Go with the Flow —Bladder Health Awareness Month

November is Bladder Health Awareness Month, though it might not be a topic on everyone’s minds. Unless there is a problem, most of us are unlikely to think about our bladder health on a daily basis. However, according to the Urology Care Foundation, millions of men and women struggle with symptoms related to bladder health and disease every year.1 Here, we’re sharing some helpful facts, risk factors of bladder cancer, and steps that you can take to help maintain your bladder health.

Knowledge is Power

A great way to take charge of your bladder health is to stay educated about risk factors and symptoms of potential problems. Increasing awareness is a critical step in the early detection and diagnosis of bladder conditions including:

  • Bladder cancer
  • Interstitial cystitis
  • Urinary tract infections

Seek guidance from your healthcare provider, and look organizations like the Urology Care Foundation, to help improve your understanding of bladder health, to get the facts, and help get diagnosed as needed.2

Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer affects more than 80,000 adults in the United States each year according to the American Cancer Society.3 The following statistics may help you get a better understanding of potential risk factors:4

Age

About 9 out of 10 people with bladder cancer are over the age of 55, with the average age of diagnosis for patients being 73 years old.4

Gender and Race

Bladder cancer is much more common in men than in women and almost two times higher in white men than in black men.4

Lifestyle

Smoking may be the most important risk factor, causing about half of all bladder cancer cases in the United States.4

GenPath Testing Options

When it comes to bladder health, GenPath’s goal is to help our patients lead healthier lives. If you are experiencing symptoms and your healthcare provider suspects an issue with your bladder, Genpath can help. Using a simple urine specimen, GenPath can perform testing to assist in the screening, diagnosis, and management of your bladder health.

 

References

1. Urology Care Foundation. https://www.urologyhealth.org/healthy-living/care-blog/2021/take-control-of-your-bladder-health
2. Urology Care Foundation. https://www.urologyhealth.org/media-center/bladder-health-month
3. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
4. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html