How to Prevent Bladder Cancer?

As we all know, old age for most comes with its share of changes, especially in the way the body functions and responds to certain abnormalities. While people in their old age are more susceptible to risks, it is important to know that irrespective of one’s age, a healthy lifestyle and positive outlook towards a daily routine helps one reduce the risks considerably if not eliminate the chances completely.

 

One such ailment which one must always be wary of is bladder cancer. Here, we are going to share with you a few bladder cancer prevention techniques which can help you and your loved ones be more cautious and proactive in the later years of life as it is more common in older men than young boys and/or girls. One of the major deterrents in a bladder cancer prevention regime is the habit of smoking. Prolonged smoking leads to some genetic changes in the body, which, with time, may develop into bladder cancer.

It is imperative to note that different age levels expose different risk factors and levels. For example, a man has 1 out of 27 chances of developing bladder cancer during his lifetime while the same for a woman is 1 in 89 chances. Studies show that people who have the habit of chain-smoking, and / or who are subjected to harmful fumes and chemicals due to their profession may be at a greater risk of developing bladder cancer.

Risk factors for bladder cancer

Exposure to the below can increase the risk of bladder cancer in the later years. Knowing what they are early in life can only make one more cautious and proactive towards bladder cancer prevention: 

·  Industrial chemicals

·  Aromatic amines 

·  Arsenic 

·  Rubber 

·  Aluminium 

·  Paint products 

·  Genetic history 

·  Bladder infections 

·  Birth defects 

·   

·  Lack of hydration 

·  Medications

While bladder cancer treatment will involve the usual cancer treatment procedures, it is always advisable for people to take the necessary steps for bladder cancer prevention:

·  Reduce smoking 

·  Drink enough water

·  Well-balanced diet (Fruits and Veggies, fish rich in omega-3 along with lean protein and red meat)

It is imperative to be conscious about any changes in the body especially in the later years of life as any abnormality could be a sign and / or symptom of bladder cancer. Hence, it is always recommended to seek professional medical guidance if and when in doubt. 

 

How Can Cigarette Smoking Cause Urological Cancer

It is a known fact that smoking has dangerous repercussions on our body. It significantly increases the risk of many harmful conditions, aside from exacerbating their severity as well as having a negative impact on the treatment. Not surprisingly, smoking is also a major contributing factor for bladder cancer. This includes not just cigarettes, but also e-cigarettes, hookahs and smokeless tobacco. Here are some urologic conditions that are affected by smoking:

Kidney Cancer: Studies have shown smoking to be a risk factor for renal cell carcinoma, otherwise known as kidney cancer. The smoke gets drawn into the lungs, from where it makes its way through the bloodstream into the kidneys. This poses a formidable obstruction to an effective kidney treatment programme in the event of such an eventuality.

Erectile Dysfunction: Smoking damages the blood vessels and therefore adversely affects the blood supply to the penis resulting in an inability to get and/or maintain a firm erection for sexual intercourse.

Bladder Cancer: Due to the accumulation of harmful chemicals and drugs in the urine as a result of smoking, they affect the lining of the bladder and hence increases the risk of this disease. The risk is also dictated by the smoking quantity, duration of exposure and second hand smoke exposure.

Infertility: Tobacco and other sources of smoking not only causes a wide range of urologic diseases and cancers, but also has a marked bearing on infertility. Exposure to the toxic smoke impacts the genetic makeup of the sperm and the eggs, affects the production and regulation of hormones and creates an in conducive environment in the uterus, all of which combine to lead to infertility. Besides, it also increases the risk of a miscarriage and the chances of birth defects in the new born.  Therefore, urologists are of the unanimous opinion that smoking is a habit that is best avoided by those looking to have a child.

Incontinence: Due to disruptions in the bladder, smokers may experience leaking urine and overactive bladder, which leads to frequent urination.

Aside from the preventive measure of quitting smoking altogether, there are some treatment options available to treat urological cancers once it has set in. One of the specialties that NU Hospitals is renowned for is urology and infertility treatment, thanks to its fine team of urology specialists in Bangalore, who run a battery of tests to diagnose and treat such conditions effectively.

5 Urological Conditions Impacted by Smoking

Do not smoke!

There’s a reason behind everything. Smoking is one of the leading causes of many urological conditions. Smoking can contribute to different conditions that we have identified in this article. At NU Hospitals, you’ll connect with the best set of urologists in Bangalore where you’re assured to get diagnosed just about the right way. Let’s get to know some of the conditions:

Bladder Cancer is far too common cancer in both men and women. Smoking causes harmful chemicals and drugs to collect in the urine. These chemicals affect the lining of the bladder and raise your bladder cancer risk.

Erectile Dysfunction is a result of poor blood flow to the penis. Smoking can harm blood vessels, which then creates an impact on the blood flow. This can result in not being able to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.

Kidney Stones are a very common health issue of the urinary tract. Smoking has been shown to extensively add to the risk of getting kidney stones.

Incontinence (i.e. urine leakage) and Overactive Bladder (OAB), have impacted the population to a great extent. Smoking bothers the ladder and can cause frequent urination. Coughing spasms can also occur that can lead to leakage of urine.

Infertility impacts both men and women and about 50% of infertility cases can be directed to the male. Smoking can harm the genetic formulation of eggs and sperm. The infertility rate for smokers is twice the rates for those who do not smoke.

In case you smoke, consult your urologist about ways to quit so you can lower your chances of having these urological conditions.