- The most frequent symptom of bladder cancer is hematuria (bloody urine). Other signs include painful urination, urinating often, a urinary tract infection and abdominal or back pain.
- Bladder cancer is caused by cells that do not grow and divide in an orderly way. These cells mutate, become abnormal, and form cancerous tumors.
- The most common treatment for bladder cancer is surgical removal of cancerous cells. Other options include biological therapy (or immunotherapy), chemotherapy and radiation therapy, all of which may accompany surgery.
- Smokers, caucasians, males and individuals over the age of 40 are at greater risk of developing bladder cancer and related symptoms. Other risk factors include heredity, a previous diagnosis of bladder cancer, and exposure to harmful chemicals.
- To prevent bladder cancer, avoid smoking and chemical exposure. Also, eat antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits, and drink plenty of liquids, especially water, to dilute toxins in the urine and flush them out of the bladder.
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