Masterful Strategies to Safeguard Your Bladder During Cancer Treatment
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cancer that affects tissues in the urinary bladder is a rare form of cancer. The major signs are pain during urination, back pain in the lower back, and blood passing in urine. Since there are many treatment options, the survival rate is very high. The United States, is 77%, Europe is 68% and Canada is 75%.
The survival rate is high because the bladder preservation post-cancer treatment is taken care of excellently. Taking good care of the bladder can prevent the recurrence of this cancer. Ensure that you follow the tips given by your healthcare expert for a strong bladder.
Categories of Bladder Cancer
There are three categories of bladder cancer, namely Transitional cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, and Aden carcinoma, which are explained in detail below:
Transitional cell carcinoma:
Malignant cells are inside the bladder in this type of cancer. These cancerous cells increase the size of the bladder when it is complete and contract when empty. This type is very prevalent among individuals across the world.
Squamous cell carcinoma:
Cells enter the bladder as an infection or a virus in this cancer type. These infectious cells are turned into malignant cells over a while. This cancer can be found in third-world countries where parasitic infections are more common.
Aden carcinoma:
This cancer is contracted in the mucus secretion glands in the bladder.
Medications for Bladder Cancer
The bladder cancer treatment depends on how advanced the cancer is detected in a specific body part. Few cancer patients may have one treatment, whereas some patients may need a combination of treatments.
Let us quickly understand the different cures for bladder cancer.
Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy uses different drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemo generally reduces the chance of cancer coming back. It slows down or gradually stops the growth of cancer cells.
Hormone Therapy:
In this therapy, the growth of cancer hormones will be slowed down. Hormone therapy can be combined with other cancer treatments.
Hyperthermia:
The cancer cells are killed by heating the body tissues to 113 degrees F. Proper care is taken so that normal tissues are not damaged.
Immunotherapy:
In this treatment, the cancer cells are destroyed by the body's immune system. It curbs the further growth of the abnormal cells.
Photodynamic Therapy:
A drug is used, which is activated by light to kill the abnormal cells in this Photodynamic therapy.
Taking care of your Bladder after cancer
Many of us hesitate to discuss bladder health. The number of cancer cases has increased tremendously. There are various cures available for bladder cancer. These treatments aim at curing cancer and also preserving the bladder after the treatment.
Here are a few steps to protect your bladder after cancer:
Use the washroom as and when needed.
One should try to urinate every 3-4 hours. This should be a standard practice. You should not hold the urine for long; the bladder muscles will weaken. A weak bladder attracts infection very fast. This shall cause the cancer cells to relapse.
Do not smoke
Smoking is a major cancer causing agent. It is a primary cancer-causing agent. Most of the studies conducted worldwide show that smoking is one of the significant causes of bladder cancer. There could be withdrawal effects, but remember that it will keep you healthier and far away from cancer.
Take time to empty your bladder.
Post-cancer treatment, one should empty the bladder frequently to avoid infections. While urinating, take time to empty your bladder. Always be patient in urinating.
Be relaxed while urinating.
Whenever you urinate, ensure that your bladder muscles are relaxed. This method will help to empty the bladder faster.
Keep yourself hydrated.
Water is the best fluid to keep yourself hydrated. Science suggests that one should drink six to eight glasses of water daily. This is a healthy habit to preserve a healthy bladder. The cancer patient can consume juices, soups, etc., to keep the body hydrated.
High fibre diet
A fiber-rich diet will keep your bladder healthy. One should have more fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. It lowers the risk of developing cancer. The motto should be to eat five different types of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Eat small portions of all to avoid any problem.
Kegel floor muscle exercises
Kegel exercises help to recover after bladder cancer treatment. They are meant to strengthen the bladder muscles.
Conclusion
Ensure that you choose the proper treatment for bladder cancer. The right treatment will lead to healthy preservation of the bladder. Ensure that you choose the right treatment plans. Hospitals that use advanced treatment plans are preferable. They help the patient fight bladder cancer and ensure that the bladder functions normally after the cancer treatment.
Remember that throughout your journey of bladder cancer treatment, healthcare team plays a major role in your recovery. They provide the best bladder cancer nursing care. Life after bladder cancer treatment infuses a new richness into your life. Consider this as a new lease on life, and take care of your bladder. Keeping the bladder healthy will keep cancer at bay.
