May is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month, and Kentucky ranks high; UK doctor explains it, and how to detect and manage it

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By Dr. Zin W. Myint

University of Kentucky

Kentucky has one of the highest rates of new cancers in the U.S., with bladder cancer in the top 10 list of new diagnoses. Understanding the signs, risk factors and preventive measures is important for early detection and management.

What are the symptoms and signs? The most common symptom of bladder cancer is the presence of painless blood in urine. If you notice blood in your urine, don't ignore it and go to your doctor right away. Other signs to look out for are more frequent urination and an increased urge to urinate, especially accompanied by pain or discomfort. Persistent pain in the lower back or pelvic region that only gets worse over time is also a symptom.

What can increase the risk of developing bladder cancer?

• Smoking is the biggest risk factor. Tobacco smoke contains many harmful chemicals that can damage the bladder lining, increasing the risk of developing cancer.
• Exposure to certain industrial chemicals such as paint, dye, metal processing and petroleum products.
• Family history and genetics. If your family has a history of bladder cancer, you should be tested if you notice any of the symptoms above.
• Some chemotherapy drugs and medications are linked to bladder cancer increased because they can irritate the bladder.
• Environmental factors, including drinking water contaminated with arsenic.
• Chronic urinary tract infections may contribute to bladder cancer development as chronic inflammation causes damage to the protective layer of cells lining the bladder.
• A personal history of bladder cancer is also a risk factor, due to its high recurrence rate.
• Other risk factors include chronic indwelling urinary catheter or history of radiation to the pelvic area.

Is there a screening for bladder cancer? We do not screen for bladder cancer in the general population because current studies do not show sufficient benefit.

How can you reduce risks? Reducing the risk of bladder cancer stars with adopting healthy lifestyle choices and minimizing exposure to known risk factors:

• Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of bladder cancer, creating a healthy bladder lining. We highly advocate for smoking cessation, and individuals who smoke should be actively encouraged to pursue cessation treatments, which may include medication and counseling. It is advisable to engage in discussions with your healthcare provider to explore effective methods for quitting smoking and receive personalized support tailored to your needs.
• Minimize or avoid chemical exposure and take safety precautions when working with chemicals that are known to be harmful. For instance, remember to wear gloves while using potent cleaning agents at home as numerous chemicals can permeate the skin. If you’re employed in a refinery setting, prioritize the use of protective gear. Similarly, if you’re a painter, ensure to work within well-ventilated areas to minimize exposure to potentially harmful substances.
• Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is vital for maintaining bladder health, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections, and facilitating the swift elimination of toxins from your system.

Zin W. Myint, M.D., is a medical oncologist at UK Markey Cancer Center.

Baptist Health Louisville first Ky. hospital with new treatment for benign prostate enlargement, which affects 40% of adult men

Baptist Health Louisville says it is the first in Kentucky to offer an "advanced, minimally invasive treatment" to help men who suffer from an enlarged prostate gland, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Its sister hospital, Baptist Health Floyd, is the only full-service hospital in Southern Indiana offering the therapy.

Robots are used for the procedure, trademarked as Aquablation. In it, a surgeon reaches the prostate through the urinary bladder and uses jets of salt water to eliminate blocking tissue, reducing the risk for incontinence and sexual side effects that are associated with traditional BPH surgery and other procedures.

Dr. Christopher Smith completed the first four cases using the method at Baptist Health Louisville, and said in a news release that he was very pleased with the outcomes. The release said, "Three of the four patients went home the next day and the fourth patient was discharged on the second day."

About 40 percent of adult men develop some enlargement of the prostate, which produces seminal fluid. Because it surrounds the urethra and is next to the bladder, an enlarged prostate usually causes more frequent and sometimes painful urination. Medications are available but have side effects, and about one-fourth of men over 50 who develop such symptoms will require surgery, according to a 2018 article in the peer-reviewed journal Therapeutic Advances in Urology, which described Aquablation.