Prognosis and Duration

Superficial

This is the commonest type of bladder cancer and has the best long term outcome. About 75% of people diagnosed have this sort of bladder cancer.

Invasive

It is recommended that if treatment is not being given for any reason and if needs are identified and indefinite award is made.

If treatment is being given, any award made should be limited to the length of treatment and a reasonable period of recovery.

In the typical case a return to health is expected once recovery from treatment has taken place.

Advanced or Metastatic

Average survival with supportive treatment only is 2-4 months. With maximal treatment including cisplatin based chemotherapy this can be extended to 12-14 months with 20% of people treated like this living for 3 years or more.

No long term improvement in condition is expected, this is a terminal illness. An indefinite award is recommended.

All information must be taken into account when considering the duration of disabling effects and the duration of disabling effects must be based on the particular circumstances of the individual claimant.

Amended June 2008