Dodging Bladder Cancer

BLADDER CANCER IS THE MOST COMMON cancer type of the urinary tract in men and the second most common in women. May is dedicated to bladder cancer awareness. Today we explore some ways of dodging bladder cancer. This article will offer seven strategies for reducing your risk.

Bladder cancer is the most common cancer of the urinary tract in men and the second most common in women. 

According to the US National Cancer Institute, an estimated 82,290 new cases of bladder cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2023, and about 16,710 people will die from the disease.

This number means that 2.3 percent of men and women in the US will be diagnosed with bladder cancer during their lifetime, based on 2017 to 2019 data.

Bladder Cancer Risk Factors

There are several bladder cancer risk factors, including the following:

• Smoking. Smoking is the most common risk factor for bladder cancer. Smokers are about four times more likely to develop bladder cancer than non-smokers.
• Age. The risk of bladder cancer increases with age. Most (but not all) people diagnosed with bladder cancer are over 55.
• Gender. Men are more likely to develop bladder cancer than women.
• Family history. People with a family history of bladder cancer are at increased risk of developing the disease.
• A personal history of bladder cancer. If you have had bladder cancer, you’re more likely to get it again.

• Certain occupations. People who work in certain occupations, such as the dye, rubber, and leather industries, are at increased risk of developing bladder cancer.
• Certain medical conditions. People with certain medical conditions, such as chronic bladder infections and schistosomiasis, are at increased risk of developing bladder cancer.
• Some cancer-fighting tools. Management with the anti-cancer drug cyclophosphamide raises bladder cancer risk. People who received radiation treatments aimed at the pelvis for previous cancer have an elevated risk of developing bladder cancer.

7 Tips for Reducing Your Bladder Cancer Risk

There are several things that people can do to reduce their risk of bladder cancer, including:

1. Don’t smoke. Smoking is the most important risk factor for bladder cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, smokers are nearly three times as likely to get bladder cancer as non-smokers. Smoking causes about half of all cases of bladder cancer in men and women. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk of developing the disease.
2. Hydrate. Drinking plenty of fluids helps to flush out toxins from the body, which might reduce your risk of bladder cancer. In some studies, fluid consumption is associated with a moderate risk increase, including a multicenter case-control study from the United States based on about 3000 cases. Other studies, including the Health Professional Follow-up study, show a decreased risk (or no association). The evidence is far from consistent.
3. Eat healthy. Choose a diet rich in a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. The antioxidants in fruits and vegetables might reduce your cancer risk. I am unaware of compelling evidence that it specifically reduces bladder cancer risk.
4. Get regular checkups. If you have symptoms or lab test results that suggest bladder cancer, your healthcare provider will need to find out if they’re due to cancer or another condition.
5. Get regular exercise, as exercise has been shown to help reduce the risk of many types of cancer.
6. Maintain a healthy weight, as obesity is a risk factor for many types of cancer.
7. Avoid exposure to environmental toxins, such as those in certain workplaces and the air.

Got Symptoms? Please Be Evaluated.

Suppose you are experiencing any symptoms of bladder cancer, such as blood in the urine, pain or burning when urinating, or frequent urination. In that case, it is important to see your healthcare provider immediately. Early detection and treatment of bladder cancer can improve the chances of a successful outcome.

On another topic, if you know someone with breast cancer, here is my comprehensive online course:

Breast Cancer — What a Patient Needs to Know.
Breast cancer information can be incredibly valuable for navigating breast cancer management. breastcancerbydrhunter.thinkific.com

The information I provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. I am not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information in this blog.

Thank you for reading “Dodging Bladder Cancer.”