The bladder is a vital organ in our bodies, a hollow, triangle-shaped organ found beneath the kidney. Its primary function is to maintain urination.
Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that affects the cells in the bladder, resulting from the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the bladder lining. Bladder cancer can be classified into different types based on the affected cell types.
Symptoms
Bladder cancer can be detected in its early stages as the symptoms become more evident. The following are some signs of bladder cancer:
- Blood in the urine: A common symptom of bladder cancer, blood in the urine is noticeable due to the bladder’s primary function being urination.
- Changes in bladder habits: Cancer impairs the bladder’s function, leading to symptoms such as difficulty urinating, burning during urination, and frequent urination.
- Pain in the lower back: Bladder cancer can cause pain in the lower back as it affects the bones in that area.
- Loss of appetite: Loss of appetite, a typical cancer symptom, can manifest in bladder cancer as unexpected weight loss.
Causes of bladder cancer
Bladder cancer can occur due to various reasons. Being aware of potential causes makes you informed and helps you take steps to reduce your risk of developing this type of cancer:
Family history: As we all know, a hereditary history of cancer increases the likelihood of its development; therefore, if anyone in your family has or has had bladder cancer, your risk of having it is higher than usual.
Tobacco usage: It is another major cause of this cancer. Tobacco contains various toxic components that significantly affect the bladder through the bloodstream. Along with bladder cancer, smoking promotes various other cancers.
Chemical exposure: Some chemicals are considered toxic to the bladder, and exposure to these chemicals can contribute to poor bladder health and even cause cancer. These compounds are widely used in the dye industry.
Chronic bladder infections: If you have a chronic bladder condition or an infection in your bladder for any reason, you are more likely to develop this cancer than others. Examples of these infections or diseases include urinary infections, kidney stones, and some kidney disorders.
Prevention of bladder cancer
There are several measures you can take to prevent bladder cancer. These measures aim to improve bladder health and increase immunity to fight cancer:
Don’t smoke: Quitting or reducing smoking is crucial in preventing bladder cancer, as it is one of the leading causes. Consider quitting or limiting your daily tobacco intake.
Drink plenty of fluids: Various herbal and healthy fluids help the bladder function efficiently and enhance immunity. Drinking them can aid in cancer prevention and keep you hydrated.
Avoid excessive chemical exposure: Aim to avoid exposure to chemicals used in the dye industry, as they can cause bladder cancer.
Eat nutritious foods: Food provides the nutrition and energy necessary for survival. Consuming nutritious foods ensures meeting the body’s vitamin and mineral requirements.
Conclusion
Bladder cancer is a serious health concern that can have harmful effects. We’ve talked about different aspects of this cancer and ways to avoid it. You can reduce your risk of bladder cancer by following these prevention tips and making simple lifestyle changes.