Evaluation of Risk Factors and Outcomes of Bladder Cancer in Smokers’ Vs Non-Smokers.

Abstract

Background: Bladder cancer is a widespread urological cancer that is closely associated with smoking. Exposure to tobacco adds carcinogenic burden, leading to tumour formation and development. Nonetheless, the variations in risk factors and clinical outcomes among smokers and non-smokers are not well examined, particularly in developing nations.

Objectives: To make comparisons of risk factors and clinical outcomes of bladder cancer between smokers and non-smokers and determine whether smoking is correlated with the severity of the disease, its progression, and prognosis.

Methodology: The Prospective study on 100 bladder cancer patients was recorded in this Prospective study in a tertiary care hospital, categorised as smokers (n=50) and non-smokers (n=50). Demographic information, risk factors, tumour, staging and treatment outcomes were noted. The analysis of data was done with the help of SPSS v. 25. Continuous variables were presented in the form of mean + standard deviation, and categorical variables in the form of frequencies. Independent t-test and chi-square test were used with p < 0.05 as significant.

Results: The mean age was 58.4 ± 10.2 years, higher in smokers (60.2 ± 9.8) than non-smokers (56.6 ± 10.4; p=0.08). Male predominance was greater in smokers (88% vs 64%; p=0.01). High-grade tumors (62% vs 38%; p=0.02), muscle-invasive disease (54% vs 30%; p=0.01), and recurrence (40% vs 22%; p=0.03) were significantly more common in smokers. Smokers also showed poorer treatment response and higher progression rates.

Conclusion: Aggressive bladder cancer and poorer outcomes are highly related to smoking. Early screening and smoking cessation interventions are necessary to minimize the disease burden and enhance the prognosis.