Bladder Cancer

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When we talke of Bladder cancer it refers to any of the several types of malignant growths of the urinary bladder. Most bladder cancers are transitional cell carcinomas (cancer that begins in cells that normally make up the inner lining of the bladder).

Other types include squamous cell carcinoma (cancer that begins in thin, flat cells) and adenocarcinoma (cancer that begins in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids). The cells that form squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma develop in the inner lining of the bladder as a result of chronic irritation and inflammation. For more on bladder cancer, symptoms and treatment please read on.

The estimated new cases and deaths from bladder cancer in the United States in 2009 were 70,980 and deaths totaled: 14,330. Bladder cancer characteristically causes blood in the urine. Other possible symptoms include pain during urination, frequent urination (Polyuria) or feeling the need to urinate without results. These signs and symptoms are not specific to bladder cancer, and are also caused by non-cancerous conditions, including prostate infections and cystitis. Kidney cancer also can cause hematuria.

Causes of Bladder Cancer

Tobacco smoking is the main known cause of urinary bladder cancer. So it’s not just lung cancer that you can contract if you smoke tobacco. In most populations, smoking causes over half of bladder cancer cases in men and a sizeable proportion in women. There is a linear relationship between smoking and risk, and quitting smoking reduces the risk of bladder cancer.

In a 10-year study involving almost 48,000 men, researchers found that men who drank 1.5L of water a day had a significantly reduced incidence of bladder cancer when compared with men who drank less than 240mL (around 1 cup) per day. The authors proposed that bladder cancer might partly be caused by the bladder directly contacting carcinogens that are excreted in urine. It is postulated, therefore, that by drinking higher quantities of water, urine is more dilute, thereby reducing the chance of disease.

Bladder Cancer Treatment

Information about treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and vaccine therapy can be found at any of the links on this page. Alternative Bladder Cancer Treatments would include elimination of carcinogens like tobacco from your lifestyle as well as detoxifcation and nutrient saturation.