Are there known ways to prevent upper urinary tract cancers?
Since the exact cause of urothelial cancer is not known, it is impossible to prevent every case. Still, scientists have identified a strong association between renal pelvis and ureteral cancers and tobacco use. So for the vast majority of individuals, avoiding cigarettes is a most important first step. Others include eluding or being careful with cancer-causing agents such as chemicals in the workplace. A sobering word to the wise – the risks for urothelial cancer only slowly decline over many years after one stops smoking. In addition, the risk for more aggressive urothelial cancers is much higher in smokers who have already had their first urothelial cancer treated successfully. Also, while data are inconclusive on urothelial cancer risks tied to pipes, cigars or chewing tobacco, they are believed to be far lower than those linked to cigarettes.
