They found that for comparable smoking habits, women's blood levels of the carcinogens were higher than those in men. Therefore, there are higher levels in the blood of women for the same amount of smoking. Polycyclic amines are then excreted by the kidneys and expose the lining of the bladder to a higher concentration to cause cancer. We know that occupational exposure to fumes of these polycyclic hydrocarbons in the oil, dye and painting industries place workers at increased risk for bladder cancer. Dr. Blute says the next step would be additional studies at the molecular or genetic level to try to explain the gender differences in cancer incidence.
Bladder cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the United States.
About 53,200 Americans receive a diagnosis of bladder cancer and 12,200 die annually from the disease. Use of this site signifies your agreement to the terms of use . A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Walgreen Co. All rights reserved.