I find this discussion most interesting. 8 years before my diagnosis of bladder cancer I started seeing a urologist because of microscopic hematuria and minor bladder symptoms. I asked for a cystoscopy because I knew my father had had annual cystoscopies for follow up of a bladder polyp. I've seen his bopsy report. It was benign. My father was a heavy smoker for 20 years and then quit.
My identical twin smoked a bit when we were younger and his wife still smokes. We know his daughter has the MTHFR gene because it was tested for by her OB during her pregnancy. We don't know which side of her family carries it, but if it came from my twin, I have it too. My twin has not had bladder cancer. He had a cystoscopy after I was diagnosed.
I don't know if I have the MTHFR gene. I don't take any vitmin supplements, but my diet has always included a healthy portion of fruits and vegetables. I took 2 puffs on a cigarette in my teens, and 1 puff on a cigar in my 20s. I'm hard pressed to come up with any other risk factors besides living on Long Island.
-Warren
TaG3 + CIS 12/2000. TURB + Mitomycin C (No BCG)
Urethral stricture, urethroplasty 10/2009
CIS 11/2010 treated with BCG. CIS 5/2012 treated with BCG/interferon
T1G3 1/2013. Radical Cystectomy 3/5/2013, No invasive cancer. CIS in right ureter.
Incontinent. AUS implant 2/2014. AUS explant 5/2014
Pediatrician