Israeli Urology Chief Warns Smoking Worsens Bladder Cancer and Urges Immediate Cessation

Professor Boris Chertin, head of the Urology and Pediatric Urology Department at Shaare Zedek Medical Center, has issued a strong warning about the direct link between smoking and bladder cancer. He stresses that smoking is not only a proven risk factor for developing bladder cancer but also exacerbates the disease's severity after diagnosis. In an interview with Channel 7, Prof. Chertin emphasized that quitting smoking immediately upon diagnosis is the most critical step patients can take to reduce risks and improve outcomes.

He highlighted that many patients remain unaware of the strong connection between smoking and bladder cancer, despite clear scientific evidence. Continuing to smoke after diagnosis can worsen the disease's progression, making cessation essential at all stages. Alongside quitting smoking, Prof. Chertin underscored the importance of long-term medical follow-up, even for low-grade tumors. Regular check-ups, often including cystoscopy, are necessary and may continue for at least ten years.

Prof. Chertin warned that patients who stop follow-up care after initial treatment risk missing a recurrence, which can occur even after a decade and may present more aggressively. He urged all bladder cancer patients to adhere strictly to their doctors' instructions and maintain ongoing surveillance to detect any return of the disease early.