Urologist Dr. Cletus Georges provides a closer look at bladder cancer’s biggest risk factors.
Dr. Cletus Georges
Earlier this year, Dr. Cletus Georges explored the biggest bladder cancer risk factors among patients in the United States. A leading urologist based in Florida and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Georges once again revisits the subject, further highlighting key bladder cancer risk factors.
“Approximately 68,000 adults are affected by bladder cancer in the United States each year,” reveals Dr. Georges, a leading urology specialist based in Orlando, Florida.
With risk factors for the disease ranging from previous cancer treatments and smoking to a history of chronic bladder inflammation, it’s important that people also understand the symptoms of bladder cancer, according to Dr. Georges. “With risk factors also including age, gender, and chemical exposure, bladder cancer is now one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in America,” he explains.
It’s, for this reason, that understanding both the risk factors and possible symptoms continues to be vital, according to the expert. “Bladder cancer is most prevalent in men,” says Dr. Georges, “and leading risk factors include smoking, plus a history of the disease, or a history of other, chronic bladder problems.”
Exposure to arsenic, exposure to the diabetes drug pioglitazone, and Lynch syndrome are all risk factors, too, he says. “Gender, however, remains the most significant risk factor,” adds specialist Dr. Georges, “and men are up to four times more likely to develop the disease than women.”
Age is another well-documented risk factor, and more than 70 percent of those diagnosed with bladder cancer are aged over 65. When diagnosed early, however, Dr. Georges reveals that the disease is largely considered to be highly treatable. “This is why recognizing possible symptoms is critical,” he explains, “from blood in the urine to painful urination or pain in the pelvic area.”
Seemingly innocent symptoms such as back pain and frequent urination may also be indicators of bladder cancer, which is why Dr. Georges suggests that anyone in any doubt make an appointment with a doctor. “If there’s any doubt, patients should seek advice from their primary care provider or a specialist urology doctor at their earliest convenience,” advises the Florida-based physician.
“It’s important to explore any possible signs or symptoms which may be causing concern or distress,” he adds, wrapping up, “in particular blood in the urine, especially where a patient is an older male, or subject to one or more other risk factors for bladder cancer.”
Dr. Cletus Georges attended Weill Cornell University Medical College in New York City, graduating in 1991 and completing his residency in urology at Chicago’s Northwestern University McGaw Medical Center in 1997. Shortly after, urology specialist Dr. Georges began his practice in Sebring, Florida, before relocating to the Orlando area where he remains settled today. Dr. Georges’ certifications and licensure include the American Board of Urology certification in urology and a Florida State Medical License. A doctor is also a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a scientific and educational association founded in 1913 dedicated to improving the quality of care for patients by establishing unrivaled standards in surgical education and practice.
