Urinary System

Two organs of the urinary system are affected by the chemicals in tobacco products. They are the bladder and the kidneys. Over time, chemicals in tobacco cause damage to these important structures.

Bladder Cancer

Smoking is the greatest risk factor for bladder cancer. Smokers experience twice the risk of non-smokers. Scientists estimate that smoking is responsible for about 47% of bladder cancer deaths among men and 37% among women. Most bladder cancer appears after the age of 50.

Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer in the United States has increased dramatically since 1973. Studies have shown that smoking non-filter cigarettes and long-term cigarette smoking (30 years or more) can cause kidney cancer in men. Smoking doubles a man’s risk of getting cancer of the kidney. The studies showed no connection between smoking and kidney cancer in women.