Bladder cancer, which is often detected by blood in the urine, is one of the top five cancers in South African men, affecting about three times more men than women and twice as many white than black males, according to research.<\/p>\n
A recent study shows that women have a lower survival rate than men for bladder cancer which affects about one in 147 SA males, mostly older than 55, and around one in 88 females.<\/p>
Research shows smoking causes about half of all bladder cancers due to toxins from cigarettes accumulating in the urine and damaging the bladder lining.<\/p>\n
Obesity, age and exposure to certain chemicals sometimes used in the leather, petroleum and printing industries are also risk factors.<\/p>
Urologist Dr Hugo van der Merwe from The Urology Hospital, Pretoria, said the most common symptoms are blood in urine, burning when urinating and a need to urinate frequently.<\/p>\n
He advised those showing these symptoms to consult a urologist.<\/p>\n
\u201cMost bladder cancers are less aggressive and easily treatable.<\/p>\n
\u201cLike all cancers, the prognosis depends on the level or stage of the cancer,\u201d added van der Merwe.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n You may not realise you have mental health problems, screen against them<\/a><\/p>\n Ins and outs of oral health<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n He said screening may include laboratory testing, cystoscopy, biopsy and image tests.<\/p>\n A certain sub-group of bladder cancers – about 20 per cent – are more aggressive and may require a combination of chemotherapy and surgery.<\/p>\n In these cases, the goal is to preserve the bladder although surgical removal is sometimes necessary.<\/p>\n The Urology Hospital, which acquired SA\u2019s first robotic surgical system, offers robotic surgery for bladder cancer, which is less invasive than conventional procedures, reduces morbidity and enhances faster recovery.<\/p>\n Once treated, bladder cancer may recur, requiring frequent follow-up examinations.<\/p>\n Van der Merwe said a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle plays a major role in reducing the risk of bladder cancer.<\/p>\n Contact The Urology Hospital, Pretoria, on 012 423 4069 or visit www.urology.co.za to make an appointment to see a urologist.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n