Causes of Bladder Cancer Revealed
Bladder cancer is a prevalent health concern, affecting thousands of individuals each year. According to the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program, approximately 81,000 new cases of bladder cancer were diagnosed in the U.S. in 2022, accounting for 4.2% of all new cancer diagnoses.
The main causes of bladder cancer are not fully understood, but gene mutations are believed to play a significant role. These mutations can be either acquired over a person's lifetime or inherited from biological parents.
Common acquired gene mutations frequently linked to bladder cancer development include mutations in the following genes:
- TP53: A well-known tumor suppressor gene frequently mutated in bladder cancer, involved in cell cycle regulation and apoptosis.
- FGFR3: Mutations here are common and linked to certain subtypes of bladder cancer, affecting cell growth signaling.
- PIK3CA: An oncogene involved in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway; mutations promote tumor growth and survival.
- KDM6A: A tumor suppressor gene encoding a histone demethylase; mutations lead to reduced expression promoting cancer cell proliferation.
- ARID1A: Part of the chromatin remodeling complex; mutations disrupt gene regulation and are recurrent in bladder cancer.
- CREBBP and EP300: Both encode histone acetyltransferases involved in chromatin remodeling and transcription; frequently mutated and critical in tumor biology.
- CDKN2A: Key regulator of the cell cycle, commonly mutated or deleted, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation.
- HRAS: Proto-oncogene with activating mutations contributing to cancer signaling pathways.
- ERCC2: A nucleotide excision repair gene; about 10% of bladder tumors harbor somatic missense mutations impairing DNA repair.
- PTEN, EGFR, MTOR, AKT1, TERT: Other frequently mutated genes involved in various pathways regulating cell survival, proliferation, and genome stability.
- TTN, KMT2D, MUC16, SYNE1, KMT2C, RB1: Also recurrently mutated, influencing tumor progression and microenvironment.
These mutations commonly affect pathways related to chromatin remodeling, DNA damage repair, cell cycle control, and growth factor signaling, which together drive bladder cancer development and progression.
In addition to gene mutations, other risk factors for bladder cancer include older age, smoking tobacco or inhaling secondhand smoke, limited fluid intake, particularly water, and a lack of fruits and vegetables in the diet. Workplace exposure to certain chemicals, such as those used in aluminum production, the rubber industry, and the leather industry, is also associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer.
It's important to note that approximately 30% to 65% of bladder cancer cases in men and women respectively are linked to workplace exposure to carcinogens. Smoking is a significant risk factor for bladder cancer, causing about half of all cases.
Early symptoms of bladder cancer may include blood in the urine, painful urination, and a frequent urge to urinate. Regular screenings can help people with a family history of bladder cancer receive an early diagnosis.
Doctors may be able to cure bladder cancer if found in the early stages, but the likelihood reduces as the stages progress. They may combine surgery with other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Experts believe that gene mutations are the main cause of bladder cancer, with both acquired and inherited mutations being possible. Most people who receive a diagnosis of bladder cancer are between the ages of 55 and 74. Other risk factors for bladder cancer include having a family history of the condition.
By understanding the common gene mutations and risk factors associated with bladder cancer, individuals can take steps to lower their risk and catch the disease in its early stages. This includes avoiding smoking tobacco or inhaling secondhand smoke, limiting chemical exposure, drinking more fluids, especially water, and maintaining a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Regular screenings, especially for those with a family history of the disease, can also help in early detection and treatment.
- Oncology has shed light on the significance of gene mutations in bladder cancer development, with well-known tumor suppressor genes like TP53 frequently mutated in the condition.
- Medical-conditions such as chronic diseases, including bladder cancer, are often associated with a higher risk for individuals with a family history of the disease.
- Science has identified numerous genes linked to bladder cancer, such as CDKN2A, ERCC2, and PTEN, all of which play crucial roles in cell survival, proliferation, and genome stability.
- A person's lifestyle choices can impact the risk of chronic diseases like cancer; smoking tobacco and limited fluid intake, particularly water, are risk factors for bladder cancer.
