Genitourinary Cancers

Genitourinary cancers affect the system that plays a role in reproduction and eliminating waste from our bodies. Abnormal cells accumulate in the tissues of the bladder, kidneys, prostate, penis, testicles and urethra, causing common cancers of the genitourinary (je-nuh-toh-YUR-uh-ner-ee) system. Several cancers can develop in the kidneys, including renal pelvis and ureter cancer and Wilms Tumor, while cancer of the prostate gland is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men. The prostate gland is located just below the bladder, illustrating the close proximity of the reproductive and urinary systems. Genitourinary cancers can easily spread to nearby organs if left untreated. Your risk for genitourinary cancers increases if you have had a family history of cancer. See your doctor if you have blood in urine or semen, trouble urinating, abdominal pain or bone pain.