Juhi Kumari
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Written By: Juhi Kumari | Published : February 4, 2019 7:30 PM IST
Pelvic muscle exercises will give you a healthier bladder and reduce the risk of bladder cancer. ©Shutterstock
"If you live a sedentary lifestyle and is addicted to smoking, your chances of developing bladder cancer are more than others," says Dr. R K Choudhary, senior consultant, Department of Medical and Hemato Oncology, Metro Hospital & Cancer Institute, Delhi. Bladder cancer is a deadly disease that occurs in the tissues of the urinary bladder (organ in the lower abdomen which holds urine) due to abnormal and uncontrolled multiplication of certain cells there. The most common type of bladder cancer begins in the cells that line the inside of the bladder and is called transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). If you are suffering from this disease, you may experience symptoms like pain during urination, blood in the urine, frequent urination, urge to pee even if your bladder is not full. However, these symptoms are not specific to bladder cancer and can be a sign of an infection too. Therefore, it is advised to consult a doctor before jumping to a conclusion and hitting the panic button, says Dr. Choudhary.
However, it is always good to be aware of the risk factors that can increase your chance of getting bladder cancer.
RISK FACTORS YOU CAN CONTROL
Here we tell you about some of the most common risk factors of this disease which can be controlled.
Smoking:
Cigarette smoking can increase the risk of bladder cancer. Shutterstock
Research reveals that cigarette smokers have a higher risk of bladder cancer than previously those who don't smoke. When you smoke, you inhale a large amount of carcinogenic chemicals that gradually pass on to your bloodstream and are filtered by the kidneys into your urine. Your bladder s constant exposure to these harmful chemicals can change its cells, triggering abnormal leading to cell division which can lead to bladder cancer. Notably, smokers are at least 3 times more likely to get bladder cancer than non-smokers.
Industrial chemicals: According to a research published in the journal Environmental Health, certain industrial chemicals (mainly dye industry chemicals) called aromatic amines such as benzidine and beta-naphthylamine have been associated with bladder cancer. Also, workers in industries like rubber, leather, textiles, and paint, and printing are also at a higher risk of bladder cancer. Moreover, those who are addictive to smoking and work in industries with cancer-causing chemicals have an especially high risk of bladder cancer.
Certain medicines or herbal supplements:
Dietary supplements containing aristolochic acid can put you at more risk of developing bladder cancer. Shutterstock
According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and a study published in The BMJ, use of the diabetes medicine pioglitazone for more than a year is associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. Moreover, dietary supplements containing aristolochic acid (mainly in herbs from the Aristolochia family) have also been linked to an increased risk of this type of cancer.
Arsenic in drinking water:
Where you live and the source of the water that you drink can cause bladder cancer. Shutterstock
According to a study published in the American Journal of Nursing, exposure to arsenic in drinking water has been associated with a higher risk of bladder cancer. Notably, your chance of being exposed to arsenic depends on the place where you live and also on the source of the water that you drink.
Not drinking enough fluids:
Increase fluid intake to keep harmful chemicals away from your bladder. Shutterstock
A research published in the journal World Journal of Surgical Oncology has revealed that greater consumption of fluid may have a protective effect on bladder cancer. This may be due to the reason that frequent intake of liquid increases a person s urge to urinate more often keeping harmful chemicals away from the bladder.
RISK FACTORS YOU DON'T HAVE CONTROL OVER
According to Dr. Choudhary, Race, age, gender, and genetics do have some contribution to the development of bladder cancer. The reasons behind it are still unknown. However, the results are available in various studies.
Race and ethnicity: Whites are approximately twice as likely to develop bladder cancer as African Americans and Hispanics, a study published in the journal Urology has revealed. Also, it found that Asian Americans and American Indians have slightly lower rates of bladder cancer. Notably, the scientists could not find the exact reason behind this race and ethnic differences in bladder cancer risk.
Age: According to Oncology Letters journal, bladder cancer is mostly diagnosed in older individuals with an average age of 70. It is rarely found in children as well as young adults.
Gender: Risk of developing bladder cancer is three to four times greater in men than in women, a study published in the journal European Urology revealed. It also stated that various potential biological and epidemiological factors are probably the reason behind this gender differences observed for bladder cancer incidence. Moreover, it was found that though women are at lower risk of developing this disease, when they do suffer, it is more advanced disease and has less favourable outcomes after treatment.
Chronic bladder irritation and infections: A systematic review of various previous studies published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention has revealed that kidney and bladder stones, urinary infections, bladder catheters left in place a long time, and other causes of chronic bladder irritation have been associated with bladder cancer.
Genetics and family history: A study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention has revealed that people who have family members with bladder cancer have a higher risk of getting it. This is because they may share some changes in genes like GST and NAT that make it hard for their bodies to break down certain toxins increasing the risk of bladder cancer.
Exercises for a healthy bladder
A research published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine has revealed that promoting physical activity is a key component of population wide cancer prevention and control efforts. During exercise, the hormone epinephrine is released which helps the immune cells that attack the tumour site. Also, it may restore normal gene function and influence tumour-suppressing genes. Therefore, here we tell you about exercises that can will give you a healthy bladder and reduce the risk of bladder cancer.
Kegel Exercise
It is one of the best ways to strengthen the muscles that support the bladder, uterus, small intestine and rectum. Notably, this exercise focusses on holding the muscle contraction.
How to do it:
Pelvic floor exercise
Unlike Kegel exercise, it focusses on tightening the pelvic floor muscles.
How to do it
