Men face elevated risk with frequently undiagnosed bladder cancer

Bladder cancer occurs almost four times more frequently in men than in women. Fifteen to twenty-five percent of cases of this disease are discovered only at an advanced stage, as symptoms are often disregarded as natural signs of aging.

According to data from the National Cancer Registry, approximately 8,000 new cases of bladder cancer are diagnosed in Poland each year. This problem mainly affects people in the prime of life. In 98% of cases, it affects men over the age of 45, and the risk of developing it increases with age.

Bladder cancer often develops in the form of malignant tumours. The most common case is cancer from the transitional epithelium, lining the urinary tract and accounting for about 90% of all cases of this cancer.

The main factors contributing to the development of bladder cancer include exposure to chemical compounds (such as aromatic amines) in certain industrial sectors, including chemical, rubber, metallurgical, and gas industries. Unfavourable to this issue are also stimulants. Smoking plays a significant role, as well as chronic bladder inflammation and genetic predispositions.

Symptoms that should prompt us to diagnose bladder cancer include frequent urination, pressure to urinate without passing urine, discomfort during urination, and the presence (often a small amount) of blood in the urine. Therefore, observing the urine is crucial.

They are often underestimated because they usually do not accompany pain. They are attributed to aging or stress. This is a mistake that often carries serious consequences.

Other symptoms accompanying bladder cancer include unexplained weight loss, bone pain, back pain, lower abdominal pain, and chronic fatigue and malaise. In the case of the back, the pain is most often located in the lumbar region.

Conducting appropriate diagnostics is essential because similar symptoms may be associated with urinary tract infections or - in the case of men - prostate cancer. Early detection of the disease is crucial for effective treatment. The curability of cancer decreases with the advancement of the disease.

It is recommended to perform a preventive abdominal ultrasound once a year to monitor health status and prevent the development of potential disease. This allows for the detection of early cancerous changes that may not yet be showing symptoms. Importantly, an ultrasound examination will also help exclude other abdominal ailments.