Optimal management of asymptomatic workers at high risk of bladder cancer

Many cohorts of industrial workers at increased risk of occupationally induced bladder cancer are still in the preclinical disease stage. A large proportion of workers in these populations have been exposed to aromatic amines, but have not yet experienced the average latent period for bladder cancer. A need exists for definition of what constitutes optimal management for asymptomatic workers in these cohorts. Promising advances in the epidemiology, pathology, detection, and treatment of bladder cancer pressure for a reassessment of current practices and the application of the most current scientific knowledge. Some of these apparent advances, however, have not yet been rigorously evaluated. The time has come to evaluate these advances so that their application can occur while high risk cohorts are still amenable to and likely to benefit from intervention. This commentary calls for such an evaluation leading to a comprehensive approach to managing cohorts at high risk of bladder cancer.