Genitourinary Cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the urinary system and the reproductive system. It is the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the urinary or reproductive organs. There are several types of Genitourinary Cancers such as:

• Kidney Cancer
• Bladder Cancer
• Urethral Cancer
• Ureter Cancer

Types of cancer that can develop in male reproductive system include:

• Prostate gland Cancer
• Testicles Cancer
• Penile Cancer

Signs and symptoms of Genitourinary Cancer are:

• Pain or burning  sensation during urination
• Having trouble urinating or having a weak urine stream
• Urinating more often than usual
• Feeling of urination with an almost empty bladder
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Swelling in the feet
• Lower back pain on one side
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Feeling tired or weak
• Bone pain
• Fever
• Open sore that doesn’t heal
• Wart-like growth or lesion on genitals
• Painful ejaculation
• Mass or lump in the abdomen
• Pain or discomfort in a testicle
• Enlargement of the breasts
• Fluid in the scrotum
• A lump or enlargement in either testicle

Doctors conduct many tests to diagnose cancer and investigate if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Genitourinary Cancer is often diagnosed using the following tests:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Computed Tomography (CT)
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
• Intravenous Pyelogram
• Endoscopy
• Tissue Biopsies
• Molecular Tissue Testing
• Staging Tests

There are varied treatment options to remove or destroy cancer cells within the reproductive organs and nearby tissues. These may include surgical processes, therapies or a combination of both.

• Surgical process: A doctor aims to remove the tumour and some of the tissue that is in the surrounding areas where the cancer may have spread.
  1. Laparoscopic Surgery (Keyhole Surgery): Tumour and other cancerous tissues are removed by making several small incisions instead of one long incision.
  2. Robotic Surgery: It is one of the newest and advanced ways of treating Genitourinary Cancer. It offers 3-D imaging and eliminates the challenges of laparoscopic procedures.
• Radiation therapy: Involves the use of high-energy waves to treat cancer cells and prevent local recurrence.
• Chemotherapy: Involves the use of chemotherapy drugs to treat cancer cells and prevent local recurrence.
• Targeted Therapy: Targets cancer specific genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that contributes to cancer growth and survival.
• Immunotherapy: Involves the use of medicines that prompt the body's immune system or natural defences to destroy cancer.

A patient might get Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, or Targeted Therapy along with surgery or radiation. This multidisciplinary approach will help in treating the residual cancer cells, during other forms of treatment.

• Avoid the use of tobacco: Studies have shown that tobacco use can cause Genitourinary Cancer, so quitting smoking can help lower the risk.
• Avoid Exposure to radiation: Exposure to radiation in any form can elevate the risk of cancer.
• Diet and exercise: Regular exercise and a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of Genitourinary Cancer.
• Make water your best friend: Drink plenty of water.
• Keep a healthy weight.
• Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol.

Some of the major factors that lead to Genitourinary Cancer are:

• Age: Risk of developing cancer gets higher with age.
• Obesity: People with high BMI are at higher risk of developing cancer
• Diet: Poor dietary habits increases the risk of cancer
• Family history: People with a family history of Prostate Cancer, Kidney Cancer or Bladder Cancer are at risk
• Personal history of Radiation Treatment: If you have ever undergone treatments that include use of radiation then you are at higher risk of developing Genitourinary Cancer.
• Genitourinary infections: Infections due to sexually transmitted disease can increase the risk of cancer
• Sexual activity at an early age: People who get involved in sexual activity at an early age are at high risk of developing Genitourinary Cancer.
• Multiple sexual partners: Having sex with multiple partners increases the risk of Genitourinary Cancer.
• Genetic Disorder: Several genetic syndrome or Genetic mutations increases the risk of Genitourinary Cancer.