THE Cancer Bladder is one of the most common forms of cancer in our country and in Europe in general, but many ignore basic data for it, such as its most common cause or which symptom should be evaluated without delay by the doctor.
A poll to more than 6,000 volunteers held a few years ago by the European Urological Society (EAU) had shown that nearly 60% of respondents are not familiar with him or do not realize How dangerous This cancer can be proven. A similar percentage was found in 676 Greek volunteers in a similar study by the Hellenic Urogennetic Cancer Research Team (EEOOGEEK).
However, bladder cancer is The fifth most common in Europeoffending more than 200,000 people a year. It is caused by lesions in epithelial cells that cover the inner surface of the bladder and is often associated with smoking or exposure to certain chemicals related to employment in the rubber, fabric, skin and colors.
On the occasion of May, designated as a bladder cancer information by the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition (WBCPC), Professor of Pathology-EKPA Aristotle Bamia, President (EOPE), lists the basic data we all need to know about the disease:
- Bladder cancer is the fifth most common in Greece. Is also the sixth most common cause of death from malignant disease. It is estimated that more than 5,100 cases of the disease are diagnosed in our country annually, and that more than 1,500 people lose their lives because of it.
- OR precise cause of it is unknownbut smoking is the most important risk factor for its development. Smokers have a 2-4 times greater risk than non-smokers to develop it. It is estimated that more than 50% of men and one in three women with bladder cancer have a history of smoking. Since our country had (and to a large extent still has) a very large percentage of smokers, it is not surprising that Greece is the first European country in cases, proportional to its population.
- Bladder cancer is more common in men and older ages. Nearly 90% of cases occur in people over 55 years of age. Men sufferers are almost five times as much as women.
- The early symptoms They look in the urine. The change in their color and (even a little) blood in them, a phenomenon called hematuria, are suspicious symptoms. Unfortunately, most adults (75%) do not regularly control their urine to know what is normal, according to the EAU poll. And 22% almost never control them. However, early diagnosis is vital, since if detected at an early stage, when it is still superficial, bladder cancer has high healing rates only with local treatments. However, if it is metastatic, the healing rate is reduced to below 10%. Therefore, anyone who sees more or less blood in its urine, even if it is simply concerned about changing their color, should consult a urologist without delay. Although it is most likely that this is not cancer, it should not risk it.
- If cyst cancer is not diagnosed at an early stage it should be treated either by removing the bladder or by radiation. These treatments affect the quality of life, and despite the great progress in these areas, the risk of reappearing the disease remains high. These data even more emphatically emphasizes the importance of immediate medical assistance in the first episode of hematuria. However, relapse does not necessarily mean that relapse will become dangerous to life – as long as it is perceived in time. This is why regular follow -up after initial treatment is very important. It should be noted that the risk of recurrence is higher in smokers.
- Bladder cancer can be prevented. Avoiding smoking (assets and passive) is very important. It is also essential to drink plenty of water throughout our lives. Adequate liquid consumption means abundant urination, which prevents chemicals “stagnating” in the bladder, causing damage to its epithelium.
- The level of treatment of bladder cancer in our country is particularly high and Greek urological oncology holds a high position in the international oncological community and the corresponding research. Greek patients with the disease have access to all innovative medicines that have significantly improved prognosis, and, thanks to the conduct of many international studies in our country, have early access to all major developments, before they are widely available.