Does frequent dyeing increase the risk of cancer? [Health! Talk]

I was surprised just by looking at the article title~~

Recently, many hair dyes have been reformulated to remove carcinogenic substances.

Dyeing once every one or two months is okay.

Actually, holding in urine may cause bladder cancer.

Don't hold it in, run to the bathroom~~

I guess I should go too... There are many times I hold back and leave from the office, but I shouldn't do that;

Our daughter also tends to endure a lot, so I should teach her not to hold back.

And smoking! It's really not good~~ Everyone, please try to quit smoking~

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Photo = Getty Images

Bladder cancer, which is one of the most common cancers that men are 3 to 4 times more likely to develop than women, can be cited.

The most important factor in the development of bladder cancer is smoking, as men are also more likely to be exposed to carcinogens called 'aromatic amines' emitted from tire factories, paint factories, and other sources. Recently, research has also shown that male hormones themselves may influence the carcinogenic mechanism of bladder cancer.

YouTube channel 'This is how you get better' screenshot

On the 30th of last month, the health YouTube channel 'This Will Cure It' covered bladder cancer as the third installment in the recurring cancer series.

Professor Kang Seok-ho, a renowned expert in bladder cancer at Korea University Anam Hospital's Department of Urology, was explaining the causes and treatments of bladder cancer when he was asked, "Is it true that dyeing a lot causes cancer?" He responded, "Some carcinogens are known to be present in certain dyes, but recently many dyes have been developed that eliminate these harmful substances. Environmental carcinogens depend on concentration and duration. Fine dust is also known to be carcinogenic, but not all exposure leads to cancer. For example, working several hours a day at a paint factory for decades can have an impact. However, dyeing once every few months when necessary does not significantly influence cancer risk."

Professor Kang said that there is a possibility that holding urine for a long time can cause bladder cancer.

Professor Kang said, "When smoking or carcinogens enter the body, they are excreted through the blood, passing through the kidneys and then into the urine." He added, "These substances tend to accumulate in the bladder for a long time, which can cause carcinogenic effects. The longer they stay, the more likely they are to cause cancer."

He continued, "The bladder is composed of four layers: mucosa, submucosa, muscular layer, and fat layer," and added, "Whether the invasion reaches the muscular layer of the bladder affects the aggressiveness, prognosis, and treatment methods."

So, what is the five-year survival rate for bladder cancer?

Professor Kang said, "Once the tumor invades the muscle layer of the bladder, it becomes extremely dangerous," adding, "The overall survival rate for bladder cancer is 77%, and if the tumor does not invade the muscle layer, the 5-year survival rate exceeds 90%. However, if the muscle layer is invaded, it drops to 50%, and if there is metastasis, it is less than 10%."

The most common symptom of bladder cancer is hematuria, or blood in the urine. However, since hematuria can also occur in cases of cystitis, not all cases of hematuria indicate cancer. It is important to note that the most common manifestation of bladder cancer is hematuria.

Professor Kang explained, "There are microscopic hematuria that are not visible to the eye, but visible hematuria increases the likelihood of a tumor in the urinary tract. If there is inflammation at the bladder outlet, blood appears at the end of urination, whereas if there is inflammation above the bladder, blood appears throughout urination. If hematuria is suspected, a urine test should be performed. Especially during health check-ups in the 70s, it is also advisable to have a bladder ultrasound."

Professor Kang explained that before muscle invasion, bladder cancer can be treated with transurethral endoscopic resection. If the tumor extends to the mucosa and submucosa, surgical treatment is completed with endoscopic surgery. If the tumor invades the muscular layer, most cases require radical cystectomy, which involves removing the bladder. In such cases, there is an option to create a new bladder, similar to the original, by connecting it to the remaining urethra through urinary diversion surgery, known as orthotopic neobladder, or to use a urinary pouch with a catheter method.

Next, he explained that "after endoscopic resection, the risk of recurrence and progression to deeper cancer is classified into low, medium, and high risk." He added, "High risk includes cases where the cancer has invaded the submucosal layer or when the cells are aggressive. Since the recurrence rate can be as high as 70%, intravesical BCG, a representative drug, is administered after surgery to prevent recurrence."

So, what are the ways to prevent bladder cancer?

Professor Kang emphasized, "We must first eliminate the causative factors" and "quitting smoking is extremely important."

Bladder cancer shows a 2 to 10 times difference in incidence depending on whether the individual smokes.

Additionally, when handling chemical substances like paint dyes professionally, regular ventilation is necessary.

Professor Kang said, "Drinking water frequently to dilute carcinogens is helpful," and "It is better to avoid consuming animal fats. Charcoal-grilled foods and charcoal-grilled meats are not only generally bad for health but also harmful to the bladder. It is known that eating plenty of vegetables is beneficial."

Bladder cancer has a good prognosis in about two-thirds of cases when detected early, so early detection is crucial. If the tumor root deepens, bladder removal may be necessary following chemotherapy, which can negatively impact quality of life. If hematuria is detected, promptly visit a urology specialist to determine the cause.

Imina, Hankyung.com Reporter helper@hankyung.com

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Does frequent dyeing increase the risk of cancer? [Health! Talk]