7 Data on bladder cancer

Although it is all rare, most know little about bladder cancer – such as what are risk factors, what are its early symptoms so that valuable time is not lost until diagnosis, but also what habits protect us. The scientific community, however, insists that knowledge is an important ally of our health, steadily investing in prevention and early diagnosis.

It is indicative that an earlier poll by the European Urological Society (EAU) had shown that six out of ten (out of a total of 6,000 participants) were not familiar or ignored how dangerous this form of cancer could prove. It is noteworthy that the conclusions were similar in yet another research, conducted within the border by the Greek Urogennetic Cancer Research Team (EEOOGEEK).

Official statistics, however, describe a different picture. Bladder cancer is the fifth most common in Europe, affecting more than 200,000 people a year. Focusing on our country, it is responsible for 7.8% of all cases of cancer in Greece – a percentage that also makes it the 5th frequent cancer in terms of cases. More specifically, it is estimated that 5,122 new diagnoses are made annually, while causing 4.8% of cancer deaths in Greece.

Under these facts and on the occasion of May, which has been appointed as a month of bladder cancer information by the World Bladder Cancer Coalition (WBCPC), Professor of Pathology-Eocle Oncologists-Patologists of Greece (EOPE), he clarifies that this disease is manifested after lesions in epithelial cells that cover the inner surface of the bladder.

And clarifies that it is often associated with smoking or exposure to certain chemicals related to employment in the rubber, fabric, skin and colors.

Then, in the following text, he quotes seven basic data that we all need to know about the disease.

1 Bladder cancer is the fifth most common in Greece. It is also the sixth most common cause of death by 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.

2 Its exact cause is unknown, but 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.

3Bladder 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.

4Its early symptoms appear 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.

5If bladder cancer is not diagnosed at an early stage, it should be treated either by removal of the bladder or by radiation. These treatments affect the quality of life, and despite the great advances 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 it 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.

6Bladder 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.

7The level of bladder cancer in our country is particularly high and Greek urological oncology holds a high position in the international oncology 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.