Cancer of the bladder may not be the most talked-about cancer, but it certainly needs to be spoken about and focused on. The World Health Organisation (WHO) considers bladder cancer to be the 10th most prevalent type of cancer in the world, and it is estimated that more than 573,000 new cases and 212,000 deaths are recorded annually worldwide. At the same time, in India, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes remain in a state of misinformation, as awareness is starting to grow at a slower pace.
A senior urologist and expert, Dr. Vipin Tyagi, says that early awakening and discrete information can redefine turning points in catching and preventing bladder cancer. Regrettably, myths are used to postpone early intervention, which, as far as cancer is concerned, time is all that one needs.
So it is time to burst some of the most widespread myths about bladder cancer with medically correct information, which might save a life, who knows.
Myth 1: Bladder cancer occurs in Smokers only
Fact: Smoking is the most significant risk factor, yet it is not the only one.
It is not a secret that about half of all cases of bladder cancer are caused by smoking among males and a third among females, and the fact is that chemicals that make the tobacco get sifted by the kidneys and end up resting in the bladder. However, it does not imply that non-smokers are exempt.
Dr. Vipin Tyagi believes that the exposure to industrial chemicals, history of chronic bladder infections, family history, age (due to the age factor of greater than 55), and gender (widely practised among men) also behave as a paramount risk factor. Even individuals who have never smoked a cigarette can contract bladder cancer because of long-term exposure to harmful substances, e.g. dyes, rubber, leather, or pesticides.
Myth 2: Bladder Cancer is never obscure in its Signs and symptoms in the First Phase
Fact: Most of the cases have no symptoms and less severe manifestations.
One of the myths is that bladder cancer is always characterised by some spectacular cases of blood in the urine or excruciating pain. But there is a twist to early-stage bladder cancer. Dr. Vipin Tyagi states that the hematuria cannot always be observed by the naked eye. Some of the patients might have frequent urination, burning sensation during urination or a
commonly recurring urge to pass urine, which is normally confused with that of urinary tract infection (UTI).
Early detection can be achieved through regular screening and timely investigation of abnormality in the urinary symptoms, thus having a meaningful impact on survival rates.
Myth 3: Bladder Cancer is a Problem of Men Only in Older Age
Fact: As much as it is common among older men, it can also be contracted in women and young individuals.
The most common age range of bladder cancer starts at 55, and men are more susceptible to this condition. Women, however, are not spared. As a matter of fact, women are usually diagnosed at later stages, as early signs are attributed to UTIs or changes due to menopause. According to Dr. Vipin Tyagi, women and younger adults should be more attentive, particularly in case they have occupational risks or a family history of bladder cancer. Although it is less typical among the youth, it is not entirely impossible, and being too young to think about it can be perilous.
Myth 4: Cancer has to Be Fatal
Fact: Bladder cancer is well treatable, particularly when it is in early stages.
It is a myth that usually creates useless panic, or, even worse, despair. The situation is that bladder cancer is one of the most curable cancers when diagnosed in its early stages. Underlining the key importance is that Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) is the most common form of the disease, which can regularly be treated through minimally invasive procedures and intravesical treatment (such as BCG treatment). Frequent follow-ups are essential, and survival rates are good.
Even Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer (MIBC) has a high chance of treatment when combined treatments, that is, surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, have been used, depending on the stage.
Myth 5: If you get rid of your Bladder Cancer with surgery, you lose your bladder forever
Fact: Sometimes not, there exist bladder-sparing procedures.
Due to the development of urological oncology, the bladder salvage method can also be applied to a limited number of patients. Protecting the bladder performance and doing away with cancer can be done via techniques such as transurethral resection (TURBT), combined modality therapy (chemo + radiation) to ensure that the practice is safe to the bladder.
Dr. Vipin Tyagi highlights that sometimes removal of the bladder (radical cystectomy) may be needed, mostly in the aggressive cases, and that personal cancer treatment plans can be used to help balance the cancer and the quality of life.
Myth 6: After treatment, a person will never experience bladder cancer again.
Fact: It is known to have one of the greatest recurrence rates of cancers.
Bladder cancer and NMIBC, in particular, have a reputation for relapsing. Actually, the recurrence is high up to 50-70%, even after 5 years, hence the need to monitor the person throughout his/her life.
To ensure that the follow-up is efficient, Dr. Vipin Tyagi recommends that patients must adhere to a stringent follow-up period which comprises of regular cystoscopies, urine tests and scan. The failure to follow up may result in some cases of recurrence of the disease or failure to detect it.
Bladder cancer is not uncommon, and it is also not uncommon to misunderstand it. Myths are like blindfolds, as they do not allow people in search of timely assistance. But with the right information, fear can be changed to action. The area of practice that Dr. Vipin Tyagi focuses on is mainly on early diagnosis, targeted treatment, as well as patient empowerment. According to him, we should listen to our bodies. Nor can you go by what Google says; hence, go and get tested. Resorting to fear is no clearer than clarity.
Then, in case you or someone you know has problems with urination or is at risk, do not hesitate. Bladder cancer may not be loud, but it is not a noiseless illness, not when you are able to recognise some telltale signs. So, for timely diagnostic care, book an appointment with Dr. Vipin Tyagi today.