Genitourinary Cancer

Genitourinary cancer may include cancers of the urinary system, as well as the reproductive tract. Adrenal, bladder, and kidney (also known as renal) cancers occur in the urinary system, while penile, prostate, and testicular cancers develop in the reproductive tract. Prostate, bladder, and kidney cancers are the most common types of genitourinary cancer, while testicular, penile, and adrenal cancers are the least common.

People who are at higher risk of genitourinary cancer may have a family history of this type of disease. Smoking, age, race/ethnicity, chemical exposures, diet, high blood pressure, and the use of certain medicines or herbal supplements can also increase a person’s risk for certain types of genitourinary cancers.

While some genitourinary cancers have obvious symptoms, others do not. For example, prostate cancer is often referred to as a "silent killer" since some patients do not report having any symptoms prior to diagnosis. However, routine physicals and screenings can help providers find and diagnose these types of cancers early.

The most common types of GU cancers are prostate, bladder, and kidney cancers. Some GU cancers have obvious symptoms, but others don't. For example, prostate cancer is sometimes called a "silent killer" because some patients don't have any symptoms before diagnosis. 

Risk factors for GU cancers include:

To diagnose GU cancers, doctors may order tests such as biopsies and imaging. Treatments for GU cancers vary depending on the type of cancer and can include surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal treatment, and immunotherapy.