Bladder Cancer Is Directly Linked To Cigarette Smoking
This X-ray shows a tumor in the bladder.
Like the skin and the lungs, the bladder surface (aka the urothelium) is susceptible to damage from environmental toxins (i.e. cigarette smoke) that accumulate in our urine. Unfortunately, these toxins remain in continuous contact with the bladder wall until the bladder is emptied. Exposure to carcinogenic compounds can lead to bladder cancer, especially with long-term exposure.
Tragically, an estimated 430,000 patients are diagnosed each year, with men representing 75% of new cases. Men are apparently more at risk because they use tobacco products more than women. Industrial exposure to carcinogens can also play a significant role. Patients who stop smoking substantially lower their lifetime risk of bladder cancer. Recently, a new and more devastating cause has emerged, the human papilloma virus (HPV). Young patients have been diagnosed with urethral, bladder, vulvar, vaginal, cervical and uterine cancer driven by HPV. (Vaccination is now available and strongly recommended.)
The most common symptom of cancer in the urinary tract is blood or blood clots in urine. Patients may also experience pain or burning during urination, frequent urination (especially at night), low back pain. Urologists usually order a simple urine cytology test to detect cancer cells. When caught early, bladder cancer can be cured with appropriate therapy.
Ref: Matulay J, et al. Epidemiology and Etiology of Bladder Cancer. UroToday. https://www.urotoday.com /library-resources/bladder-cancer/ 111481-epidemiology-etiology-of- bladder-cancer.html