What should you know about intravesical BCG for bladder cancer?

BCG is placed directly into the bladder rather than given through a vein. The medicine is held in the bladder for a planned period, then passed out through the urine. It stimulates a local immune response that can act against abnormal bladder cells left after an earlier procedure.

Treatment is usually arranged as a course of clinic visits, with checks before each session. A cystoscopy may be used to inspect the bladder and assess the response. The urology team decides whether BCG, another bladder treatment, or bladder removal surgery is more appropriate for the cancer's features.

Follow the clinic's instructions about fluids, medicines, and using the toilet after treatment. Tell the team if you have a urinary infection, blood in the urine, difficulty passing urine, fever, or feel unwell before a session, because treatment may need to be delayed.

Mild bladder irritation, urgency, frequent urination, or discomfort can occur after BCG. Use only the medicines and hygiene instructions supplied by your treatment team, and keep a record of symptoms between visits.

Contact the treatment team urgently for a high temperature, chills, severe weakness, confusion, breathing difficulty, inability to pass urine, or severe pain. These symptoms can indicate a serious reaction or infection and need prompt assessment.

What did my bladder examination show? How many treatment visits are planned? What symptoms are expected after BCG? Which medicines should I avoid or report? When should a cystoscopy or other review take place? What alternatives would be considered if BCG is unsuitable or does not control the cancer?