Bladder cancer is sometimes called a "silent killer" since it can develop without showing signs until it gets further along. This implies that early recognition and knowledge are key in treating this illness well. In this blog, we will discuss bladder cancer prevention, bladder cancer causes, and bladder cancer symptoms to help you better understand this condition and take proactive steps to protect your bladder health.

 

Bladder Cancer Prevention

 

It's better to keep from getting bladder cancer than to try and cure it. There are various changes to lifestyle that can help. Here are some tips for bladder cancer prevention:

 

1. Quit Smoking and Tobacco: Smoking and using tobacco are especially risky for bladder cancer. Smokers are very more likely to get bladder cancer than people who don't smoke. Quitting smoking and not being around second-hand smoke is key in stopping bladder cancer. If you do smoke, get a healthcare professional or join a quitting program to help you stop.
2. Drink Lots of Water: To prevent bladder cancer, keep healthy by drinking lots of water and having a balanced diet with lots of fruit, veggies, and grains. Try to not eat processed food, sugary drinks and too much alcohol.
3. Reduce Chemical Exposure: Exposure to dangerous chemicals and toxins in job or environment is a risk factor for bladder cancer. Some chemicals, for instance arsenic, benzidine, and some aromatic amines, have shown to increase risk of bladder cancer. If you work in an industry with exposure to these chemicals, make sure to follow safety protocols, wear protection gear, and take steps to reduce exposure.
4. Regular Check Ups: Regular check-ups and screenings are important to stop bladder cancer. Routine check-ups with a health care provider can help spot any early signs or bladder cancer symptoms. If you have a family history of bladder cancer or other risks factors your health care provider may suggest regular screenings, such as urine tests or imaging tests, to watch your bladder health and spot any problems early.

 

Bladder Cancer Causes

 

There can be various causes of bladder cancer, and knowing these causes can help figure out potential triggers and take precautions. 

 

1. Smoking: The biggest risk factor for bladder cancer is smoking and using tobacco. Smoke from cigarettes has bad chemicals that get stored in the bladder when urine is filtered, this can harm the bladder lining and can result in cancerous cell growth.
2. Age and gender: Most cases of bladder cancer are in people over 55 years old. And, males are the ones most affected.
3. Being exposed to certain chemicals and toxins: Exposure to various chemicals in their job or surroundings can make someone more likely to get bladder cancer. Jobs like rubber, leather, textiles, painting, and printing, which involve contact with chemicals like benzene, aromatic amines, and diesel exhaust, are more dangerous. Furthermore, in some areas, drinking water with arsenic has been related to bladder cancer.
4. Certain conditions: Chronic bladder inflammation or infections can be a risk factor for bladder cancer too. Conditions that aren't treated properly may cause chronic inflammation of the bladder lining, potentially resulting in the growth of bladder cancer.
5. Genetics: Genetic and family factors can contribute to bladder cancer risk. People can have genetic mutations that raise their risk of bladder cancer. A family history of bladder cancer can raise your risk too, as there might be shared genetic or environmental factors in families which make individuals more likely to get bladder cancer.

 

Bladder Cancer Symptoms

 

Bladder cancer may be called a "silent killer" because it doesn't show any signs in early stages. But as the disease gets worse, certain signs and symptoms will appear. Knowing them can help you go to the doctor right away and maybe catch bladder cancer early when it's easier to treat. Here are some symptoms:

 

1. Blood in the urine: This can be seen with the naked eye and makes the urine look pink, red, or brown. It can also be detected with urine tests. Even if it only happens once, it's important to see a doctor to get it checked out.
2. A greater urge to urinate: You may experience an urge urinate more often than usual and a sudden, strong urge to urinate. You may find yourself needing to go to the toilet more throughout the day and night, even if your bladder isn't full.
3. Pain or Discomfort when urinating: Bladder cancer can cause pain or discomfort when peeing, called dysuria. You might feel a burning or discomfort feeling when you pee, which might mean bladder cancer.
4. Pelvic Pain or Pressure: As bladder cancer gets worse, it can cause pain or pressure in the pelvic area. You might feel discomfort or pain in the lower belly, pelvis, or back, which can be constant or come and go.
5. Changes in Urinary Habits: Bladder cancer may cause changes in your urine habits, like difficulty starting or stopping flow, weak stream or not fully emptying the bladder. These changes can be small and can be easily missed, but they could mean bladder cancer.
6. Tiredness and Unanticipated Weight Reduction: Advanced bladder cancer may result in general tiredness and unanticipated weight reduction. If you're having persistent tiredness or unintentional weight reduction without any recognizable reason, it is important to see a healthcare professional for evaluation.

 

It's crucial to not ignore these symptoms if you have them, because it can be caused by bladder cancer or something else like urinary tract infections or benign prostate hyperplasia.

 

Conclusion

 

Bladder cancer is a silent killer that can grow without any signs until it's too late. Knowing the risks, doing things to try and stop it, and noticing the symptoms are important. Quitting smoking, living healthy, avoiding bad chemicals, and getting checked up often can help prevent bladder cancer. If you have trouble urinating, pain when urinating 1000 ml urine, lower stomach pain or pressure, changes in urinating, being tired a lot or losing weight, you should see a doctor right away. Finding and treating bladder cancer early is important for a good result. Taking care of your bladder is part of taking care of yourself.