BLADDER CANCER: UNDERSTAND THE RISKS TO REDUCE THEM

WHAT IS BLADDER CANCER?

Bladder cancer begins when cells in the urinary bladder start to grow uncontrollably. As more cancer cells develop, they can form a tumour and spread to other areas of the body. Most bladder cancers start in the innermost lining of the bladder, which is called the urothelium or transitional epithelium.

Over time, the cancer might grow outside the bladder and into nearby structures. It might spread to nearby lymph nodes, or to other parts of the body.

WHO GETS BLADDER CANCER?

Bladder cancer is more common in older people. Bladder cancer occurs more than three times as often among men as among women. Bladder cancer is often diagnosed at an early stage, and survival is generally good. Reoccurrence of bladder cancer is also common. As a result, the prevalence of bladder cancer is high.

WHAT FACTORS INCREASE RISK FOR DEVELOPING BLADDER CANCER?

At this time, the causes of bladder cancer are not well understood. However, scientists agree that certain factors increase a person's risk of developing this disease. These risk factors include:

• Smoking is the most important risk factor for getting bladder cancer. People who smoke have more than twice the risk of getting bladder cancer as non-smokers.
• Exposure to chemicals in the workplace is the second greatest risk factor for bladder cancer. Studies show that workers in the dye, rubber, textile, leather and chemical industries have a higher risk of getting bladder cancer.
• Exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation, such as radiation treatment for other cancers, has been linked to bladder cancer.
• High levels of arsenic in drinking water increase the risk for bladder cancer.
• Individuals whose relatives have had bladder cancer are at increased risk for developing the disease.
• People who have had bladder cancer are at higher risk of getting bladder cancer again.

HOW TO REDUCE THE RISK OF GETTING BLADDER CANCER?

To help reduce the risk of getting bladder cancer:

• Do not smoke. If you currently smoke, quit. Avoid exposure to second hand smoke.
• Discuss the risks and benefits of medical imaging, such as CT scans, with your doctor to avoid unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation. This is particularly important for children.
• Be aware of your family history and discuss any concerns with your doctor.
• Choose a healthy diet to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Eat more vegetables, fruits and whole grains and eat less red and processed meats. These actions may reduce the risk of developing many types of cancer as well as other diseases.
• Exercise regularly.
• Talk with your doctor about recommended cancer screenings.

WHY KIMS?

When you come to KIMS, one of the best bladder cancer hospitals in Hyderabad, for bladder cancer care, you are the focus of a team of exceptional experts that customizes your treatment to ensure the best outcomes with the least impact on your body. Our team, including our best bladder cancer treatment specialist doctors in Hyderabad, together closely to provide comprehensive, but personalized care every step of the way. They target not only bladder cancer but also bladder infection and testicular cancer with the very latest leading-edge technology and techniques for diagnosis and treatment, many of which are available at only a few cancer centres in the nation.