Successful Weight Loss

All About Bladder And Kidney Cancer

By Daphne Bowen


Humans have been plagued by diseases for their entire history, claiming millions of lives. In some cases, our scientists developed cures and vaccines to prevent them. In other cases, we have not been unlucky, and these diseases continue to take our lives. Present day world is suffering from cancer, one of which is bladder and kidney cancer.

Although may people are familiar with the disease, few can tell what it is exactly. Cancer develops when our bodies cannot regulate cell division. Usually, when cells divide, the body has a mechanism to control the extent to which they do. When the mechanism fails, cells continue dividing, creating a lump of cells known as a tumour. Sometimes, the tumour spreads causing cancer.

Smoking is the single greatest risk factor for developing cancer on the kidney and bladder. It is responsible for more than half of all new cases of these diseases. In addition, chronic irritation from parasitic infections such as schistosomiasis, long-term exposure to certain drugs and industrial chemicals are risk factors. The diseases affect a significant proportion of the population.

There are various symptoms associated with the cancer of kidney and bladder. The most common and one used during diagnosis is the appearance of urine in blood. Others include pain in the lower back on only one side of ones body. Other patients may experience pain or burning sensation during urination, frequent urination, especially during the night.

Appearance of blood in the urine is the signature symptom of these diseases. However, by this time, in most cases the tumour has spread to other body parts. Consequently, such patients may experience other symptoms depending on where the disease has spread. For example, if, on the liver, one may experience yellowing of the skin or if in the lungs, coughing and shortness of breath.

Diagnosis is carried out by a cystoscopy. A small tissue from the kidney or bladder may be removed and analysed. To determine whether it has spread, a CT or x-ray scan may be performed. If it does not spread, the risk of dying within the first five years after diagnosis is reduced to less than 5%. Treatment involves removal of these tumours or sometimes a part or whole organ.

There are various ways to reduce ones chances of developing cancer of the bladder and kidney. The first is to lead an active life through exercise. The second way is to eat healthy foods including fish, whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Also, quitting smoking is imperative since it is a high-risk factor.

There are no vaccines to prevent or drugs to cure tumours on the bladder and kidney. The risk of death after developing the disease is high. It is important to schedule regular visits to the doctor. Additionally, irresponsible behaviour such as smoking is high risk and needs to be stopped. Adoption of healthy habits such as eating whole foods and avoiding fatty foods is crucial.




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