Bladder cancer more common in men: Early detection and new treatments offer hope, from Harvard Men’s Health Watch
Men are often urged to be on the lookout for prostate cancer or testicular cancer. They should add bladder cancer to the list. One of the 10 deadliest cancers, it is three times more common in men than in women. Early diagnosis can nip the disease in the bud, reports the April 2011 issue of Harvard Men’s Health Watch, and new treatments are improving the outlook for patients with advanced disease. Men can also take simple steps to reduce the risk of bladder cancer.
Cigarette smoking is the most important cause of the disease. Smokers are more than twice as likely to get bladder cancer as nonsmokers. When cigarette smoke is inhaled, many of the toxins it contains are absorbed into the bloodstream, filtered by the kidneys, and excreted into the urine. As a result, the bladder lining is subject to prolonged contact with carcinogens.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.