Can intermittent catheter use increase the risk of bladder cancer?

In the spinal cord injury (SCI) population bladder cancer incidence is around 3% versus the less than 1% in the general population.  Although bladder cancer typically is 100 times more likely in SCI individuals, it is still rather uncommon.  Survivors of spinal cord injury have more concerns with complications of pressure sores, kidney failure and spinal cord cysts.  The risk of bladder cancer increases with the use of a Foley or indwelling catheter or even a suprapubic catheter.  The main culprit for bladder cancer is bladder irritation.  Recurrent or frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) or bladder infections, repeat bladder stones, and irritation resulting from catheters are known bladder irritants.  Consult your doctor about your risk of developing bladder cancer if you use catheters especially foley or suprapubic.  Your urologist can inspect your bladder, which is recommended around 5 years after your SCI. 1,2

Which intermittent catheters contain known carcinogens?

Most catheters contain the plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP).  This chemical is listed by the State of California as a known carcinogen.3 with potential for increased incidence of cancer and reproductive harm.  Intermittent catheters not produced by Cure Medical may contain DEHP and BPA (bisephenol A).   BPA has been around since the 1960′s and until recently was a chemical used in almost all hard plastics and epoxy resins which are the linings inside cans and food containers.4  Today it is common practice to see BPA-free labeling in baby bottles and formula, plastic containers, and food packaging.  In fact, the FDA recently amended the food additive regulations regarding infant formula and packaging because of the BPA-free changes in industry practice.5   It only makes sense that other industries will follow suit and provide BPA-free products in the production of catheters.

Cure Medical boasts it  "is the first and only company to manufacture all of its products without DEHP, a known carcinogen, without latex, a common allergen, and without BPA."  Cure catheters were designed to provide a quality product that is DEHP, BPA, and latex free.  Additionally, they are always smooth, fire-polished eyelets making for a gentler catheterization experience.  Users can see and feel the difference.6

Cure Coude and Straight Tip Intermittent Catheters
Cure Coude and Straight Tip Intermittent Catheters

Cure Medical Catheters are available from AllegroMedical.com.  We are here to help provide you with medical supplies and medical equipment to help you stay healthy and live an active and independent life.

1 http://www.craighospital.org/Left-Nav/Craig-Programs/Spinal-Cord-Injury–SCI–Rehab/Health-and-Wellness-Information/Educational-Brochures/Bladder-Cancer

2 http://sci-health.org/RRTC/publications/PDF/Bladder_Cancer.pdf

3 http://oehha.ca.gov/prop65/prop65_list/files/singlelist091313.xls

4 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bpa/AN01955

5 http://www.fda.gov/food/newsevents/constituentupdates/ucm360147.htm

6 http://curemedical.com/products.html