Cause of bladder cancer
By jasjon
@jasjon (252)
Philippines
December 20, 2006 2:17am CST
The exact cause of bladder cancer is not known. Research is being done to try and identify a gene which may increase the risk of developing bladder cancer. Certainly cells of certain individuals seem to be more susceptible to malignant change than other individuals. Several potential carcinogens have been identified, and are believed to be excreted into the urine, where they act on the lining of the bladder, eventually causing tumor formation. The time period between exposure and cancer may be as long as 20 years.
A risk factor is anything which may increase the chances of getting a cancer, but which does not directly cause it.
Smoking:
This is by far the biggest risk factor. Cigarette smokers have a two to fourfold increased risk of bladder cancer, compared to non-smokers. The risk persists for about 10 years after cessation of smoking. Pipe and cigar smokers are also at increased risk.
Industrial chemicals:
Exposure to certain chemicals, especially aromatic amines, has been linked with bladder cancer. These chemicals are used in the dye, rubber, textile, paint and printing industries.
Chronic bladder inflammation:
Recurrent infection, stones, and indwelling catheters have all been linked to bladder cancer - especially squamous carcinoma. Chronic infection with Schistosoma haematobium (bilharzia) may also predispose to bladder cancer.
Drugs:
Some drugs have been linked to bladder cancer (eg: Cyclophosphamide, which is used in some cancer treatment).
Dietary factors:
Fried meat and diets high in saturated fats have been linked to bladder cancer. Use of the Chinese herb, Aristocholia fangschi, has also been associated with it.
Age:
Risk of bladder cancer increases with age. It is very uncommon under the age of 40, and median age at diagnosis is 65 years. Men are affected more than women.
1 person likes this
9 responses
@ldynimaway (704)
• United States
29 Dec 06
my father has bladder cancer. i did some research years ago and there is actually a connection between bladder cancer and working with leather....my dad designed shoes and cut patterns for shoes he was surrounded by leather his entire life until he retired...i just think it is very interesting that the work he did is what made him sick i know it happens in alot of industries this one just really surprised me!
@ldynimaway (704)
• United States
29 Dec 06
oh also he was diagnosed in his late 40's he is now mid sixties..still with us thank god but still has the disease...
@knowitalldmc (10)
• United States
20 Dec 06
Are there any symptoms of bladder cancer, this is interesting?
@2bepink (126)
• United States
21 Dec 06
I have a bladder disease called Interstitial Cystitis and it is a chronic inflammation of the bladder walls. After reading what you have written above, it concerns me that I could be in danger of this. My entire childhood and adult life up until I was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis, I probably had one to two bladder and UTIs a year.
@rave883 (140)
• India
22 Dec 06
Bladder cancer is common disease in the United States. Research tells us that it occurs mainly in industrialized countries, such as the US, France, and Canada.
Bladder cancer symptoms are few, yet very noticeable. Bladder cancer symptoms include:
Blood in the urine: The presence of blood in urine, is called hematuria. Blood can either be seen by the eye, in which it is called gross hematuria. Blood can also be seen under a microscope, and it is then called microscopic hematuria.
Pain during urination: Pain during urination is called dysuria. Pain can range from mild to severe.
Frequent urination: Having to urinate often and during the night is also a symptom.
@bertilmarklund244 (23)
• Sweden
4 May 07
Hi!
There are as you have written things to avoid in Dietary factors...
Have you heard of a natural way to boost your immunesystem with 37 % in 20 days?
Have a nice day!
Bertil
@rosebug23 (1906)
• Australia
20 Dec 06
My friends husband was diagnised with bladder cancer about 4 weeks ago and on the 9th Dec was operated on to remove his bladder. He came through the 8 hour surgery extremely well and only spent around 36 hours in ICU. He has been in a lot of pain and is very tired , can only stay awake for short periods at a time. They are hoping to discharge him before Christmas but the only complication is his tube which keeps blocking or infecting i am not really sure what the exact problem is there as i have been unable to see much of my friend a she spends most of her time with her husband at the hospital.They have been told that he will be very tired for around three months and it should take him 6months to get back to anywhere near normal. Of course he has to spend the rest of his life with a bag attached ( i am not sure of the name for that)He goes back on the 12th January to get his results and will find out then if they were able to get all the cancer or if it has spread into his glands,we are just praying that they were able to remove all the cancer.He is in his mid to late 50's , has never smoked or worked in any of the areas that have been mentioned. They are a very fit health concious family, he has workrd in Real Estate most of his working life but is a Vietman Veteran so maybe that could have something to do with it ,being exposed to whatever chemicals etc over there. This has been a great discussion and very timely for me as i have learned a little more about it. Thank you all who have contributed
@vibhor1986 (290)
• India
20 Dec 06
didnt know much baout bladder n bladder cancer
nways thanx for the info.
