Bladder Cancer Is Directly Related to Tobacco Use

Bladder Cancer Is Directly Related to Tobacco Use

Professor of Urology at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences said, “Studies performed at Omid Hospital of Mashhad show a close connection between bladder tumors and long-term opium use; and the fact that 40 to 60 percent of patients with bladder tumors are smokers suggests a direct relationship between bladder cancer and smoking.”

Interviewed by Webda, Dr. Reza Mahdavi Zafarghandi (trained in fellowship programs in kidney transplantation) referred to the growth of bladder cancer prevalence and added, “Bladder tumors are the 4th most common type of cancer in men and the 7th in women. Unfortunately, however, prevalence is increasing in women because of elevating number of female smokers. 40 to 60 percent of patients with bladder tumors are smokers, supporting the possibility of a strong connection between the disease and smoking; and smoker patients have tumors with significantly more severe prognoses.”

He warned substance abusers, saying that a study carried out 15 years ago at Omid Hospital has shown close relationship of long-term opium use with bladder cancer and poorer prognosis.

Bladder cancer may be fatal in progressive cases

Dr. Mahdavi continued, “Unfortunately, treatment of bladder cancer involves radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and removal of bladder in progressive cases (where the patient will carry a bag for urination), and the disease is fatal in some cases. Pediatric urinary tract infection and vesicoureteral reflux (backward flow of urine from bladder into kidneys) are other causes of kidney damage and failure, and families must accordingly take care of their children – both girls and boys. Diagnosis of this problem needs special imaging prescribed by a radiologist. Vesicoureteral reflux accompanied by urinary infection can lead to shrinkage in children and kidney failure in adults.”

Mothers pay attention to symptoms of vesicoureteral reflux

Referring to the symptoms of pediatric vesicoureteral reflux, Dr. Mahdavi said, “A child who does not grow well, has foul smelling urine and fever of unknown origin, appears distressed when urinating, develops an infection of unknown origin, and their urine test shows an infection may be experiencing this problem. In such cases, mothers should consult a pediatrician who can diagnose the problem with a urine test and start the required course of treatment.”

Circumcision helps prevent urinary tract infections

Dr. Mahdavi added, “Circumcision undoubtedly helps prevent urinary tract infection in boys, and it will be more effective if practiced for infants at an earlier age.”

“Unfortunately, with rising prevalence of diabetes and high blood pressure, we are facing more cases of chronic renal failure, and malnutrition and physical inactivity has added to the problem,” he noted.

200 out of every one million suffer from kidney failure

Dr. Mahdavi said, “According to published statistics, almost 200 people out of one million suffer from various degrees of renal failure, of which 60 will need kidney transplantation. When somebody contracts kidney failure, they have to endure it ‘to the end’ and purify their blood by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.”

Referring to the first kidney transplant operation performed at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in 1988 he noted, “I carried out the operation in Omid Hospital because then there were no other suitable wards for that purpose in other hospitals.”

More than 3,000 kidney transplants at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences

He continued, “We are honored to announce that more than three thousand kidney transplant operations have been performed at the University, and many kidney failure patients are now living well with transplanted kidneys. Kidney transplantation is an appropriate treatment for dialysis patients who find their lives threatened if their dialysis is postponed for a day. This can be relieved with a kidney transplant. Even men and women who lose fertility due to kidney failure can have children after that operation.”

People with a history of kidney disease have their health status examined twice a year

Dr. Mahdavi said, “Kidney disease may be named silent disease. Those with a history of kidney disease should have their health status examined twice a year by a specialist, and diabetic patients must prevent kidney failure by controlling their blood sugar and pressure.”

He then reminded some recommendations on renal health: “Take pediatric urinary tract infections seriously, stop smoking, have a healthy nutrition, control blood pressure and glucose, and guarantee your renal health with exercise and drinking enough water.”

Kidneys forming stones have an 80 percent chance of developing further stones over the next 3 years

Dr. Mahdavi said, “People whose kidneys have once formed stones (calculi) have an 80% chance of developing other calculi over the next three years, and should therefore have sonographies performed each year to check for further calculi. Large stones have no symptoms and are diagnosed and treated using sonography, but finer ones cause severe pain. Physical activity, drinking ample water or other drinks, and avoiding excessive salt and meat consumption will help pass the stones.”