With more than five thousand substances present in its composition, cigarettes are responsible for over 50 diseases. With each puff, a person inhales approximately 4,700 toxic substances, and since cigarette smoke is absorbed through combustion, the damage is even greater.
A survey conducted by the Cancer Institute of the State of São Paulo (Icesp), in partnership with the Hospital das Clínicas of FMUSP, showed that 65% of men and 25% of women with bladder tumors had a history of smoking. In the case of this type of cancer, it develops because many harmful substances from cigarettes are absorbed and eliminated through urine, affecting the urinary system.
“Smokers have 2 to 6 times higher chances of developing bladder cancer compared to non-smokers,” says urologist Gabriel Moulin.
“It is important to note that about 75% of bladder cancer cases are superficial, with a better prognosis and simpler treatment,” says the urologist. Invasive bladder tumors, in addition to having a worse prognosis, may involve complex treatment, including surgery for organ removal and the possibility of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Bladder cancer is a malignant formation primarily caused by smoking, with 50% to 70% of cases associated with this factor. Toxic substances contained in the smoke are eliminated by the kidneys along with urine and damage the walls lining the interior of the bladder.
Furthermore, studies comparing smokers and non-smokers demonstrate an increased risk not only for cancer but also for kidney stones, urinary incontinence, infertility, erectile dysfunction, and interstitial cystitis.
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