Introduction
Bladder cancer develops in the lining of the bladder, which is a hollow organ in the pelvis that stores urine. Although the exact causes of bladder cancer are unknown, several risk factors have been identified.
Following are some of the most common causes of bladder cancer:
· Smoking: The most significant risk factor for bladder cancer is smoking. Cigarette smoke contains carcinogenic chemicals that can harm the bladder lining and increase the risk of cancer. Smokers are three to four times more likely than non-smokers to develop bladder cancer.
· Chemical exposure: Certain chemicals, such as aromatic amines, aniline dyes, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), can raise the risk of cancer.
· Age: The risk of bladder cancer increases with age. Most people diagnosed with bladder cancer are over the age of 55.
· Gender: Men are three to four times more likely to develop bladder cancer than women. This is due to a higher prevalence of smoking and occupational exposure to chemicals among men.
· Family history: People with a family history of bladder cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease. This suggests that there may be a genetic component to bladder cancer.
· Chronic bladder infections: Chronic bladder infections and inflammation can also increase the risk of bladder cancer. This is because the continuous irritation and inflammation of the bladder lining can damage the cells and increase the risk of cancer.
· Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy for other types of cancer, such as prostate or cervical cancer, can also increase the risk of bladder cancer.
Warning signs and symptoms of bladder cancer
It is critical to recognise the early warning signs and symptoms of bladder cancer in order to detect the disease when it is most treatable. The most common symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, but there are other signs to look out for.
Here are seven bladder cancer early warning signs and symptoms to be aware of:
1. Blood in Urine (hematuria):
One of the most common early warning signs of bladder cancer is blood in the urine. Urine can be pink, red, or brown in colour. Blood may only be detected under a microscope during a routine urine test in some cases. The existence of blood in the urine can occur intermittently and may not be painful.
2. Painful Urination (dysuria):
Pain or burning sensation while urinating or having the urge to urinate frequently even if little urine is passed is another common symptom of bladder cancer. These symptoms may also indicate a urinary tract infection, so it is important to see a doctor if you experience them.
3. Increased frequency and urgency of urination:
Bladder cancer can cause a sudden and increased need to urinate, even if only a small amount of urine is present in the bladder.
4. Urinary Incontinence:
Bladder cancer can cause urinary incontinence or the inability to hold the urine. This can occur due to the abnormal growth of cancer cells in the bladder.
5. Back or Abdominal Pain:
Bladder cancer can also cause mild or severe back or abdominal pain. This occurs when the cancer has spread to nearby tissues or organs. The pain may not be relieved by over-the-counter early stages of bladder cancer, there could be fatigue or a general feeling of tirednpain medications.
6. Fatigue:
In the ess. This occurs as the body’s immune system works to fight the cancer cells.
7. Unintended weight loss:
In some cases, bladder cancer can cause unintended weight loss. This is because the body is working hard to fight the cancer cells and using up energy and resources.
It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other medical conditions, so it is recommended to see a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. If bladder cancer is detected early, it is highly treatable. Therefore, being aware of these early warning signs and symptoms can help in the early detection and treatment of bladder cancer.
Final Thoughts
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for evaluation. While these symptoms can be caused by other medical conditions, early detection of bladder cancer can increase the chances of successful treatment. Your doctor can perform a physical exam and order diagnostic tests, such as a urine test, ultrasound, or CT scan, to determine if bladder cancer is the cause of your symptoms.
