer, generally does not run in families, there are certain inherited genetic mutations or traits that may increase the likelihood of developing it.
• Tobacco smoking. As with many other cancers, the carcinogens in cigarette smoke affect the lining of the bladder and other organs, making smoking the leading known contributor to the development of urologic cancer and bladder cancer.
• Exposure to toxic chemicals. Individuals who have had regular exposure to harsh chemicals, such as arsenic, dyes, paints and other industrial substances may increase the risk of developing urologic cancer, bladder cancer or kidney cancer.

Knowing the urologic cancer symptoms combined with your risk factors allows you to take charge of your urologic health. You and your doctor can work together to create a plan that increases the chances of detecting urologic cancer early and treating it effectively.

Urologic Cancer Symptoms

There are a number of cancers that fall under the urologic cancer umbrella, so individual symptoms vary. Below are common urologic cancer symptoms for different types of cancer.

• Kidney cancer symptoms may include pain or a lump or pain in your back or side, or blood in the urine.
• Bladder cancer symptoms may include frequent urination, pelvis or back pain, or blood in the urine.
• Urethral cancer symptoms may include pelvis pain, frequent urination, weak urine flow, or blood in the urine.
• Prostate cancer symptoms may include trouble with urinating, a weak urine stream, erectile dysfunction, or blood in the urine.
• Penile cancer symptoms may include a change in skin color or texture of the penis, sores or blisters on the penis, or abnormal discharge.
• Testicular cancer symptoms may include swelling or a lump in the scrotum or a sensation of heaviness in the groin.

Urologic Cancer Screening and Diagnosis

Urologic cancers are often discovered from a patient’s reported symptoms. Although not all urologic cancers have standardized, routine screening tests, there are a number of tests that are performed to identify areas of concern as well as rule out other conditions. They include:

• Physical examination. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may perform a digital rectal exam (DRE) and/or pelvic exam to screen for areas of abnormality.
• Urine cytology. A urine sample is collected in a laboratory and viewed under a microscope for the presence of abnormal cells.
• Hematuria tests. Hematuria, or the presence of blood cells in the urine, can be caused by urologic cancer as well as other factors.
• Cystoscopy. When other signs of urologic cancer are revealed through screening, a cystoscopy may be performed. Performed by a surgeon or urologic cancer surgeon, this procedure involves a thin, lighted tube that can help view the inside of the bladder or urethra. Tissue samples may be taken for biopsy to rule out abnormalities that may indicate a form of urologic cancer.
• Prostate-specific antigen test (PSA test). As part of proactive urologic cancer care, this test is recommended for males aged 50 and over to identify potential prostate cancer.

Depending on the results of initial urologic cancer screening tests, other tests may be prescribed.

Urologic Cancer Treatment in New Jersey

You may have several options for your urologic cancer care, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and other therapies. Additionally, RWJBarnabas Health, together with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, offers access to cutting-edge urologic cancer clinical trials, many not available elsewhere.

Urologic Cancer Facts

It is only natural to have a number of questions about your health, screening options, urologic cancer care and your prognosis after receiving a diagnosis. Read frequently asked questions about kidney cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, and the other forms of urologic cancer, along with links to finding support services and support groups.

Your Urologic Cancer Team

The urologic cancer care team at RWJBarnabas Health includes experts in medical oncology, radiation oncology, urologic oncology, and urology who can guide your path to treatment.

To make an appointment with a urologic cancer specialist at RWJBarnabas Health, call 844-CANCERNJ or 844-226-2376