For ages, humans have had to deal with a myriad of diseases and disorders of the body. Many of the times, the diseases have claimed millions of lives. Sometimes we are lucky to get a cure and other times not so lucky. One of these diseases that has plagued modern day human population 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.
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.
Cancers of the bladder and the kidney is associated with several symptoms. However, the most common and one used for diagnosis is blood in the urine. Patients may also experience pain during the passage of urine or on the lower back on one side of the body. Some patients may also feel the urge to urinate frequently, especially at night. In other cases, the urge to urinate is accompanied by difficulties in doing so.
Usually, it takes time for the blood to be noticed in the urine. By the time that happens, the tumour is in other tissues and organs in the body. As a result, the individual may have additional symptoms depending on where the disease has spread to. The patient may have jaundice is the disease has reached the liver, for example.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cancers of the bladder and the kidney is associated with several symptoms. However, the most common and one used for diagnosis is blood in the urine. Patients may also experience pain during the passage of urine or on the lower back on one side of the body. Some patients may also feel the urge to urinate frequently, especially at night. In other cases, the urge to urinate is accompanied by difficulties in doing so.
Usually, it takes time for the blood to be noticed in the urine. By the time that happens, the tumour is in other tissues and organs in the body. As a result, the individual may have additional symptoms depending on where the disease has spread to. The patient may have jaundice is the disease has reached the liver, for example.
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.
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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