Gender differences in stage distribution of bladder cancer.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Mungan
N A
NA
Department of Urology, University Hospital, Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Kiemeney
L A
LA
van Dijck
J A
JA
van der Poel
H G
HG
Witjes
J A
JA
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000473:pathology; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology; D002295:Carcinoma, Transitional Cell / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000473:pathology; D012737:Sex Factors; D014516:Ureteral Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*