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Bladder and urinary tract cancer in general, better known scientifically as Urothelial Cancer (Urinary Tract Epithelium), has a significant relationship with smoking. Here I explain the key aspects of this relationship:
1. Smokers have a much higher risk of developing bladder cancer compared to non-smokers. It is estimated that smokers are approximately 3 to 4 times more likely to develop bladder cancer than non-smokers.
2. Tobacco smoke or electronic cigarettes contain numerous carcinogenic chemicals. When you inhale smoke, these substances enter the bloodstream and are eventually filtered by the kidneys and excreted in the urine. The bladder, when in prolonged contact with urine containing these substances, is exposed to a greater risk of developing cancer cells.
3. There is a direct correlation between the number of cigarettes smoked and the length of time a person has smoked with the risk of developing bladder cancer. The more you smoke and for longer, the greater the risk.
4. The good news is that: “The risk of bladder cancer decreases after quitting smoking, but never returns to the level of non-smokers.” However, quitting smoking is an important measure to reduce the risk of bladder cancer and other types of cancers and diseases, not only of the urinary tract but also of the respiratory tract, including Lung Cancer, cardiovascular diseases and arteriosclerosis. in general.
5. Although smoking is the most significant risk factor for bladder and urinary tract cancer, other factors can also increase the risk, such as exposure to certain chemicals in the workplace, chronic inflammation of the bladder, and genetic factors.
Smoking is one of the most important and preventable risk factors for bladder cancer. Scientific evidence strongly supports the relationship between smoking and the increased risk of developing this type of cancer.
The Relationship Between Electronic Cigarette and Urothelial Carcinoma Is An Emerging Area Of Research
Although studies on electronic cigarettes are relatively new and still developing, some key points are beginning to be identified:
1. Electronic cigarettes do not contain many of the carcinogenic substances found in traditional cigarettes, but they do contain other chemicals that could have adverse effects. For example, e-cigarette liquids may contain formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and other volatile organic compounds, some of which are potentially carcinogenic.
2. Similar to traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes generally contain nicotine, which is metabolized in the body and can generate metabolites that are excreted in the urine. Nicotine itself is not carcinogenic, but it may promote cell proliferation and other changes in the urothelial epithelium that could increase the risk of cancer.
3. Some studies suggest that e-cigarette use can cause inflammation and damage to epithelial cells. This damage could, in the long term, contribute to the development of precancerous changes or cancer.
4. To date, there are not enough long-term studies to establish a clear and definitive relationship between e-cigarette use and urothelial carcinoma. Most research has focused on the immediate, short-term effects of e-cigarette use, and more research is needed to understand possible long-term effects, including cancer risk.
5. Comparison between electronic cigarettes and traditional cigarettes: Although electronic cigarettes may be less harmful than traditional cigarettes in certain aspects, this does not mean that they are completely safe. The absence of some known carcinogenic substances does not eliminate the potential risk of other substances present in electronic cigarettes, which could be Carcinogenic.
Urothelial cancer affects the lining of the urinary tract, such as the bladder, ureters, and renal pelvis.
As It Is Now Discussed in The US, The Marijuana Amendment, which is a very controversial issue and in addition to being the first step to other “stronger” addictions, inducing neuronal (brain) damage, we want to talk about the relationship between marijuana use and urothelial cancer that has been the subject of study, although the results are not conclusive. Some studies suggest that smoking marijuana may be linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer due to inhalation of carcinogenic substances similar to those in tobacco.
Specifically, marijuana smoke contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known carcinogens also found in tobacco smoke and may increase the risk of urothelial cancer. Although some studies do not find a clear association, others suggest that long-term marijuana use could be linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer, similar to what occurs with tobacco .
However, due to the lack of conclusive studies and the variability in marijuana use (frequency, dosage, and administration methods), more research is needed to fully understand this relationship. Additionally, other factors such as smoking, age, and exposure to certain chemicals are more clearly established risks for urothelial cancer.
In summary, although e-cigarettes are recognized to pose fewer risks compared to traditional cigarettes, there are still concerns about their long-term effects, including possible risks of cancer such as urothelial carcinoma. More research is needed to fully understand these risks and to provide recommendations to public health systems and the general population regarding e-cigarettes and marijuana, but my recommendation is to abandon these habits immediately or better yet, not be tempted, for example. no circumstances to use them and avoid exposing yourself to these risks.
By Dr. Ramiro Fragas Valdés, Urólogo, Andrólogo. Master en Sexualidad
