Bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that affects the tissues of the urinary bladder. Usually it starts as a small tumor in the transitional epithelium and gradually progresses to other parts of the bladder wall.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO),approximately 170,000people die yearly from bladder cancer.

There are three types of bladder cancer:

Squamous cell carcinoma: This type of cancer is related with chronic irritation of the bladder. It is caused by long period use of catheter.

Urothelial carcinoma: Appears in the cells that line inside the bladder. These cells may score in ureter forming tumor. Urothelial cell stretch when your bladder is full and shrivel when the bladder is void.

Adenocarcinoma: This is a very uncommon type of cancer. Adenocarcinoma starts in the cells that forms mucus-secreting glands in the bladder.

Signs and symptoms of bladder cancer

• Hematuria(blood in the urine)
• Pain when urinating
• Pelvic pain
• Back pain
• Frequent urination

Causes of bladder cancer

• Chronic irritation of the bladder lining
• Tobacco use and smoking
• Past radiation exposure
• Exposure to chemicals
• Parasitic infection(schistosomiasis)

Risk factors that enhances bladder cancer

• Personal and family history. Family hereditary lynch syndrome enhances the risks for cancer in urinary track or if previously you had bladder cancer, there are high chances of you getting it again.
• Smoking: Smoking enhances the chances of bladder cancer by causing toxic chemicals that assemble in the urine. When a person smokes the body processes the toxic chemicals in the smoke and removes them in urine. These toxic chemicals may demolish the bladder lining which can increases chances of cancer.
• Aging. While bladder cancer can occur at any age, the risks increases as one ages.
• Previous cancer treatment. Individuals who have ever received radiation treatments aimed at pelvis for antecedent have boosted chances of getting bladder cancer.
• Chronic bladder infection .Frequent urinary inflammations due to prolonged use of catheter boost chances of getting squamous cell bladder cancer.

Prevention of bladder cancer

Despite the fact that there is no assured way of preventing bladder cancer, there are some measures you can take to reduce the risk of getting cancer, these include;

• Quit smoking: When you quit smoking there are no toxic chemicals from the smoke that will accumulate in your bladder. However, if you are smoking it is a good idea to consult your specialist so that he can help you quit smoking.
• Take forethoughts when handling chemical. If you operate with chemicals, follow all safety instructions to avoid disclosure.
• Choose a suitable diet. Choose a diet with many fruits and vegetables, the antioxidants in fruits and vegetables enables you lessen cancer risk.