Are Bladder Cancer and Kidney Cancer Related?

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Field cancerization

The cancer in particular part /organ of the body may increase the risk of having another new cancer in the same or nearby organ, because the whole organ (even the nearby tissues and organs) were already exposed to the same cancer-causing agents that caused the first cancer. We call this ‘field cancerization’.

The location of kidneys and bladder are quite close. If one of them is affected by the cancer, it’s possible for the same cancer-causing agents to also affect the nearby organs and cause a new cancer in there.

The shared risk factors

In some cases of cancers, the agent that caused the problem is not clear. And in other cases, the problem is linked to a thing known to cause cancer. For example, cigarette smoking is a risk factor for both bladder cancer and kidney cancer.

A family cancer syndrome may also have a role though this issue is not fully known for kidney cancer and bladder cancer. This syndrome is triggered by the abnormal gene mutations, typically inherited. It can cause the increased risk of more than one kind of cancer.

The effect of treatment for the first cancer

The cancer and its treatment are difficult to cope. Another bad news, particular cancer treatments may also have contribution to trigger a second cancer especially in the nearby organs.

Radiation therapy has been well known as a potential cause of another cancer. The dose of radiation and large area treated are usually crucial things to concern. For example, if it’s not properly used for treating bladder cancer – it may also affect the nearby, healthy tissues and organs such as kidneys!

The exact way of how second cancers occur is not fully understood. But in general, this may vary from patient to patient. Some seem to be caused by the treatment for the first cancer. Others may be caused by the same things that triggered the first cancer.

How to prevent second cancer?

If you have had a cancer, it’s very important to understand what your risks are. If necessary, talk with your doctor /specialist about other potential cancers you might need to concern. Ask if there are any things you can do to reduce your risk such as whether you should take particular screening tests!

The following things may also help:

  1. Adopt more healthy lifestyles!
  2. Have a healthy diet, especially with emphasis on plant foods!
  3. Do exercise regularly to keep active and boost the body immune system!
  4. Maintain your weight as well!
  5. Avoid any common risk factors of cancer such as smoking and abusing alcohol.
Citations /references:

  1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bladder-cancer/basics/risk-factors/con-20027606
  2. http://www.cancer.org/cancer/kidneycancer/detailedguide/kidney-cancer-adult-after-second-cancers
  3. http://www.cancer.org/cancer/bladdercancer/detailedguide/bladder-cancer-after-second-cancers

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