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Thursday, September 10, 2015

A Brief Guide To 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 there are different types of cancers, they all begin in the same way. Cell division is a closely regulated process in the body with numerous proteins and enzymes controlling every aspect of this process. When the mechanism to control cell proliferation fails, cells continue dividing resulting in a lump known as a tumour that may spread to other parts of the body and becomes cancer.

This cancer affect both men and women although it is prevalent in men. It affects the respective organs and is observed in a significant part of the general population. The most common risk factor for development of this disease is smoking as it is responsible for more than half of all new cases. Additionally, chronic irritation from schistosomiasis, exposure to some drugs and industrial chemicals are also risk factors.

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.

Leading a healthy life is the only way to reduce the chances of developing the disease. Eating, exercising and quitting smoking are healthy lifestyle habits that can significantly reduce ones risk for the disease. This will have to work until we can develop a cure or at least, a vaccine.




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