Reducing Your Risk of Bladder Cancer

A risk factor is something that increases your chances of developing cancer. Modifying the following risk factors may help you reduce your risk of bladder cancer.

Stop Smoking

If you are smoker, you should find a way to stop. Smoking puts you at risk for bladder cancer, as well as many other serious diseases. Contact your doctor to see if you can use an alternative nicotine delivery system, hypnotherapy, or group support to help you make this important but difficult lifestyle change.
For more information on quitting smoking, click here .

Avoid Exposure to Bladder Cancer-causing Chemicals

You have a higher-than-normal risk of developing bladder cancer if your profession is any of the following:
  • Painter
  • Worker in the dye, leather, paper, rubber, or metal industries
  • Barber or beautician
  • Plumber
  • Dry-cleaner
If you do work in these industries, research how to best protect yourself from exposure to the chemicals you’ll be around. Check with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health or the Environmental Protection Agency about any available protective guidelines.

Drink More Water

Drinking more water can help you decrease your chance of developing bladder cancer. Water dilutes the urine and the concentration of any dangerous chemicals that might cause cancer. This is a simple way to decrease your bladder cancer risk.

References

Bladder cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/bladdercancer/. Accessed June 5, 2013.

Bladder cancer. Urology Care Foundation website. Available at: http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=100. Updated March 2013. Accessed June 5, 2013.

US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for bladder cancer. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality website. Available at http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspsblad.htm . Updated August 2011. Accessed June 6, 2013.

What you need to know about bladder cancer. National Cancer Institute website. Available at http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/wyntk/bladder . Updated August 30, 2010. Accessed June 5, 2013.

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