Bladder cancer is a rare type of cancer which starts in the bladder lining. There are many ways to treat it, including surgery. It is a type of cancer that can come back after treatment. Hence, it is best if an individual follows up with their healthcare provider about it. Read on to learn about the risks of this cancer.
Here is an overview of some of the risks of bladder cancer that you need to know about:
Smoking is a major risk factor for bladder cancer. Having a habit of smoking more than three times a day increases the risk of getting this cancer. This habit leads to bladder cancer for the majority of people.
There are certain types of chemicals which have a link to bladder cancer. For instance, benzidine, aromatic amines, and beta-naphthylamine lead to this type of cancer. People who work in factories where certain organic dyes and chemicals are used also have an increased risk of bladder cancer.
There has been research that diabetes medicines named pioglitazone are linked with an increased risk of this cancer. Furthermore, taking dietary supplements like aristolochic acid also considerably increases the risk of getting bladder cancer. The higher the doses, the greater the risk.
When individuals drink water that has traces of arsenic in it, they automatically become more prone to bladder cancer. The chance of getting exposed depends on where one lives in the world. For instance, public water systems have more arsenic content.
The risk of getting bladder cancer increases as a person gets older, particularly over the age of 55. Furthermore, males have a higher risk of getting bladder cancer than women, according to statistics. A few reasons for this could be a smoking habit commonly found in men, along with more occupational exposures.
Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) infection potentially increases the risk of bladder cancer, where a parasite causes this infection. They live in fresh water in a few parts of the world. There have been numerous studies that have found a link between bladder stones and bladder cancer as well.
People who have close relatives affected by bladder cancer automatically have an increased risk of getting it. These relatives include a child, parent, sister or brother. It is because the members might have shared habits, which leads to an increased risk.
There has also been some research that showed being obese is a contributing factor to getting bladder cancer. However, more research is necessary in this field as it is unclear how much of an increased risk they are.
Although there are no guaranteed ways to completely prevent bladder cancer, practising healthy habits can help reduce its risk. A healthy diet also helps to reduce the risk of cancer.