Changes in the DNA present in your bladder and its cells can lead to the formation of a tumor. Usually, these cells are destroyed by a healthy immune system. But, if these mutated cells grow in your body, they might grow into a tumor. Even though the exact causes of the disease are not known, scientists and researchers believe that smoking or tobacco consumption increases your risk of developing bladder cancer. In this post, we will take a look at the connection between smoking and bladder cancer. Let’s get started.
Around 80,000 Indians are diagnosed with bladder cancer annually. Your age, gender, and medical history are a few factors that might affect your risk of getting bladder cancer. In addition, there are a few risk factors that put you at a greater risk. These are preventive factors, meaning a few changes in your behavior and lifestyle can help lower the risk of the disease.
Smoking - Does it Cause Bladder Cancer?
Research shows that people who smoke cigarettes regularly are 3 times at higher risk of getting bladder cancer than non-smokers. In fact, half of the total bladder cancers are caused by smoking. You must be wondering how smoking affects your bladder. Well, there is a reason why medical experts recommend you stop smoking and drinking.
Cigarettes contain cancer-causing chemicals which travel from your lungs to the blood and then to the vital organs. They reach your kidneys, where they are filtered through the urine. Now, the urine is stored in the bladder. These carcinogens in the urine can have a severe impact on the walls of your bladder, thus putting you at a higher risk of bladder cancer. Smoking releases harmful chemicals that can turn into carcinogens in your body. These chemicals get transferred
to your urine through blood and damage the lining of the bladder wall.
What are the Signs?
The first and foremost symptom of bladder cancer is red and dark-colored urine. If you notice blood in urine, visit Dr. Soumyan Dey - offering bladder cancer treatment in Navi Mumbai. Frequent and painful urination are also the symptoms of bladder cancer, although they might indicate other conditions.
Usually, the symptoms of bladder cancer go unnoticed until it reaches an advanced stage. If cancer affects the surrounding cells and tissues, you may have to visit a bladder. cancer surgeon in Navi Mumbai. The treatment plans vary depending on the stage of cancer.
Sometimes, there is no visible blood in your urine, but the lab tests might show otherwise. If you notice any unusual symptoms in urination, get it checked by a urologist.
Bottom Line
Smoking is linked to bladder cancer, and research has shown that it may increase your risk of getting bladder cancer. If you need help with smoking, get help from a therapist at a rehabilitation center or discuss it with a medical professional. The sooner you quit smoking, the better it is for your health.
