[FONT="]It is important for every smoker to realize that one must Quit smoking cigarettes to lead a happy and healthy life. The many hazards of smoking are known to lot of people.[/FONT] [FONT="]Among the many hazards caused by smoking, one is the cancer of the bladder. Cancer of the bladder is caused due to the cell changes in the mucous wall of the bladder. The changes in the cell's chromosomes or DNA are responsible for the cell changes. This cancer is commonly seen in people between 60 and 79 years of age. This disease is commonly found in men than in women.[/FONT] [FONT="]Bladder cancer is basically caused by external factors. The main causes that lead to bladder cancer are cigarette smoking and exposure to some carcinogenic agents like aromatic compounds and chemicals used in industries. 50 percent of the cases are contributed by smoking while 10 percent are caused by job-related factors. Quitting smoking is the best way to avert this disease.[/FONT] [FONT="]The first sign of this disease is the presence of blood in the urine. The amount of blood is sometimes very small and can be detected by chemical test only. Frequent urination, stinging and pain across the pubic bone are some other symptoms.[/FONT] [FONT="]A bladder cancer is sometimes confirmed by a procedure called cystoscopy. In this procedure a doctor looks up into the bladder via the urethra using an instrument called cystoscope. Also ultrasound scans or X-rays of the whole urinary tract are taken to diagnose the disease. The urine is also examined under the microscope for malignant cells.[/FONT]