The impact of smoking in bladder cancer risk - retrospective analysis

Abstract

Author(s): Donat Çuni, Flatra Fetahi*, Xhevdet Çuni, Edi Çuni

Background: Cigarette smoking is the most important modifiable risk factor for bladder cancer and is associated with increased incidence, recurrence, and disease progression. Objective: To evaluate the association between smoking exposure and clinicopathological characteristics of bladder cancer in a single-center cohort. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 54 patients diagnosed with bladder cancer and treated at the Clinic of Urology, Prishtina, between January 2000 and March 2026. Demographic data, smoking history, diagnostic procedures, treatment modalities, and histopathological findings were analyzed. Results: All patients were chronic smokers, most of whom initiated smoking during early adolescence. The cohort was predominantly male (92.6%), with a mean age of 63 years. High-grade and muscle-invasive tumors were frequently observed. All patients underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TUR-B), while patients with aggressive disease underwent radical cystectomy. Conclusion: Smoking is strongly associated with both the development and aggressive biological behavior of bladder cancer. Early initiation and prolonged exposure significantly increase risk, emphasizing the importance of smoking cessation strategies.

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