Smoking is the number one risk factor for Bladder cancer!!

Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the bladder, which is a hollow organ in the lower part of the abdomen that stores urine. It is the fourth most common cancer in men and the ninth most common cancer in women worldwide. One of the leading causes of bladder cancer is tobacco smoking, which is responsible for approximately half of all cases of bladder cancer in men and a third of cases in women.

The link between smoking and bladder cancer has been established through several epidemiological studies and laboratory experiments. In this article, we will explore how smoking causes bladder cancer and the mechanisms involved.

Chemicals in tobacco smoke

Tobacco smoke contains more than 70 known carcinogens, which are chemicals that can cause cancer by damaging DNA in cells. When tobacco smoke is inhaled, these chemicals are absorbed into the bloodstream and travel throughout the body, including the bladder.  They are then excreted in the urine and come into contact with the bladder lining. The bladder lining is made up of urothelial cells, which are the cells that line the inside of the bladder. When the chemicals come into contact with these cells, they can bind to DNA and cause mutations that can lead to cancer.

Smoking also has direct effects on the bladder that can increase the risk of bladder cancer. When tobacco smoke is inhaled, it can irritate the lining of the bladder, causing inflammation and damage to the cells. Chronic inflammation and damage can increase the risk of cancer by creating an environment that is more conducive to the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Smoking can also affect the immune system, which plays a crucial role in defending the body against cancer. Smoking can impair the function of immune cells, such as T-cells and natural killer cells, which can allow cancer cells to proliferate unchecked.

In addition, smoking can increase the concentration of certain chemicals in the urine, such as nitrosamines, which are also known to be carcinogenic.

The most effective way to prevent bladder cancer is to quit smoking. The risk of bladder cancer decreases significantly within a few years of quitting smoking. It is also essential to avoid exposure to other known bladder cancer risk factors, such as occupational exposure to chemicals, such as benzidine and beta-naphthylamine, which are used in the manufacture of dyes, rubber, and plastics.