20 yrs w/out reoccurence the longest recorded?

Statistics for recurrences can be interpreted in many ways. I don't think it is a cut and dry 70% WILL and 30% WON'T.

You can also look at it as EACH person with BC has a 70% chance of recurrence, and 30% chance of no recurrence. More than likely the number with recurrences will be larger than 70% of the total bc patients because everyone (100% of patients) has more than double the odds of at least one recurrence. As Diane said, the time between checkups gets longer and in time the day-to-day worries subside until just before your next appointment. In the meantime, we learn to go about our everyday lives as much as possible.

I don't mean to scare anyone or further complicate this issue. These are general statistics and are cited to emphasize the diligence that is required to have the best chance of staying ahead of bc.

REMEMBER... the bottom line is if you have transitional cell carcinoma (aka 'superficial'), you MUST follow your treatment/checkup schedule to the letter.
The same goes for all types of bc as far as getting your cystos/scans when scheduled, but these particular stats refer to TCC.

Have no idea whether there is any fact behind the 20 year claim or if it is in the realm of "urban legends." I think the urologist is trying to make the point that superficial bladder cancer DOES come back. Diane's post pretty well states it.

Yes, it IS theoretically possible for one malignant cell to multiply as "fighterm" describes. I would probably describe the situation as one in which the urethelial cells in the bladder lining have become "unstable," either due to genetic or environmental factors, and are more susceptible than normal to becoming malignant, or are less able to respond appropriately to factors that lead to aberations in the cell division mechanics. It is not inevitable that the cancer will return. It is just statistically more possible, which is why our checkups are so important. I know many patients who are many years out (not sure if it is 20!) with no recurrence.

Sara Anne

Don·t know if that is a record or not - I was told on first diagnosis that there was a 70% chance of recurrence- took that to mean there was a 30% chance of non-recurrence. Also that the longer you go without recurrence the less likely you are to ever have one. As you correctly said, every case is different.The most important thing with this type of cáncer is that it is usually very treatable if caught early. That means that you have to have to attend all of your checks, and probably for life, although if there are no recurrences the time between checks is extended. SO THAT if it returns, it is caught early. Presumably the patient on the fórum continued to have his checks throughout the 20 years.
I dont think reseeding is the problem, I think it is either a genetic factor, or a cell mutation due to exposure to a carcinogen ( smoking, alcohol, for example) - that is only my opinión.
Re worrying about it, that is something we all do, regardless of how long we have had a "clean" record, but as time goes on you will find you cope with it better, and can put your worries away in a box for longer periods, just letting them out when your check-ups are due, in the meantime just getting on with life.
Diane