The risk of bladder cancer increases with age and gender, but some adjustments in living habits and living environment can reduce the likelihood of developing the disease.
Bladder cancer occurs when bladder cells grow abnormally. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), this abnormal development is the result of certain changes in the DNA of bladder cells, called gene mutations. Some people are born with gene mutations that can cause bladder cancer. Other people have genetic mutations due to factors encountered while living and working.
Risk factors cannot be prevented
Age: The risk of bladder cancer increases with age. According to the ACS, 9 out of 10 cases of bladder cancer occur in people over the age of 55.
Sex: The ACS estimates the incidence of bladder cancer in men to be 1 in 27, while in women it is 1 in 89.
Bladder problems and abnormalities: Urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stones, and chronic schistosomiasis increase the risk of abnormal cell growth in the bladder. Some birth defects, such as bladder or umbilical hernia, are also risk factors for the disease.
Cancer treatment methods: Long-term pelvic radiation or chemotherapy can also increase the chance of developing bladder cancer.
History of illness: People with a personal or family history of bladder cancer are also at higher risk.
Doctors advise patients on bladder health. Image: Tam Anh General Clinic District 7
Risk factors can be prevented
Some lifestyle and habit adjustments can help reduce the risk of gene mutations that cause bladder cancer.
Quit or avoid smoking: According to the ACS, smokers are three times more likely to develop bladder cancer than non-smokers. In the US, tobacco is linked to about half of bladder cancer cases.
A 2016 meta-review by Dutch scientists recommended that quitting smoking could reduce the risk of bladder cancer. However, even after 20 years of quitting smoking, former smokers are still 50% more likely to develop bladder cancer than people who have never smoked.
Reduce exposure to chemicals: According to a 2022 review by American experts, exposure to certain chemicals that can cause bladder cancer includes phenacetin, cyclophosphamide, arsenic.
Exposure to certain products in the workplace can also be a risk factor such as rubber, leather, textiles, paint, and dyes. The ACS notes that exposure to diesel fumes in the workplace can cause bladder cancer. Therefore, workers should wear protective equipment and avoid prolonged contact with these chemicals and products to reduce the risk of illness.
Drinking water: Drinking habits are also related to bladder cancer. For example, anyone who drinks water contaminated with arsenic is at increased risk. Everyone should drink enough water to help the body eliminate toxins.
Eat a balanced diet and exercise: There are no foods that can protect or treat bladder cancer. However, studies show that a balanced, nutritious diet filled with fruits and vegetables promotes overall health and can help reduce the likelihood of this type of cancer.
Adequate nutrition is also important for individuals during and after cancer treatment. It helps provide essential nutrients the body needs and reduces side effects of treatment.
Bladder cancer is a common type of urinary system cancer. Symptoms may appear early but are easily confused with common urinary tract diseases such as urinary tract infections, bladder stones, overactive bladder, and benign prostatic hyperplasia in men. Patients need to go to the hospital as soon as possible when they have signs such as hematuria, sharp pain or burning when urinating, urgency to urinate, more frequent urination, nocturia, weak urinary stream, or difficulty urinating.