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.
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.
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.
Since smoking is a high-risk factor for contracting cancer of the kidney and bladder it needs to be stopped. Quitting smoking is never easy but there are various support groups to help. Additionally, it is essential to lead an active life in order to avert the risk of disease. Eating whole foods, fruits and vegetables is also a good way to avert the risk of developing the disease.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Since smoking is a high-risk factor for contracting cancer of the kidney and bladder it needs to be stopped. Quitting smoking is never easy but there are various support groups to help. Additionally, it is essential to lead an active life in order to avert the risk of disease. Eating whole foods, fruits and vegetables is also a good way to avert the risk of developing the disease.
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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