Color blindness is a disease that primarily affects men and may be associated with an increased risk of death in people who: bladder cancer A new study suggests that it may be the case.
According to global statistics, it is estimated that around 8% of men suffer from color blindness (CVD), compared to 0.5% of women.
In this condition, patients see and distinguish colors differently, so blood in the urine, an important sign of bladder cancer, can be missed.
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According to Stanford Medicine researchers, blood in the urine is the most common first sign of the disease and is often the trigger that leads to a diagnosis.
those color blind Red and green colors are typically difficult to see, which can create “everyday challenges.”
In a new study published in the journal Nature Health, researchers analyzed: health record They found that bladder cancer patients who were also colorblind were 52% more likely to die over 20 years than those with normal vision.
The findings suggest that people with color blindness may be unable to recognize blood in their urine, leading to delays in seeking treatment, which may lead to worse outcomes. Bladder cancer is about four times more common in men than in women.
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“We hope this study raises awareness not only for color-blind patients, but also for our colleagues who care for color-blind patients,” said study senior author Ehsan Rahimy, M.D., adjunct clinical associate professor of ophthalmology at Stanford University, in a press release.
Dr. Douglas Lazzaro, a professor of ophthalmology at New York University Langone, said not being able to see red in this scenario is a “real risk.”
“Patients, families and physicians should be aware of this potential gap in diagnosis,” Lazarus, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. “It is important to raise awareness of the potential problems when diagnosing bladder and kidney cancer. color blind person. ”
“My guess is that many doctors may not look closely enough at medical records to notice this eye problem, and diagnosis may be delayed because patients cannot see the problem,” he added.
The problem may not be completely avoidable, but it could be avoided if colorblind patients are aware and understand the risks, Lazarus suggested. inform your doctor About the limits of their vision.
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Dr. Don Railsback, an optometrist and CEO of Vision Care Direct of Kansas, agreed that known CVD patients and their clinicians should “exercise extreme caution.”
“This is a small incident in the medical history that could change the way patients are counseled about symptoms that should never be ignored,” he told Fox News Digital.
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“The bottom line is simple: Don’t rely on color alone to detect problems. Bladder cancer can present as painless bleeding. If you suspect hematuria, here’s what you should do.” please alert your doctor. ”
Railsback, who was not involved in the study, added that patients should be tested “promptly” if their urine appears “abnormal” in color, such as brown or unusually dark.
“This study is a strong reminder to adjust health guidance to real-world differences and changes, including color vision,” he said.
For people with color blindness, Railsback recommends asking your doctor for a urine test at your annual doctor’s appointment. If something seems unusual, you should ask your spouse or partner.
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“Although color blindness does not cause bladder cancer, color blindness may make early warning signs more likely to be missed,” he says. “The correction is Recognition and simple testsnot fear. ”
Fox News Digital has reached out to the study authors for comment.
