Transitional Cell Carcinoma

I am a 60-year old female.  Both my parents died of cancer - my father of cancer of the kidney/bladder, 30 years ago and my mother of cancer of unknown (to me) origin 20 years ago.

I have just discoverd that both of my siblings have transitional cell cancer of the bladder/urethra.

Are there tests that I could take to reassure myself?  I want to be in possesion of some information before discussing this with my doctor, who can usually allot only about five minutes time and I want to make that time count.

[golferga]

YES, I think with your family history you should see a urologists ASAP for a thorough exam. There are many tests both invasive and non invasive. Urine samples can  provide eveidence of the indication of blood in the urine. Blood in the urine may be an indication that further and perhaps more invasive tests need to be done such as a cysto or perhaps ct scans of the kidney, bladder, ureters and urrethra. Urine and blood test can also be done to measure the presance of certain tumor markers that might give an indication of certain types of cancer. If indicated a flexible endoscopic instrument can used to view the bladder and much of the urinary tract in real time to check for the presenance of bladder caner or other potiental problems.