When we think about the dangers of smoking, lung cancer is usually the first thing that comes to mind. But did you know that smoking is also the leading cause of bladder cancer?
While the lungs take the first hit, the harmful chemicals in tobacco don’t stop there. They travel through your body — and many end up in your urine. Over time, these toxins damage the lining of the bladder, increasing your risk of developing cancer.
How Smoking Affects the Bladder
When you smoke, you’re inhaling over 7,000 chemicals — and at least 70 are known to cause cancer. These harmful substances are absorbed into the bloodstream and filtered by the kidneys. From there, they’re passed into the bladder with urine, where they can linger for hours.
This prolonged exposure causes changes in the bladder lining, leading to inflammation, cell damage, and over time, cancerous mutations.
Some Eye-Opening Facts
- Smokers are 2 to 3 times more likely to get bladder cancer than non-smokers.
- Around 50% of all bladder cancer cases in men are linked to smoking.
- Women smokers are also at significantly increased risk.
Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Early signs of bladder cancer can be subtle. Watch out for:
- Blood in urine (even if painless)
- Frequent urination
- Pain or burning during urination
- Lower back or pelvic pain
Early diagnosis makes a huge difference in treatment success. If you notice these signs, consult a healthcare professional promptly.
The Good News: It’s Preventable
The number one thing you can do to reduce your risk? Quit smoking.
It’s never too late. The body starts to repair itself almost immediately after you quit. And over time, your risk for bladder (and many other types of) cancer drops significantly.