Bladder cancer is a disease caused by abnormal cell division of the inner lining cells of the bladder, with excessive cell division leading to malignant tumors. Of course, once it occurs, there is a chance it can spread to other internal organs as well. Bladder cancer is commonly found in adults aged 40 and above and is more likely to occur in men than in women.
What risk factors increase our risk of bladder cancer?
The main risk factors for bladder cancer, aside from genetic abnormalities or having family members who have had the disease, include lifestyle behaviors that can increase the chance of developing this disease. These risk factors include:
- Regular smoking, or even non-smokers who are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke from people close to them, which increases the risk factors.
- People working in industrial factories who have more exposure to chemicals than the general population have a higher risk.
- Infections in the bladder or chronic infections in the urinary tract. One important cause that increases the risk of chronic urinary tract infections is having urinary stones or bladder dysfunction, which is often found in patients with paralysis or those who need to use a urinary catheter for a long time.
How to recognize symptoms that indicate a risk of bladder cancer
Generally, the key symptoms of diseases in the urinary system are mostly similar, which is “abnormal urination.” Symptoms can range from frequent urination, burning sensation, difficulty urinating, to urinary incontinence. However, the important symptoms that may clearly indicate bladder cancer are the following two:
- Blood in the urine without accompanying pain, which differs from other diseases that usually have pain. This is the most common symptom found in bladder cancer patients.
- Fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
- If the cancer spreads to other organs, there may be lower back pain and bone pain as well.
How can bladder cancer be cured when threatened by it?
Although bladder cancer is a serious disease, there is still a chance for a complete cure, depending on the stage at which the disease is detected. During diagnosis, doctors will examine the urine for abnormalities in red blood cells and look for cancer cells mixed in the urine before performing cystoscopy to locate and assess the size and shape of the tumor. A biopsy will be taken for examination, along with radiological diagnostics such as abdominal CT scan or MRI. This method is considered the most accurate way to determine whether one has bladder cancer. If diagnosed, treatment will be based on the stage of the disease. In early stages, doctors will perform transurethral resection surgery by inserting a scope through the urethra and using small instruments to remove the tumor from the bladder. This method is effective, causes less pain, leaves no surgical wounds, allows quick recovery, and increases the chance of returning to normal. However, some patients may also receive chemotherapy to reduce the chance of recurrence, depending on the stage, severity of the disease, and the doctor’s judgment.
Good to know, so you can be worry-free!!
Although it is called cancer, bladder cancer is considered less frightening than other types of cancer because it is easy to detect. If found at stage 1, it can be easily treated and cured. However, there is still a chance of recurrence. Therefore, the best approach is to take good care of yourself, regularly observe any abnormal symptoms related to your urinary system, and never skip annual health check-ups to reduce the risk of this serious disease or to prevent the cancer from progressing to a dangerous stage that threatens life.
