Introduction: Despite recent attention, there are no gender specific guidelines to address the disparity in bladder cancer survival between the sexes. The focus of this review was to identify areas of clinical practice that may influence bladder cancer outcomes and to provide evidence-based recommendations to improve bladder cancer survival in women. Method: A systematic search of MEDLINE was conducted to identify studies related to referral, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of patients with bladder cancer with particular reference to gender differences. Results: Patients' knowledge of key signs and symptoms of bladder cancer is poor. There is evidence that there is a gender difference in referral patterns both at patient and primary care level. The presence of cystits, in particular, delays referral. Treatment and surveillance of high-risk non-muscle invasive cancers is variable and non-urothelial bladder cancer, which has higher incidence in women is more likely to be treated non-operatively than urothelial bladder cancer. Conclusion: We have offered recommendations to improve patient education and streamline referrals and suggested considerations for treatment of high-risk cancers to help improve survival in female bladder cancer patients.

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Objective: To report our experience of intravesical botulinum toxin for idiopathic overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) without detrusor overactivity (DOA) on urodynamic assessment. Patients and methods: Data regarding presentation, diagnosis, urodynamic findings, date and dose of treatment, and outcomes were recorded prospectively for 94 patients undergoing intravesical botulinum toxin injection for idiopathic overactive bladder syndrome at our institution. The cohort included 19 patients without DOA on urodynamics. A positive response to treatment was defined as patient-reported improvement without the need for further treatment. ICIQ-OAB and UI scores, and bladder diary parameters were also recorded. Rates of urinary retention requiring intermittent or indwelling catheterisation were noted. Results: The overall response rate to treatment was 82% (n = 94). Patients without DOA (n = 19) had a response rate of 89%, which compared favourably with a response rate of 81% in patients with DOA (n = 75).Overall, 29% of patients who were voiding normally prior to treatment required intermittent self-catheterisation after the procedure. The requirement for selfcatheterisation did not appear to be influenced by urodynamic findings. Conclusion: These preliminary, non-randomised data suggest that intravesical botulinum toxin injection may be efficacious in patients with OAB symptoms without DOA. Further evaluation by means of a randomised, controlled trial is suggested.

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