Smoking, work and habits: how much do they really affect?
Bladder cancer is among the most common neoplasms of the urinary tract, with strong geographic and gender variability and correlations with environmental and behavioral factors. What not everyone knows is that many cases could be prevented by changing some daily habits, such as quitting smoking or protecting oneself better at work. Let's look together at the latest data and what scientific studies tell us about smoking, the work environment, and nutrition.
How widespread is bladder cancer?
- The reported global incidence in 2022 has increased compared to 2020: from ~573,000 cases to~614,298 cases, an increase of ~7 %.
- Prevalence (people living within 5 years of diagnosis) has also risen: in 2022, an estimated ~1,950,315 people worldwide are estimated to be living within 5 years of diagnosis.
- In Europe, bladder cancer maintains a high position among the most diagnosed cancers in men.
- Prevalence (people living within 5 years of diagnosis) has also risen: in 2022, an estimated ~1,950,315 people worldwide are estimated to be living within 5 years of diagnosis.
- In Europe, bladder cancer maintains a high position among the most diagnosed cancers in men.
Smoking is the main enemy
Cigarette smoking is the number one cause of bladder cancer. The data speak for themselves:
- Those who smoke have up to 4 times more risk of getting sick than those who do not smoke.
- Smoking is linked to more than 50% of cases in men and about 30% in women.
- Even those who have quit for years maintain a higher risk than those who have never smoked, but much lower than active smokers. So: it's never too late to quit!
- Those who smoke have up to 4 times more risk of getting sick than those who do not smoke.
- Smoking is linked to more than 50% of cases in men and about 30% in women.
- Even those who have quit for years maintain a higher risk than those who have never smoked, but much lower than active smokers. So: it's never too late to quit!
Beware of work: some professions are most at risk
Those working in certain industries may be exposed to carcinogenic chemicals, often without knowing it. Those most at risk are:
- Chemical and metal workers.
- Workers in paints, dyes, rubber.
- Mechanics, welders, construction workers.
- Drivers and workers in freight transportation.
A study conducted in Italy showed that some workers had more than twice the risk of getting sick than the general population, even taking smoking into account. The use of personal protective equipment and health surveillance are key to reducing risks.
- Chemical and metal workers.
- Workers in paints, dyes, rubber.
- Mechanics, welders, construction workers.
- Drivers and workers in freight transportation.
A study conducted in Italy showed that some workers had more than twice the risk of getting sick than the general population, even taking smoking into account. The use of personal protective equipment and health surveillance are key to reducing risks.
Diet and lifestyle: they do matter
Although less well known, dietary style affects the risk of getting sick:
- A diet low in fruits and vegetables increases the risk.
- The Mediterranean diet (rich in olive oil, vegetables, whole grains) is protective, especially for smokers.
- A diet low in fruits and vegetables increases the risk.
- The Mediterranean diet (rich in olive oil, vegetables, whole grains) is protective, especially for smokers.
Men more at risk than women
Men get sick 3-4 times more often than women. This is because:
- They smoke more.
- They most often work in risky industries.
- There are also hormonal and biological factors at play.
- They smoke more.
- They most often work in risky industries.
- There are also hormonal and biological factors at play.
Long-term illness: the risk lasts decades
Bladder cancer does not appear right away: it can take 20-30 years from exposure to a harmful substance (such as smoking or a chemical agent at work) to the appearance of cancer. That is why it is important to act early, even if you feel healthy today.
A useful test: urinary cytology
For those at risk, urinary cytology (analysis of cells in the urine) may be useful, which can help detect cancer early.
There are also home-based services, such as Urine24, that allow testing directly at home.
There are also home-based services, such as Urine24, that allow testing directly at home.
In conclusion
Bladder cancer is not just a matter of genetics or bad luck. In a great many cases it is preventable. Just know your risks and make more informed choices.
