Smoking and bladder cancer: What you need to know this Bladder Cancer Awareness Month

May is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about one of the most common, but least talked about, cancers in the United States. While many people associate smoking with lung cancer, few realize that smoking is the leading risk factor for bladder cancer.

“Cigarette smoking is the most common risk factor for bladder cancer,” says Baylor College of Medicine urologist Dr. Seth Lerner. “Educating patients and their caregivers about the risk and providing resources to assist with stopping smoking can save lives. Quitting smoking lowers an individual’s risk of bladder cancer and reduces the risk of the cancer coming back.”

Cigarette smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, and at least 70 known carcinogens. When someone smokes, these chemicals enter the bloodstream and are filtered by the kidneys, where they then collect in the urine and remain in the bladder for hours at a time, exposing the bladder lining to harmful substances.

Bladder cancer is a significant public health concern, and according to the American Cancer Society, smoking is the single biggest risk factor for bladder cancer. Research also shows:

• Current smokers are several times more likely to develop bladder cancer than people who have never smoked.
• Former smokers remain at increased risk compared to never-smokers, although the risk declines over time after quitting.
• Secondhand smoke exposure also may raise bladder cancer risk.

Some people believe vaping, or e-cigarettes, is a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes. However, emerging research suggests that both smoking and vaping can expose the bladder to harmful chemicals that may increase cancer risk. Research on long-term vaping effects is still ongoing.

Early detection is key. Bladder cancer is often highly treatable when found early. Common warning signs include:

• Blood in the urine.
• Pain or burning during urination.
• Frequent or urgent urination.
• Lower back or pelvic pain.

Bladder Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to have important conversations about risk, prevention and early detection. Avoiding tobacco use is one way people can protect their bladder health.

If you or someone you love smokes, talk with a healthcare provider about smoking cessation resources. Support, counseling and medication can make quitting more achievable, and the benefits can last a lifetime.

By Alexandria Brown, senior marketing associate in the Scott Department of Urology