Fundamentals of bladder cancer nursing: from diagnosis pathways to holistic care

Bladder cancer remains one of the most common urological malignancies and demands timely diagnosis and streamlined pathways to achieve optimal patient outcomes. This article provides an overview of bladder cancer, including grading and staging, and outlines the 2023 Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) bladder cancer pathway. It highlights the nurse's pivotal role from early detection and diagnosis through treatment, surveillance, and holistic care. Emphasis is placed on nurse-led flexible cystoscopy, intravesical therapy, and how clear communication, education and compassionate support can reduce patient anxiety at each stage. Practical considerations are set out for advanced practice, training and service improvement to ensure delivery of safe, high-quality, evidence-based care. By examining real examples, it demonstrates how nurses build trust, facilitate shared decision-making and support patients' psychosocial wellbeing. This review provides generalist and specialist nurses with essential knowledge and recommendations to enhance bladder cancer care, aligned with the GIRFT principles.