Bladder Cancer Awareness
Bladder cancer, like most cancers does not develop as a result of a single pathogen or behavior. Rather, there is a complex interaction between genetics, environment, and lifestyle which can result in an increased risk for developing cancer of the bladder. The most common risk factor associated with bladder cancer is smoking. A Meta analytical study of several case studies in Europe found that cigarette smokers were about 3.3 times more likely to develop bladder cancer than nonsmokers. (Tide, 2015) Further research has suggested that, smoking can be implicated in the etiology of nearly one quarter of bladder cancers in females and as many as one half of male bladder cancer cases. Another important risk factor for bladder cancer is exposure
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Several biologics and pathogens can also increase the risk of bladder cancer in human populations. Numerous large scale studies have shown an association between schistosomiasis infection and bladder cancer. Schistosomiasis is a common parasitic infection that occurs frequently in the Middle East and Africa. The pathogen is a parasitic worm, which enters the skin of humans in contaminated water and quickly enters the blood stream to migrate to organs such as the liver, and bladder. Overwhelming evidence exists to suggest that, in areas of the world where schistosomiasis is endemic, up to one in for cases of bladder cancer can be attributed to the parasite. (Zaghloul, 2012) Repeated bacterial urinary tract infections may also increase an individual’s risk for developing bladder cancer. Furthermore, chronic inflammation in the bladder due to various pathologies may be a risk factor for the disease. In many observational studies, chronic bladder information has been shown to play a role in carcinogenesis of the transitional cells of the bladder, especially in highly developed countries. (Michaud, 2007) Several other factors may contribute to an increased risk of bladder cancer such as, increased age over 65, being male, and the use of the diabetes medication Pioglitazone. (Tide, 2015) However, as will the majority of cancers, these factors are only a part of the larger picture of the etiology of bladder
Several biologics and pathogens can also increase the risk of bladder cancer in human populations. Numerous large scale studies have shown an association between schistosomiasis infection and bladder cancer. Schistosomiasis is a common parasitic infection that occurs frequently in the Middle East and Africa. The pathogen is a parasitic worm, which enters the skin of humans in contaminated water and quickly enters the blood stream to migrate to organs such as the liver, and bladder. Overwhelming evidence exists to suggest that, in areas of the world where schistosomiasis is endemic, up to one in for cases of bladder cancer can be attributed to the parasite. (Zaghloul, 2012) Repeated bacterial urinary tract infections may also increase an individual’s risk for developing bladder cancer. Furthermore, chronic inflammation in the bladder due to various pathologies may be a risk factor for the disease. In many observational studies, chronic bladder information has been shown to play a role in carcinogenesis of the transitional cells of the bladder, especially in highly developed countries. (Michaud, 2007) Several other factors may contribute to an increased risk of bladder cancer such as, increased age over 65, being male, and the use of the diabetes medication Pioglitazone. (Tide, 2015) However, as will the majority of cancers, these factors are only a part of the larger picture of the etiology of bladder