Risk Factors for Bladder Cancer
Posted on November 13, 2023 in Medical Malpractice
Avoiding risk factors that increase the chances of developing bladder cancer can help individuals lead healthier, fuller lives. It is vital to note that while some exposures can be prevented, other risk factors cannot be changed. Recognizing bladder cancer risk can help individuals understand the potential to develop the disease, seek help more expediently, and become more aware of negligent actions leading to personal injury. If you suffered harm due to a medical condition that was not caught or treated, an attorney may be able to assist you with a Portland lawsuit for failure to diagnose cancer.
Unavoidable Risk Factors
It is not possible to eliminate certain risk factors through behavioral changes. This fact may seem concerning, but awareness is essential to recognizing increased risk factors for bladder cancer.
Biological Risk Factors
Though billion-dollar industries exist claiming to prevent aging, a person’s chronological age is a risk factor for developing bladder cancer. The risk of developing this cancer climbs as an individual’s age increases, with most bladder cancer sufferers being over the age of 55. Additionally, males are more prone to develop this disease than women.
A family history of bladder cancer or a genetic predisposition poses an increased risk of disease development. It is essential to mention that even with a genetic predisposition, it is not inevitable that a person will develop bladder cancer. Additionally, bladder cancer occurring in multiple family members may not be a result of genetics but of exposure to the same chemicals that have been linked to this form of cancer.
Chronic bladder infections and irritation
A link has been found between bladder cancer and experiencing frequent kidney or bladder stones, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and other bladder irritations. Prolonged use of a catheter, leading to infection, has also been associated with bladder cancer. Though there is no proof these issues cause cancer, a link between their existence and cancer is present.
Preventable Risk Factors
The previously mentioned risk factors for bladder cancer are determinants that cannot be changed. However, some risk factors are avoidable when individuals understand the potential danger.
Supplements and medications
Individuals take prescribed medicine to treat diseases, often unaware that the medication has deadly potential. Reviewing medication warnings and discussing them with a medical practitioner or pharmacist is vital. Medications for common diseases, such as diabetes, have been affiliated with a risk of developing bladder cancer when taken for more than one year.
Herbal supplements containing aristolochic acid have been linked to bladder and urothelial cancers. These herbs are presented as traditional medicines and are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Still, they are often sold to consumers as dietary supplements for treating inflammation, arthritis, and gout.
Exposure at Work
We rely on our workplace to provide a safe environment to work each day. However, exposure to particular industrial chemicals has been associated with an increased bladder cancer risk. Chemicals used in dye, rubber, textiles, paint, and leather production show evidence of association with bladder cancer.
Individuals working in fields that produce and use these products are particularly at risk, including painters, hairdressers, and truck drivers. Speak with a Portland workplace injury attorney if you have suffered a workplace injury related to exposure to industrial chemicals.
Personal Habits
Even our personal choices and habits are risk factors for developing bladder cancer. People who smoke suffer the most significant risk of developing bladder cancer. And not consuming enough liquids which regularly flush the bladder can increase your risk of developing bladder cancer.
Bladder Cancer Can be the Result of Negligence, Leading to Personal Injury
Being diagnosed with bladder cancer can be frightening. If you feel your diagnosis was preventable, speak with a Portland personal injury attorney at Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC today to schedule a free case evaluation.