Oncourologist spoke about the effect of chemicals on the risk of bladder cancer

Professional activity associated with prolonged contact with chemicals can cause the development of bladder cancer. On March 15, Anton Odegnal, oncourologist at SM Clinic, told Izvestia.

According to the expert, occupational exposure to carcinogenic substances often remains an underestimated risk factor for developing bladder cancer. As the oncourologist explained, prolonged exposure to toxic substances in the workplace can trigger tumor processes in the body even years after contact.

Among the professions where the risk of developing bladder cancer is particularly high, the doctor identified dry cleaners, hairdressers and enterprises engaged in the production of paints. In these areas, employees regularly work with solvents and dyes containing dangerous substances such as tetrachloroethylene and aromatic amines. These carcinogens enter the body through the respiratory tract or skin and enter the kidneys with blood, and then are excreted in the urine, concentrating in the bladder. Prolonged contact with substances can damage the cells of the mucous membrane of the organ and lead to the development of malignant tumors.

In addition, working in polluted air poses a serious threat. Diesel engine exhaust gases contain more than 200 chemicals, including carbon monoxide, which is particularly dangerous to bladder health, Odegnal added.

Catch at the start: the number of breast cancer patients is growing in Russia

Screenings help to detect the disease at the cellular level

"A traffic jam is not just a waste of time during rush hours, but a dangerous load for the body. When cars are parked for long periods with their engines running, toxic substances literally accumulate in the air. At such moments, a person receives the maximum dose of pollution, which significantly increases the health risks," Odegnal warned.

Also, the greatest risk to the bladder occurs among employees of tire factories where solvents and petroleum products are used, as well as employees of the coke industry who are exposed to aerosols and vapors. In such industries, exposure to toxic chemicals is combined with dust and exhaust fumes, which increases the risk.

However, he noted that the employees of the coke chemical industry are characterized by a cumulative effect. Even if a person feels healthy, the risk of cancer increases after 15-20 years of working in such conditions.

"Always be aware of the health risks. Cancer can develop not only somewhere in heavy industry, but even among beauty salon workers. Although, of course, progress does not stand still. There are fewer and fewer toxic emissions into the atmosphere due to the appearance of catalysts in engines, and air purification systems are being installed in factories. If for some reason it is not possible to change the field of activity to a safer one, it is worth thinking about protective equipment and regular medical examinations," the oncourologist concluded.

Oncologist, chemotherapist, head of the oncology department, and expert at the Oncologica Charitable Foundation Dmitry Olkin told Izvestia on February 13 that genetic testing for the diagnosis of hereditary forms of cancer affects treatment tactics, while attempts to treat it independently, without a doctor, are dangerous.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.