Your Lifestyle and Your Risk for Bladder Cancer

By Jon Stout

Each year more and more research is conducted on how to reduce your risk of developing cancer. For some forms of cancer, it's fairly simple to understand how to reduce risk. For example, we know that most lung cancer victims are smokers, and that many cases of skin cancer are caused by unprotected over exposure to the sun.

For other cancers, understanding how to reduce our risk is not so simple, because we don't really understand what causes them.

Even in cancers that we don't fully understand, scientists are working to determine how our lifestyle might increase our risks. For example, a study was conducted in Nagoya, Japan to help better understand the lifestyle factors that might contribute to the development of urinary bladder cancer.

The study also evaluated lifestyle habits that actually reduce your risk of bladder cancer. The findings were interesting, and can help us make lifestyle choices that can protect our health.

This study examined the following lifestyle habits and their ability to increase or reduce risk for urinary bladder cancer:

Cigarette Smoking - Cigarette Smoking was found to increase the risk of developing urinary bladder cancer. The increased risk was more significant in women than men.

Drinking cocoa - Interestingly enough, drinking cocoa was associated with an elevation in risk of urinary bladder cancer in men, but not in women.

Hair Color - Women who used hair color had a slightly elevated risk of developing urinary bladder cancer if they also smoke. However, non smoking women had no significant risk factor if they used hair color.

Drinking coffee- Coffee drinking showed no elevated risk - but it showed no benefit, either.

Drinking alcohol - No significant risk was associated with alcohol intake.

Drinking sodas - No significant risk was associated with drinking sodas.

Drinking fruit juice- Fruit juice was associated with a decreased risk in developing urinary bladder cancer in men. No risk or benefit was notable in women.

Drinking Tea - Women who drank black tea and powdered green tea showed a reduced risk of developing urinary bladder cancer. The figures for men showed no increase or decrease of risk.

What's So Great About Tea and Fruit?

This study echoes the findings of many other studies, indicating that tea and fruit are of benefit in preventing cancer. Scientists are now fully beginning to understand how important these substances are to protecting our health. But, why are they so important? Well, the answer is in anti-oxidants.

Anti-oxidants have the power to combat free radicals. Free radicals are produced naturally by our body during the process of converting the food we eat to energy. These free radicals speed up the aging process, and can cause clogged arteries, cancer and other disease by damaging our cells and DNA.

Fruits, vegetables and tea are filled with anti-oxidants. A diet rich in these foods, therefore, help rid our bodies of the free radicals that put our health at risk. Some foods and beverages have more potent anti-oxidants than others. Doctors recommend that we make these "super foods" part of our everyday life.

Fruits

All fresh fruits are rich in anti-oxidants. However, the ones that are the most potent include blueberries, pomegranates, strawberries and cranberries.

Vegetables

Again, fresh vegetables supply a good dose of anti-oxidants. Tomatoes, which contain lycopene, are one of the best vegetables you can eat. However, artichokes and red beans are also very good anti-oxidant sources.

Tea

Tea is a simple way to get your anti-oxidants. Tea comes from the camellia sinensis plant. There are many types of tea on the market, but all tea comes from the same plant.

The difference between green, white and black tea comes from the way the tea is processed. Black tea is fermented; white and green are not. Green and white tea have been found to be better sources of anti-oxidants because they fermenting that black tea goes through changes the anti-oxidants into compounds that are not as healthy.

The study quoted above found that black tea had the same benefits as green tea in preventing urinary bladder cancer in women. However, most other studies conducted on the benefits of tea have concluded that green tea is better.

Green tea began gaining attention because of the significantly lower incidence of cancer and heart disease in Asian culture. Even though Asians are more likely to smoke than Americans, they have lower incidence of cancer and heart disease - even lung cancer. It appears that their high consumption of green tea protects their health in a way that other dietary habits do not.

Research has even suggested that green tea may be effective at treating patients who already have cancer. Several studies, on different forms of cancer, have shown that traditional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, are more effective when green tea is administered along with the treatment. Green tea seems to increase the concentration of the drugs in the cancerous cells and slows down cancer progression, perhaps even preventing metastasis.

Much of the research that has been performed has been on mice or in-vitro, though the study outlined above was performed on humans. The next step in truly understanding how foods, including tea, can protect our health, preventing cancer and other disease, is to conduct more human trials. The results could take years, because human trials on prevention require following subjects over a long period of time.

Preventing cancer is a national health concern. Certainly, much more study is required before we can gain true understanding of how to protect our health. One thing's for sure, however; a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and tea is a good start!

Jon M. Stout is the Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. Golden Moon Tea carefully selects the finest rare and orthodox teas, which are processed slowly and handcrafted with extreme care. At their website, you can learn more about their current tea offerings, including their exceptional green tea [http://www.goldenmoontea.com/greentea/], white tea, black tea, oolong tea (also known as wu-long and wu long tea [http://www.goldenmoontea.com/wu-long/]) and chai. Visit goldenmoontea.com for all details concerning the Golden Moon Tea Company's fine line of teas.

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Bladder Cancer Risks Of Smokeless Tobacco

By Zachary Malott

Ever think about the dangers of smokeless tobacco? If you use smokeless tobacco your first thoughts are probably the chance of contracting lip, tongue, throat and stomach cancer. These are certainly cancers that have been proven to develop from smokeless tobacco use.

Many people are not aware that smokeless tobacco has a more far ranging effect on the human body than those diseases mentioned above. It has been shown that smokeless tobacco can increase greatly the chances of developing bladder cancer. What is frightening is that so many people now using and those who will soon begin to use smokeless tobacco have no idea of the serious effects this substance can bring down upon unsuspecting users.

Carcinogins found in tobacco have been shown to increase the risk of bladder cancer by up to 400% in users vs. those who do not use. Even more frightening this risk factor remains for years even after the user quits tobacco completely. Scary thought, huh?

What educators in the tobacco cessation arena need to be aware of is finding a way to get across the truth that just because smokeless tobacco is smokeless it isn't harmless. Smokeless tobacco doesn't just stay in the oral cavity. It gets swallowed into the stomach and it gets into your esophagus and bladder.

I would like to add an interesting paragraph from a study called: Clinico-pathological features of bladder carcinoma in women in Pakistan and smokeless tobacco as a possible risk factor
Muhammad Rafique1
1Department of Urology, Nishtar Medical College, Multan, Pakistan
Corresponding author.
Muhammad Rafique: rafiqanju/at/hotmail.com
Received April 12, 2005; Accepted August 5, 2005.

."Transitional cell carcinoma is the most common bladder malignancy in women in Pakistan. Most women with bladder carcinoma have long history of use of smokeless tobacco. At the time of diagnosis 75% women have muscle invasive bladder carcinoma. In women using smokeless tobacco, there is significant correlation between stage of bladder carcinoma and duration of smokeless tobacco use. Further studies are required to clarify the role of smokeless tobacco in the development of bladder carcinoma."

Does chewing and dipping cause bladder cancer? We have seen a lot of evidence that points to a correlation of bladder cancer and tobacco use. There remains a lot of research left to do before the final verdict is in. In my humble opinion, the information that I have studied in preparation to write this short, general article has convinced me that the possibility that it does cause bladder cancer far outweighs any scientific information stating that it doesn't.

When it comes right down to it, knowing all of the things that the use of smokeless tobacco certainly does makes the use of it illogical. When we add the fact that there is much sound evidence that smokeless tobacco can affect the body to the degree of producing bladder cancer, it just makes good sense:

1) If you don't chew, dip or smoke - don't.

2) If you do use tobacco in any form - seriously consider finding a good cessation program and quit.

If you want detailed information of the dangers of smokeless tobacco please use the following link to read a FREE eBook entitled, "Stop Using Smokeless Tobacco Now!" [http://www.stopsmokeless.com/freebook.php]

Life is full of choices. Choices require decisions. What decision will you make?

Zach Malott is CEO of Stop Smokeless.com, a site that is dedicated to helping others to eliminate the addiction of smokeless tobacco from their lives.

Malott has spent most of his life addicted to smokeless tobacco. In his search for a means to quit and stay quit, a program developed over the years that has helped 1,000's who are ready to quit succeed.

The focus of his life now is to help as many people as he can to be rid of this dangerous, unnecessary drug from being the cause of so much human misery. This resource can be found at:

Stop Smokeless.com [http://www.stopsmokeless.com/]

Once again, the FREE eBook can be read at the following link: "Stop Using Smokeless Tobacco Now!" [http://www.stopsmokeless.com/freebook.php]

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Bladder Cancer Amongst Professional Painters

By Chris N. Jackson

If you are a professional painter and you have been diagnosed with bladder cancer, you may be surprised to learn that the chemicals contained in the paint used could be the cause of your condition. If you have worked in a profession that caused you to be in frequent contact with paint or paint fumes, or if you worked as a decorator, artist, glazier, plasterer, or wall paper hanger, you could be at a higher risk for developing bladder cancer.

Investigators are looking into the link between exposure to paint fumes and bladder cancer. Many personal injury attorneys are taking cases where professional painters and others who are regularly exposed to fumes have developed bladder cancer, and often offer free case reviews. If you or someone you know you may be able to seek monetary compensation for your condition. You should consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to discuss the details of your case and learn your options.

The most commonly reported symptoms of bladder cancer include the following:

- Blood clots or blood seen in the urine, a condition known as hematuria. This happens in eighty to ninety percent of all cases of bladder cancer, and is considered to be the most common symptom. Hematuria is not typically painful.
- Dysuria, which is pain or discomfort while urinating.
- Having to urinate small amounts often.
- Frequent or recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs).

When bladder cancer advances, other symptoms may be present such as:

- Swelling of the lower legs.
- Pain in the lower back in the area near the kidneys, which is referred to as flank pain.
- Pelvic growths in the area of the bladder.

If the bladder cancer has spread throughout the body, these symptoms may occur:

- Pain in the bones, or pain in the pelvic, anal, or rectal areas.
- Anemia.
- Weight loss.

Painters are often subjected to exposure to a variety of chemicals, such as solvents that are petroleum based. These solvents include alcohols, xylene, esters, toluene, glycol ethers, and ketones. Paint strippers often contain chlorinated hydrocarbons as well. For many years, benzene was used as a paint solvent, but today is only found in low quantities in some solvents that are petroleum based. Chromium, titanium dioxide, and iron compound are frequently used as pigmentation for paint, with lead being its predecessor. Paint filler, taping compounds, and spackle can contain asbestos, and painters can also suffer harm from being exposed to silica during the preparation of surfaces in painting metal and on construction projects.

The journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine published as study in 2010 that found that professional painters, as well as those frequently exposed to paint fumes, were at a higher risk of developing bladder cancer when compared to those who do not. While a key risk factor for bladder cancer is also smoking, higher than normal numbers of the disease have been seen in workers in certain occupations such as painting. Painters are exposed to many of the same chemicals that are contained in cigarette smoke, such as aromatic amines.

Researchers who conducted the study looked at roughly three thousands cases of bladder cancer in professional painters. These patients included painters, wall paper hangers, artists, plasterers, decorators, and glaziers. After considering smoking behavior, the study found painters to be thirty percent more likely to suffer bladder cancer compared to the population in general. This suggested that painting is considered to be an independent risk factor for bladder cancer.

What's more is that there was evidence that suggested female painters are more likely to contract the disease compared to male painters; however there were only four studies that looked at women independently. Studies also found a link between the length of time a person worked as a painted and the risk for developing bladder cancer. People who worked for more than ten years as painter were more likely to develop the disease compared to those working in the field for less than ten years.

The authors of the study were not able to determine which precise reasons accounted for the elevated risk. There are many factors involved in the matter including different types of paints used, the length of time working in the field, and how long people were exposed.

With an annual death toll of one hundred and thirty thousand people, and more than three hundred and thirty thousand new cases diagnosed yearly, bladder cancer is the ninth most common type of cancer diagnosed globally. (statistics courtesy of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)) The cause of this disease is not always known, but is seen more often in people who smoke, compared to people who do not.

This type of cancer is usually seen in people who are older, with ninety percent of cases appearing after the age of fifty five. Men are almost three times more likely to develop this disease compared to women. The risk level for men developing bladder cancer at some point in his lifetime is about one in twenty six, while a woman has a one in eighty four chance. Bladder cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer noted in men.

If you or someone you know worked as a professional painter or associated occupation, were exposed to paint fumes on a regular basis, and has been diagnosed with bladder cancer, you need to know that you do have legal options and you should consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to discuss those options. These legal professionals can help you to determine all parties that can be held accountable and can help you to recover damages for past, present, and future medical expenses, loss of income, loss of quality of life, and pain and suffering. Since most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, you do not have to worry about how to fund your claim in advance, and often pay nothing until the time your case settles.

If you are in need of a personal injury attorney please visit http://www.feldmanshepherd.com/

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Bladder Cancer Prognosis - Stage by Stage

By Philip Albert Edmonds-Hunt

The bladder is basically a bag that holds the urine until such time the urine can be emptied. It is made of many cell layers, where the inner layer (bladder lining) expands and contracts as the bladder either fills or empties. Like most other organs in the body, the bladder is susceptible to developing cancer.

Symptoms - The early signs of bladder cancer can easily be missed due to being similar to those of other cancers, where symptoms of urinary tract infections, pelvic discomfort, and back pains are quite common. Another symptom may include a painless hematuria (blood in the urine), although blood in the urine does not always mean cancer is present.

Diagnosis - Routine tests are usually carried out, such as: physical examinations, urinalysis; also known as routine and microscopy (R&M) which are an array of tests preformed on the urine, computerized axial tomography (CAT) scans, magnet resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and intravenous pyelogram ([IVP] an X-ray of the urinary tract) tests. The CAT scan and IVP scan provide vital information about the size and position of the tumor, where as the MRI scan gives an indication as to whether the cancer has metastasized, either to regional (nearby) or distant organs.

Tests/Biopsy - Sometimes there may exist questionable cells during the diagnosis process which need a closer look at, and where more invasive procedures may need to be used. These may include either a cystoscopy, where a thin tube is inserted through the urethra that allows for a doctor to look inside the bladder, or a urine cytology, which allows for the cells in the urine that have been shed from the bladder to be examined for possible cancer, as well as looking for tumor indicators, or tumors that may also be found in the urine. While the cystoscopy is being used, a small tissue sample may also be taken for laboratory examination.

Prognosis Stages

Stage 0 - Cancerous cells are contained within the bladder lining where the tumor is still small, and has not yet affected any regional organs. Survival rate is high at around 80 - 90%.

Stage I - The tumor has begun to show signs of metastasis (spread) to other tissues. Survival rate is still high at around 70 - 80%, however if not treated soon will soon become stage II.

Stage II - The tumor has metastasized (spread) through the connective tissue and into the muscle lining, although no metastasis has taken place outside this area. Survival rate has now dropped to around 60%.

Stage III - The tumor has metastasized through the connective tissue and muscle, and into the tissue outside the bladder, and/or the prostate gland (male), and/or the uterus/vagina (female), although no metastasis has occurred in the lymph nodes. Classed as deep or invasive bladder cancer where the survival rate has dropped considerable from that of stage II.

Stage IV - The tumor has metastasized through the bladder lining and into the pelvis, and/or the abdominal wall, and/or the lymph nodes, and/or any distant organs. Classed as metastatic bladder cancer, where little hope of curing it can be expected.

Philip Albert Edmonds-Hunt was born in the County of Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom. A well travelled man who today lives in Mexico with his family. He works as a Freelance Writer, Researcher and English Teacher, spending much of his time researching and writing about cancer with the hope that his writings may benefit other cancer sufferers. If you feel that you have benefited from reading one of his articles; please recommend them to other cancer sufferers who may also benefit. If you are interested in reading more about cancer, check out: http://www.cancercry.com

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Bladder Cancer

Precursors and Threats Associated With Bladder Cancer

By Trevor Price

There are two primary bladder cancer symptoms - a drastic change in urination habits or patterns, and blood in the urine. Unfortunately, many instances of this potentially deadly disease are still unrecognized in people's lives.

Approximately 54,300 new cases of bladder cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. every year, and over 12,000 people die of the disease. It is the sixth most common cancer in the country. And though the five-year survival rate sits at an impressive 81 percent, the chances for full recovery are dramatically improved if the disease is caught early.

That's the reason recognizing and diagnosing bladder cancer symptoms is crucial. So, if you're interested in learning more about the signs of bladder cancer and potential causes of the disease, read on.

Evidences and Signs Associated with Bladder Cancer

Bloody Urine: The primary symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine. While bloody urine can often be an indicator of other bladder problems (kidney cancer, kidney stones, bladder infections), it's almost always exhibited in patients diagnosed with bladder cancer.

Urination Patterns: Most people diagnosed with bladder cancer complain of a frequent urge to pee, possible urinary incontinence and difficulty making it through the night without having to use the bathroom multiple times. Unfortunately, most patients with bladder cancer are older and don't recognize this symptom as a potential indicator of a more serious problem.

Causes and Risk Factors Associated with Bladder Cancer

Smoking: Smokers are more than twice as likely to develop bladder cancer than nonsmokers. Smoking causes about half of the deaths from bladder cancer among men and over 30% of bladder cancer deaths among women.
The carcinogens in cigarettes make their way into the blood stream and finally through the bladder and into the urine, which is why they're such a major cause of bladder cancer.

Exposure at the Work Place: Aromatic amines, types of industrial chemicals which are often used in the dye industry, are considered a major cause of bladder cancer.

Other organic chemicals, like those used in rubber plants, leather manufacturers, fabrics and textiles and printing firms, are also a higher risk factor for the disease.

Race: Bladder cancer is typically more common in Caucasians than other races.

Age: The risk for developing bladder cancer increases with age. The average age for those diagnosed with the disease is around 68 years. Meanwhile, less than 1% of bladder cancer patients are age 39 and under.

Chronic Bladder Problems: Patients who have a long-term history of kidney stones, urinary infections, bladder stones or other forms of chronic bladder irritation may be at an increased risk for developing bladder cancer.

If the risk factors listed above apply to you, it's important that you be able to not only recognize bladder cancer symptoms (bloody urine, changing urination habits), but that you also act on them and seek the advice of a physician.

When confronted with symptoms of any form of cancer, you are much better off taking precautionary steps to ensure your health than to assume no problem while allowing something dangerous to spread through your body unchecked.

About the Author

For helpful information on various cancers - please visit cancerinfotips.com - a popular site providing symptom and treatment insights - such as men's breast cancer - childhood osteosarcoma - and many more!

Bladder Cancer