LiVe Well Senior's Health A NEWSLETTER WITH IMPORTANT HEALTH INFORMATION FOR SENIORS August: Bladder Cancer Awareness Month. The word "cancer" is frightening to think about yet the more we learn and talk about cancer the more we can understand how to prevent or manage cancer in our lives. August has been designated as bladder cancer awareness month and many sites are offering information to help one recognize and treat bladder cancer early, giving us a better outcome. Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the bladder, typically starting in the cells of the lining of the bladder. It most often affects older adults, though it can occur at any age. Fortunately, the majority of bladder cancers are found at an early stage, when it is highly treatable. However, even early stage cancer is likely to recur. Bladder cancer survivors often undergo cancer screenings for years after treatment. We are not sure what causes bladder cancer. But smoking cigarettes or being exposed to certain chemicals raises your risks, and like other cancers changes in the DNA of your cells seems to play a role. Smoking may increase your risk of bladder cancer by causing harmful chemicals to accumulate in your urine, these chemicals may damage the bladder lining, which can increase your risk. Other chemicals linked to bladder cancer includes arsenic and chemicals used in the manufacture of dyes, rubber, leather, textiles, and paint products. Whites have a greater risk than do other races. Men are more likely to develop bladder cancer than women. Chances of bladder cancer increase with age and is rare in people younger than 40. A diet high in fried meats and fats can also increase your risk for bladder cancer. 65 August 2013 The most common symptoms of bladder cancer is blood or blood clots in the urine. Most of the time there is no pain associated. Large amounts of blood in the urine can easily be seen, but a urinalysis is needed to find small amounts. Other symptoms include pain during urination, frequent urination with small amount of urine, and frequent bladder infections. These symptoms can also be caused by other problems, including a urinary tract infection. Always call your doctor if you see blood in your urine. Symptoms of more advanced cancer include pain in the lower back around the kidneys, swelling in the lower legs, and/or a growth in the pelvis near the bladder. Call your doctor is you have any of these symptoms. To help prevent bladder cancer don't smoke. Not smoking means that cancer causing chemicals in smoke can't collect in your bladder. Be careful with all chemicals, if you work with them follow all instructions to avoid exposure. Drink water throughout the day. In theory, drinking liquids especially water, may dilute toxic substances that may be concentrated in your urine and flush them out of your bladder more quickly. Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables in various rich colors. They provide antioxidants that may reduce your risk of cancer. Remember that most bladder cancer can be found early and can be successfully treated. (For more information go to www.intermountainhealthcare.org) Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital Center