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All About Bladder And Kidney Cancer

By Daphne Bowen


For centuries, humans have encountered life changing events that changed us forever. One of the most common disasters in history is diseases. Various diseases have claimed millions of peoples lives. With time, we learnt to treat or prevent some of them. For other diseases, we have not been so lucky and they continue to kill us in numbers. Of these, is cancer, and specifically, 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.

Bladder and kidney cancers affect the respective organs. It affects both men and the opposite sex too although it is more common in men. In addition, it affects a significant proportion of the population and kills almost half of every case. Smoking is the most significant risk factor for the disease as it is the cause of at least half of most of these new cases. Some industrial chemicals, chronic irritation that are from schistosomiasis and long-term exposure to some of these drugs also predisposes one to the diseases.

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.

The tumour may spread to other parts of ones body. If it does, the patient may experience other symptoms depending on the organ affected. For instance, jaundice is observed if the liver is affected and coughing if the lung is affected. If it does not spread and also grows slowly, the risk of dying is less than 5% within the first five years. Radiation or chemotherapy options may be explored. Additionally, removal of parts or entire organs may be considered for treatment.

To avert the risk of developing cancer of the bladder or kidney, there are several measures one can take. They include quitting smoking because it is the single most risky factor. Its also crucial to maintaining a healthy weight and keep active. Healthy eating including fruit and vegetables, fish and whole grain foods is also important.

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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