Margo Wickersham, a 57-year-old real estate professional, was diagnosed with stage 1 bladder cancer. Despite having no known risk factors for the disease, she recalls being completely healthy until she noticed some blood in her urine. Upon receiving the diagnosis, Wickersham discovered she actually had a second primary cancer, a rare type called plasmacytoid cancer. As a result, she had to undergo a complete bladder removal, an experience she documented in her book, “Gratitude in the Storm: When Not Dying Is Enough to Keep Fighting.”
Bladder cancer is the 10th most common cancer worldwide, typically affecting individuals over 55 years old. While it occurs three to four times more frequently in men, the American Cancer Society estimates that over 20,000 American women will be diagnosed with the disease in 2024. Additionally, bladder cancer survivors have the highest likelihood of developing a second primary cancer.
Second primary cancers are entirely new cancers that can affect survivors months or years after their initial diagnosis. They are distinct from metastatic cancers that spread from one organ to another while retaining characteristics of the original cancer cells. Some common second primary cancers for bladder cancer survivors include lung, bladder, pelvic, renal pelvis, kidney, vaginal, rectal, pancreatic, laryngeal, and esophageal cancers.
While the exact reasons for increased second primary cancers among bladder cancer survivors are not fully understood, exposure to carcinogens, genetic mutations, and lifestyle factors like smoking can contribute to the risk. Regular medical check-ups, maintaining a healthy diet, exercise, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding tobacco are recommended to reduce the risk of developing multiple malignancies.
It’s crucial for survivors to stay vigilant and report any new symptoms that could indicate a second primary cancer. By following American Cancer Society screening guidelines and making healthy lifestyle choices, survivors can help protect themselves against the potential risks of second primary cancers.
