Myth, but…

Sugar itself does not strengthen cancer. BUT, cancer cells, like all cells in the body, use glucose and insulin to function. Our intestines break down all foods we eat, especially carbohydrates, into these and other simple sugars. Most simple sugars serve our body in many positive ways.

The problem is when we have excess body fat. Often, this results from eating too many high-sugar foods. In many cases, being a healthy body weight is one of the best things we can do to prevent cancer or slow cancer growth.

Fact. Smoking is a major risk factor for bladder cancer. Cigarette, cigar and pipe smoking increases your risk two to three times more than nonsmokers. Initial evidence suggests e-cigarette smoking may also increase your risk.

The chemicals inhaled from tobacco move from your lungs to your blood. Your kidneys filter your blood and send those chemicals to your bladder in urine. Over time, these chemicals injure the cells that line the bladder. This damage increases the chances that cancer will form in the bladder.

Myth. While bladder cancer affects men more often, about 20% of all cases in the U.S. are women. Bladder cancer can affect women at any age. If it’s caught early, it has the highest chance of recovery.

Most women, however, don’t know the signs of bladder cancer. One of the most common signs for women is blood in their urine. Unfortunately, most women ignore this, thinking it’s a period or sign of menopause. If a woman has any back pain or burning with blood, it is of great value to see a doctor as soon as possible.