11 Feb Bladder Cancer Risk Factors and Early Warning Signs
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Bladder cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, with over 81,000 new cases diagnosed in the United States in 2022. While bladder cancer can affect anyone, certain risk factors and lifestyle habits may increase your chances of developing this disease. Understanding the risk factors and early signs can help catch bladder cancer early when treatment is most effective. Let’s delve deeper into some early signs and risk factors:
Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is a common illness that affects our urinary systems. It starts from cells inside the bladder, the part of our body that temporarily holds urine. The most common type, urothelial carcinoma, makes up over 90% of cases in developed countries.
Early detection and care are critical, as bladder cancer ranges from non-spreading types confined to bladder layers to invasive varieties that spread to other areas of the body. Treatment generally involves surgically removing growths through the urethra and applying chemotherapy directly to the bladder, but it may also involve laser vaporization. Ongoing urology clinical trials, advancements in genetic testing, and improved imaging techniques continue to refine these approaches, leading to more effective and personalized treatment options.
Risk Factors
The most well-known risk factors associated with bladder cancer are smoking, schistosomiasis infection, and occupational exposure to certain chemicals. Let’s look into the details:
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Smoking
Smoking is the single most significant risk factor. Smokers are three times more likely to develop bladder cancer than non-smokers. The longer you smoke and the more you smoke, the higher the overall risk. Some 50% of bladder cancers are in current or former smokers. Smokers also are more likely to get aggressive tumors and poor outcomes.
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Schistosomiasis and Environmental Factors
A parasite (Schistosoma haematobium) causes schistosomiasis by lodging its eggs in the bladder wall. This irritates and causes chronic inflammation within the bladder. Over time, the bladder lining changes (squamous metaplasia), and abnormal dysplastic cells develop. If you don’t treat it, this damage can progress to full-blown bladder cancer. Some environmental chemicals, including dyes used for fabrics and hair, formaldehyde, certain pain medications, chemotherapy drugs, and even arsenic in drinking water, increase the risk.
- Occupational Exposure
Occupational exposure refers to exposure to certain chemicals in the workplace that can increase the risk of developing bladder cancer. Specifically, the risk increases if your job exposes you to paints, rubber products, gasoline, farm chemicals, or dyes. Dry cleaners, farmers, metalworkers, barbers, bartenders, waiters, painters, beauticians, and housecleaners often have the most contact with these materials.
Early Signs and Symptoms
For many individuals, noticing blood in their urine is the initial sign that something may be wrong. Sometimes, people notice blood mixed in, which causes concern and prompts a trip to the doctor. Other times, it’s only detectable under a microscope during a standard lab checkup or after mentioning other urinary issues to their healthcare provider.
Bladder cancer also causes the following symptoms, but it’s essential to know that these symptoms can also be there for other urinary conditions as well, like a urinary tract infection or an enlarged prostate:
- Pain
- Burning sensation
- Urinating frequently
- Not being able to empty your bladder fully
Endnote
Being aware of significant risk factors for bladder cancer, like smoking and occupational exposures, can help identify those at higher risk who may benefit from closer surveillance. Knowing early warning signs empowers prompt medical evaluation that may detect the cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage. Lifestyle changes and screening, as your doctor advises, can help reduce risk and catch any tumors early.
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Last Updated on February 11, 2025 by Marie Benz MD FAAD