The bladder is a part of your urinary tract. It holds urine for some time when it comes from the kidney until you excrete it out through the urethra. Bladder cancer has now become a common disease. In this article, we will discuss the factors that can put you at developing bladder cancer. If you have any symptoms of bladder cancer, you must visit an oncologist in Lahore.
What are the Symptoms of Bladder Cancer?
- blood in the urine
- pain while urinating
- frequent need to urinate
- pain in the lower back or pelvis
- urgent urination
- urinary incontinence
- pain in the abdominal area
Risk Factors for Bladder Cancer
Certain things can raise the chances of developing bladder cancer, known as risk factors. To prevent it, you must know those risk factors. They can be described as;
- Smoking
- Arsenic in water
- Exposure to certain workplace chemicals
- Dehydration
- Certain medicines
- Supplements
- Bladder problems
Smoking
The most common risk factor for bladder cancer is smoking. Almost half of the cases diagnosed with bladder cancer are smokers. When you smoke, you intake various chemicals and carcinogens that remain in your bladder with the urine. Due to this, the chances for bladder cancer are raised. To avoid bladder cancer, you must stop smoking all types of cigarettes, pipes, and cigars.
Arsenic in Water
According to experts, drinking water that contains a high amount of arsenic can lead to bladder cancer. The exact mechanism is unknown. Therefore you must ensure that you drink water from safe and reliable places.
Exposure to Certain Workplace Chemicals
Exposure to certain workplace chemicals can lead to bladder cancer. It happens because they remain in your bladder for a long time with urine that has to be excreted out. Substances that can raise the risk of bladder cancer are the ones used in the manufacturing of;
- Rubbers
- Dyes
- Leather
- Paint products
Therefore painters, machinists, hairdressers, and truck drivers are at increased risk of developing bladder cancer.
Dehydration
Not drinking enough water can also lead to bladder cancer. It happens when you do not drink enough water, the urine becomes concentrated, and the toxins do not flush out properly. When you drink an ample amount of water, toxins are flushed out of your body efficiently, which in turn may lower the risk for bladder cancer.
According to experts, men should drink at least 13 cups of liquid and women at least 9. However, it may vary due to different conditions.
Certain Medicines
Certain drugs can raise the chances of bladder cancer. According to experts, pioglitazone, a medication for diabetes, if used for more than a year, may raise the chances of bladder cancer.
Another medication that can raise the chances of bladder cancer is cyclophosphamide used as a chemotherapeutic agent. Radiotherapy can also put you at risk of developing bladder cancer.
Supplements
Herbal supplements that contain aristolochic acid increase the risk of bladder cancer. It can be found in supplements used for arthritis, weight loss, gout, and inflammation. To avoid it, you must keep an eye on what kind of supplement you are taking.
Bladder problems
Certain bladder problems, when become chronic, can lead to bladder cancer. Those conditions can be:
- Kidney stones
- Bladder stones
- Chronic urinary tract infections
- Indwelling bladder catheters for a long time
An infection is known as schistosomiasis- a parasitic infection that can also put you at risk of developing bladder cancer.
Conclusion
Bladder cancer is a condition when the cells of your urinary bladder start to replicate in an unorganized manner. It can occur due to various reasons. To prevent it, you must quit smoking. If you have any symptoms of bladder cancer, you must visit an oncologist in Karachi.
