Bladder Cancer Awareness: Stay Informed and know what to do

Bladder cancer is one of the sixth most prevalent cancers in the world. Cancer in the bladder develops when the urinary bladder cells start to increase and abnormally grow out of control. The cells that abnormally increase are the cancerous cells that later turn to form a tumour and with time, starts to spread and affects the rest of the body.

The bladder in our body is a hollow organ that is located in the lower pelvis. It contains a muscular and flexible cell wall that helps to stretch and squeeze the accumulated urine out of the body. As our bladder is responsible for storing urine which is then carried by the two known tubes called ureters. To pass the urine to the next body part, the bladder contracts to force out the urine through the tube called urethra.
it occurs mostly in men and others above the age of 65 years. Other additional risk factors can lead to the development of bladder cancer as we’ll discuss further in the article.

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What are the types?

There are different types of it however 90%of them are mostly urothelial carcinomas. Here are other types that also lead to it:

• Urothelial CarcinomaAs we mentioned above, Urothelial carcinoma also known as transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is one of the most widespread types of it. Urothelial Carcinoma bladder cancer affects the urothelial cells that line the inside of the bladder. It affects the inner lining of the bladder that also lines the other part of the urinary tract.

  It leads to the development of tumour in the walls of the urinary tracts which requires checking of the whole tract. It is most common in older adults. Urothelial Carcinoma is often diagnosed quite early when it's possible to cure. However, it can reoccur hence you will have to consistently go for follow-up checkups.

• Adenocarcinoma:Adenocarcinoma is one of the rarest bladder cancers of all. It is a type of cancer that usually initiates in the mucus-producing glandular cells on the body. Mucus-producing cells secrete mucus and these are present in many parts of our body. Adenocarcinoma is known for being invasive hence immediate treatment is recommended.
• Small Cell Carcinoma:Small-cell carcinoma is a rare but highly malignant type of cancer that starts in the nerve-like cells called neuroendocrine cells. It usually develops within the lung but also affects other body parts such as the cervix, gastrointestinal tract and prostate.

  Small-cell Carcinoma spread quickly, creating large tumours and growing out in different parts of the body. These tumour treatments include surgery as well as chemotherapy.

• Squamous cell carcinoma:Squamous cell carcinoma is usually caused by the abnormal growth of squamous cells. These cells are characterised as thin, flat cells that look like fish scales when carefully observed under the microscope. It is also one of the invasive cancers hence immediate treatment must be sought.
• Sarcoma:Sarcoma begins in the muscle cells of the bladder though they are very rare types of occurring. If identified at an early stage, chemotherapy is needed along with different types of drugs.

Risk Factor and causes

Risk factors and causes are intended to know the same information that is what leads to the development of bladder cancer. Here are the most known causes and risk factors of it:

Causes ?

There’s still not enough research and information available on what exactly leads to the cause of most bladder cancer among people. However, there are enough risk factors that lead to an understanding of the formation of cancerous cells. There are certain changes in the DNA inside the normal bladder cells that lead to the growth of abnormal cells and turn cancerous.

The DNA is the chemical on our cells that make up our genes. Since we get the genes from our parents, we turn to look similar to them but genes control more than that.

There are two types of genes

• Oncogenes: These genes help the growth, division and living alive of the cells
• Tumor Suppressor genes: These genes help to regulate cell division, repair mistakes in DNA or lead the cell to die at the right time to allow new cells to grow.

Cancer is our body forms when there’s a change in our DNA (gene mutations) that turn on oncogenes or turn off tumour suppressor genes. Other several gene changes lead to the formation of cancerous cells.

Acquired gene mutation

Most causes of bladder cancer develop due to acquired gene mutation that usually happens due to the change in a person's lifestyle than from inheritance. These acquired gene mutations result from the exposure of triggering chemicals or radiation that causes cancer. For example, chemicals in tobacco.

Most chemicals that you are unaware of their harmed result in the bladder somehow. Researchers in the field of acquired gene mutation are aiming to develop tests that can detect it at the early stage by finding the DNA changes.

Inherited gene mutation

As the name suggests, some people develop it due to their inherited genes from their parents. However, it rarely runs in the families or through inherited gene mutation are its biggest cause.

Some of them inherit a reduced ability to break down cancer-causing chemicals hence are more prone and sensitive towards it. For them, tobacco smoke and other Industrial chemicals can cause immense risk.

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What are the risk factors of Bladder Cancer?

Risk factors are great to help from the prevention of it and act as an early warning. Here are the most common risk factors that you can change to decrease your chances of developing bladder cancer and others which you can’t:

Risk factors that can be changed to reduce the growth

• Smoking:Smoking results in almost the cause of half of the bladder cancer in both male and female as it is one of the most significant risk factors. Smokers are prone to three times more likely to develop it compared to nonsmokers.
• Environmental chemical exposure:Industrial chemicals are highly linked to the cause of bladder cancer. Chemicals such as Aromatic amines that are used in the dye industry are the largest contributors to bladder cancer. Even organic chemicals also possess a higher risk of bladder cancer. Industries that deal with rubber, textiles, paint products, leather, printing carry out the major risk of bladder cancer. Also, professions that include painter, printer, hairdresser, machinist who is exposed to hair dyes and truck drivers that are exposed to diesel fumes are under the major risk of developing bladder cancer.
• Medicines and Herbal Intakes:According to the latest research by the US Food and Drug Administration, diabetic medicines called pioglitazone contribute to bladder cancer. Also, Aristolochic acid in the deity supplements is the leading cause of urothelial cancers, including bladder cancer.
• Presence of Arsenic in Drinking water:Arsenic is a chemical, if present in drinking water can lead to a higher cause of bladder cancer.
• Inadequate Water Consumption:Water consumption is always said to be beneficial. Who knew it helps to reduce the risk of bladder cancer. Yes, it's true, people who drink a lot of water each day possess a lower risk of bladder cancer. It is because they can empty their bladders more often which would also get rid of chemicals remaining in the bladder.

Risk factor that cannot be changed to reduce the Impact

• Race and Ethnic group:The white ethnic group is most likely to develop bladder cancer compared to African American and Hispanic. American Indians and Asians also have lower rates of developing bladder cancer. It mostly affects white ethnicity.
• Gender:It’s been proven that bladder cancer is more common in men than women.
• Chronic Bladder Irritation and Infection:Infection such as urinary, kidney, bladder stones, and bladder catheters that aren’t treated early and have been existing for a long time can cause bladder cancer. Schistosomiasis is a well-known infection that’s caused when a parasitic worm can travel into the bladder and trigger bladder cancer.
• Age Group:Bladder cancer mostly affects the older age group, the elder you are then there’s a higher risk of bladder cancer.
• Pre Existing history with Bladder or Urothelial Cancer:If you have seen or experienced Urothelial or Bladder cancer previously then there’s also a higher risk of developing it again. Even if the first tumour is removed completely, there’s still a risk of developing another bladder cancer.
• Genetics and Family History:People with family members who have undergone bladder cancer have a higher chance of getting it themselves.

Consult the cancer specialist at Oncoplus Hospital, Delhi.