Symptoms Similar to the Cold in Childhood Viruses Increase the Risk of Bladder Cancer in Adults
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According to foreign media such as the Daily Mail, British researchers have found that the BK virus (BKV), which causes cold-like symptoms, can cause DNA damage in bladder tissue.
◇Bladder tissue DNA changes after BK virus infection
BK virus is a virus belonging to the Polyomavirus family, and most people are infected in childhood but pass without any special symptoms.
However, it can be a problem in cases where immunity is greatly reduced or in kidney transplant patients.
Although the route of infection has not been fully identified, it is presumed to be infected through ▲ respiratory secretions ▲ urine ▲ contact.
Dr Simon Baker, a molecular cancer researcher at the University of York and the head of the study, said "We have identified DNA changes in the response of the BK virus to lead to cancer", he explained. He emphasized "Results that could be a major turning point in thinking about the origin of bladder cancer"
In particular, kidney transplant patients are at high risk of contracting the BK virus because they need to take immunosuppressants.
In fact, it is known that the incidence of bladder cancer is more than three times higher than that of the general public.
The researchers said the findings show that the BK virus can affect bladder cancer not only in transplant patients but also in the general public.
This study was conducted by analyzing urinary epithelial tissue exposed to BK virus. The results showed that DNA damage occurs not only in infected cells but also in surrounding cells. This explains why no traces of the virus are found when cancer is diagnosed years later, the researchers said.
◇Campaign cancer has a three to four times higher risk of developing men than women
BK virus causes symptoms similar to flu and colds when infected in childhood and then lurks in the kidneys, bladder, and ureter's inner wall.
This is not a problem for people with a healthy immune system, but weakened immunity can cause the virus to reactivate. Approximately 6% of renal transplant patients are estimated to be infected with the BK virus, which may lead to decreased renal function.
Meanwhile, bladder cancer occurs mainly in people in their 60s and 70s, and men have three to four times higher risk of developing it than women. In particular, it is known that smokers' risk of developing bladder cancer is two to seven times higher than that of non-smokers.
Painless hematuria is a typical symptom, and when the mass is touched, bladder cancer has progressed considerably.
If abnormal symptoms such as hematuria are found and the possibility of bladder cancer is suspected, a urine test is performed. Patients with abnormal findings or visual hematuria on urine tests are examined for cystoscopy, and then metastasis to other organs or lymphatic metastasis is confirmed through computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
To prevent recurrence of bladder cancer after surgery, it is most effective to avoid secondhand smoke along with smoking cessation, and it is also recommended to avoid exposure to toxic chemicals that can cause cancer. You also need to drink enough water, maintain a balanced diet, and exercise properly.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
