Health Articles > Cancer > Bladder Cancer Prevention and Control

When you think about cancer prevention and control, the bladder is probably an organ that does not come to mind immediately. This is because bladder cancer is often overlooked due to the surge in information regarding cancers of the breast and prostate. But there is a breadth of information available which focuses on preventing and treating this form of the disease. Because bladder cancer usually attacks you later in life, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle today. Poor habits and family history can play a large role in your efforts at bladder cancer control. The American Cancer Society discusses four types of bladder cancer people can develop. They are urothelial carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinma, and small cell cancer. Each type of bladder cancers is treated differently; and patients are urged to consult with their doctors before beginning any regimen. Cancer of the bladder can be detected early by recognizing certain symptoms such as blood in the urine or a sudden change in your bladder habits. If you are experiencing any other abnormalities, such as excessive pain, you should see your doctor immediately. If you are having trouble with bladder pain control, it could be a warning sign of a growing tumor. If you are a smoker, then it is important to stop this habit as part of your cancer prevention and control regiment. Smoking is a leading culprit in many kinds of cancers, especially when it involves the bladder. Doctors also urge patients to practice healthy habits such as eating a well-balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and hearty grains. Exercising is another key to warding off bladder cancer because being active can help your body maintain its natural defenses. Sometimes it is impossible to avoid cancer if you have defective genes inherited from your family. To help you in this fight, consult with family members to learn of their history and inform your doctor of your findings. These are just a few of the ways to lower your risks for developing cancer of the bladder. If you do develop bladder cancer, there are options for treating this disease. You can choose from several different surgeries, depending on the aggression and stage of your cancer. These can range from a partial removal of the bladder to having the entire organ extracted from the body. If you are in the earlier stages of this type of cancer, you could opt for immunotherapy, chemotherapy or radiation therapy treatments. After receiving your initial treatment, it is important to receive follow-ups to ensure the cancer does not return. If you do have a relapse of your cancer, there are new tests and treatments out to help determine the stage and severity of it. The American Cancer Society discusses on the web site two new tests able to detect tumor cells by using urine samples. A new treatment for cancer relapses is a PDT, or photodynamic therapy test. This method involves injecting a chemical into the body which clings to tumor cells in the bladder. A laser is then used to kill the tumor cells and eliminate the cancer. As research continues for this disease, better advancements in treatments and early detections will be released to help fight this deadly killer. With all the information available to day about cancer, there is good reason why you should advocate cancer prevention and control in your life. This is especially true for cancers that are not discussed frequently in the news, such as bladder cancer. Preventing any kind of cancer involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle with plenty of exercise, a well-balanced diet and avoiding habits such as smoking.