Bladder cancer is the fourth most common malignancy in the United States and is also considered one of the 10 deadliest cancers.
Men are about 3 to 4 times more at risk of developing bladder cancer with the average age of diagnosis at 73 years.
If diagnosed with bladder cancer, treatment options will primarily depend on the depth of the tumor.
For example, it is possible to “shave off” a superficial tumor, one which has not invaded the muscle layer, with electrocautery during a procedure known as robotic-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy.
If left untreated, a superficial tumor can begin to grow and infiltrate in the area of the growth. Then a more radical surgery where either a portion of or the entire bladder is removed and the urinary stream diverted.
There are several steps one can take to greatly reduce the likelihood of developing bladder cancer:
Eat more cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, Brussel sprouts, and cabbage.
Quit smoking – Cigarette smoke contains cancer-causing chemicals that can collect in the bladder.
Drink plenty of water – Drinking water may dilute harmful substances in your urine and flush them out of your bladder faster.
Eat a well-balanced diet – Eat a diversity of fruits and vegetables, nuts and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids while reducing red, fatty cuts of meat.
