Understanding Bladder Cancer and How to Minimize Your Risk

The urinary bladder is a hollow, muscular organ situated in the pelvic area, responsible for storing urine until elimination. When abnormal cell growth occurs in the bladder lining, it results in bladder cancer, forming a tumor that can invade nearby tissues if not treated promptly. Recognizing early signs is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.

Key Symptoms

The most noticeable symptom is blood in the urine, which may be visible or detected microscopically. Additional indicators include:

Frequent urination

Difficulty urinating

Persistent urge to urinate with difficulty passing urine

Pain in the lower back

Small amounts of urine passed repeatedly

Recurrent urinary tract infections

Swelling in the legs

Pelvic mass

While the exact cause remains unknown, certain risk factors increase susceptibility to bladder cancer.

Notable risk factors include:

Smoking: Cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking introduces harmful chemicals into the body that are excreted through urine, potentially damaging the bladder lining and promoting cancer growth.

Age: The risk significantly rises after age 55, with most cases diagnosed around age 73.

Gender: Men are more commonly affected than women.

Chemical Exposure: Long-term contact with chemicals used in industries like dyeing, rubber, or printing can damage bladder tissues.

Chronic urinary issues: Persistent infections, stones, or prolonged catheter use heighten risk.

Arsenic Consumption: Continuous intake of arsenic in drinking water can increase the likelihood of bladder cancer.

Preventive steps to reduce bladder cancer risk include:

Quitting smoking

Avoiding industrial chemical exposure

Limiting arsenic intake

Drinking adequate water to stay hydrated

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise