Understanding Bladder Cancer Causes & Risk Assessment

Bladder cancer begins when there is abnormal outgrowth of cells in the bladder region. These cells tend to outgrow, forming a tumour and might spread to muscles and other organs. According to statistics, it is the 10th most common type of cancer globally.

Bladder cancer starts in the urothelial cells, the line inside the bladder. Doctors can often detect bladder cancer early, making it easier to cure. Even after successful treatment, bladder cancer can return. Doctors advise people with bladder cancer to undergo regular follow-up appointments to check for any recurrence.

In this blog, we will delve deeply into the causes of bladder cancer.

Causes of Bladder Cancer

Although the precise cause of bladder cancer is often unclear, medical experts have identified numerous risk factors that can heighten the chances of its development. These risk factors include:

1. Smoking tobacco- Smoking tobacco is one of the major causes of bladder cancer as it contains carcinogenic cancer-causing substances. Smoking is estimated to double the risk of developing the disease, and it is the cause of more than a third of all bladder cancer cases. Smoking pipes and cigars and exposure to second-hand smoke also link to the development of bladder cancer.
2. Exposure to chemicals- Certain chemicals at the workplace, such as amines, benzene products, aniline dyes, 2-naphthylamine, 4-aminobiphenyl, etc., increase the chances of developing bladder cancer. Research suggests exposure to these chemicals increases bladder cancer risk by 25%. Industries like textiles, rubber, paints, dyes, plastic and leather tanning use these chemicals.
3. Age- The older you get, the more you risk developing bladder cancer. However, any person of any age can develop bladder cancer. However, the diagnosis of bladder cancer is more common in people aged 55 or above. So, increasing age is also one of the significant causes of bladder cancer.
4. Gender- If you are assigned male by birth, you are at an increased risk of developing bladder cancer. Men tend to suffer more from bladder cancer than their female counterparts.
5. Chemotherapy- If you have a previous history of use of chemotherapy, then you are at an increased risk of developing bladder cancer. Chemotherapy medications such as cyclophosphamide and cisplatin can put you at risk of suffering from bladder cancer.
6. Use of catheter in the bladder- Using a catheter in the bladder is also linked to developing bladder cancer. It is said so because when you are required to have the catheter in the bladder, it will stay there for a long time because you have nerve damage resulting in paralysis.
7. Frequent infections of the bladder- Frequent infections are another major reason for developing bladder cancer. People suffering from bladder stones, urinary tract infections and other bladder infections are more prone to bladder cancer.
8. Exposure to radiation therapy- Experts cite exposure to radiation therapy among other major causes of bladder cancer. E Radiation therapy utilized in treating certain cancers like bowel cancer, particularly when administered in the pelvic region, is believed by experts to elevate the risk of bladder cancer development potentially.
9. Family history of cancer- Once again, having a family history of bladder cancer is cited as a major factor in developing the disease. Suppose any of your parents, siblings or family members have ever had bladder cancer; your chances of suffering from the disease increase. Moreover, people who have a history of Lynch syndrome in the family are prone to suffer from bladder cancer.
10. 10. Lack of fluid intake- People who do not consume enough liquids are more prone to developing urinary tract infections and other infections. Liquids help in removing toxins from the body. Frequent infection can lead to toxins in the body, increasing the chances of developing bladder cancer.

Conclusion

Bladder cancer develops in the tissue of the bladder. There are many causes of bladder cancer, and in this blog, we have discussed some of the few prevalent reasons for the development of bladder cancer. However, treatment and outlook can depend on the stage to which the cancer has advanced. Though bladder cancer has the potential to reoccur, you need regular follow-ups to keep the situation in check. Having a comprehensive health insurance plan can help cover the costs of follow-up consultations, diagnostic tests, and treatments, ensuring you have the financial support needed to manage your health effectively and with confidence.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.