Bladder Cancer Causes, Risk Factors and More

Bladder Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors, and Essential information

Bladder cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that starts in the cells lining the inside of your bladder, the organ that stores urine. Although it can strike people of any gender and age, it is among the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men. Early-stage diagnosis of bladder cancer helps to increase the probability of effective treatment. Still, recurrence is frequent, hence lifelong monitoring is crucial.

Now, the exact origin of bladder cancer may not always be known. However, a combination of genetic mutations, environmental exposure, and lifestyle choices greatly raises the risk. In this blog, we will be discussing the causes of bladder cancer, its possible hereditary risk factors, and how correct screening and lifestyle modifications might help lower the risk or spot it early.

Read on to understand more about its causes, risk factors, and prevention.

What Causes Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer is the result of the uncontrolled proliferation of aberrant cells in the bladder that produce a tumor. Typically, these cellular alterations start in the urothelial cells, the cells that line the bladder. Several elements, including exposure to damaging chemicals that affect DNA and disturb the cell growth cycle, can cause these changes.

The following are some of the major factors:

1. Carcinogens

Long-term exposure to carcinogens is most often the cause of bladder cancer. When you inhale or consume these compounds, your body filters them into your bloodstream, where they eventually pass through your kidneys and into your bladder, causing damage to the bladder lining over time.

2. Smoking

One of the leading causes of bladder cancer is smoking, which accounts for ~50% of all cases. Tobacco smoke has damaging compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and aromatic amines, both of which are well known to cause mutations in bladder cells.

3. Chronic Bladder Irritation

Chronic bladder inflammation from recurrent urinary infections, kidney or bladder stones, or extended catheter use may also increase the risk. Rarely has the development of bladder cancer been connected to radiation exposure or chemotherapy medications like cyclophosphamide.

Who is at Risk for Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer is often the result of several causes and factors. Some of these risk factors are avoidable; others, like age and gender, are not. Here's a breakdown of the main risk factors:

1. Age and Gender

Older adults, particularly those over 55 years, are much more often affected by bladder cancer. Possibly because of greater tobacco use and occupational exposure to chemicals in male-dominated jobs, men are more likely than women to acquire it.

2. Smoking and Tobacco Exposure

The most important risk factor for bladder cancer is cigarette smoking. Compared to non-smokers, smokers might be three times more prone to develop urinary bladder cancer symptoms. This includes pipe smoking, cigar smoking, and cigarette smoking.

3. Chemical Exposure at Work

Workers in sectors such as textiles, leather, paint, rubber, or printing may encounter industrial chemicals, including benzidine and beta-naphthylamine. Exposure to such chemicals significantly increases the risk of bladder cancer.

4. Family History and Genetics

Your probabilities may be somewhat higher if you have a close relative, parent, or even sibling who had bladder cancer symptoms before. Although most cases are not inherited, genetic predispositions or common environmental exposure in families can increase the risk. Only 5-10% of bladder cancers have a hereditary link.

5. Previous Cancer Treatments

Radiation therapy around the pelvis or the use of specific chemotherapy medications will increase the risk of bladder cancer.

6. Chronic Bladder Conditions

Persistent infections or chronic bladder inflammation from conditions like interstitial cystitis may also increase the risk of experiencing symptoms of bladder cancer.

7. Arsenic in Drinking Water

Exposure to arsenic through contaminated water sources has been associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer, especially in regions where water regulations are not strictly maintained. Risk is linked to chronic exposure to high levels (≥100 µg/L).

Can You Reduce Your Risk of Bladder Cancer?

Although some risk elements, like age or genetics, cannot be changed, many other factors can be modified with preventive medicine and better lifestyle choices. Here's a breakdown of that:

• Quit Smoking: If you smoke, quitting is the only option to lower the risk of bladder cancer. You must also avoid secondhand smoke.
• Stay Hydrated: Flush toxins from the bladder by drinking lots of fluids, especially water.
• Practice Workplace Safety: If you handle dangerous chemicals, make sure ventilation and protective gear are used properly.
• Avoid Unnecessary Exposure: Be very cautious with prolonged use of urinary catheters or overuse of specific medications.
• Get Regular Checkups: Consult with your doctor if you have a history of bladder problems or work in a high-risk occupation.
   

Bladder cancer can be life-altering, but early detection and awareness of risk factors can result in significant differences. By knowing the causes of bladder cancer, from lifestyle choices to working at high-risk occupations, you may take proactive measures to safeguard yourself.

Don't ignore warning signals such as blood in urine, frequent urination, or pelvic discomfort. Consult a healthcare professional immediately. Early detection results in the best possibility for recovery and successful treatment of bladder cancer.

Also, bladder cancer treatment costs can exhaust your savings. So, having a comprehensive health insurance plan that covers from diagnostics to hospitalization is essential.

Contact Star Health today and choose the best plan for your healthcare needs!