It is possible to reduce the risk of developing bladder cancer. Certain behaviors, such as avoiding smoking and eating a balanced diet, can reduce the risk of developing this disease.
Some risk factors, such as the person’s age and family history of bladder cancer, are unavoidable. However, lifestyle changes can help prevent bladder cancer. This article discusses bladder cancer prevention, risk factors, and more.
Bladder cancer prevention
Bladder cancer occurs when cells in the bladder grow abnormally. This abnormal development results from certain changes in the DNA of bladder cells. Scientists call these changes “genetic mutations.” Some people are born with genetic mutations that can cause bladder cancer. Others acquire genetic mutations during their lifetime. It is possible for some people to avoid acquired genetic mutations in some cases. Through lifestyle modifications and other changes, some risk factors for bladder cancer can also be avoided. These are factors that increase the risk of developing bladder cancer.
Unavoidable risk factors
Bladder cancer risk factors cannot always be avoided. Several unavoidable risk factors for this disease. These include in particular:
Age: Advanced age is a risk factor for bladder cancer. About 90% of bladder cancer cases are in people over the age of 55.
Gender: Men are much more likely than women to develop bladder cancer. Overall, men have a lifetime risk of developing bladder cancer in 27, while women have an 89 risk.
Bladder problems and abnormalities: Several chronic bladder problems are risk factors for bladder cancer. These include chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stones and schistosomiasis. Certain birth defects of the bladder, such as exstrophy or urachus, are also risk factors for bladder cancer.
Cancer treatments: Some cancer treatments are risk factors for bladder cancer. These include radiation therapy to the pelvic region. Long-term use of cyclophosphamide, a chemotherapy drug, may also increase the risk of bladder cancer. The need for these treatments can sometimes be unavoidable.
People with a personal or family history of bladder cancer may also be at higher risk of developing the disease.
Preventable risk factors and what you can do to reduce your risk of developing bladder cancer
Quit or avoid smoking
Some risk factors for bladder cancer are preventable. The most important of these is smoking. People who smoke are three times more likely to develop bladder cancer than those who don’t smoke. Smoking is the cause of about half of these cancers. A person can help prevent bladder cancer by avoiding or stopping smoking. She should also avoid second-hand cigarette smoke. A 2016 study indicates that quitting smoking can reduce the likelihood of bladder cancer. However, even after 20 years of quitting smoking, former smokers still have a 50% increased risk of developing bladder cancer compared to people who have never smoked.
Reduce exposure to chemicals
According to a 2022 study, exposure to certain chemicals could cause bladder cancer. By avoiding exposure to these chemicals, a person can reduce their risk of bladder cancer.
These chemicals are:
phenacetin
cyclophosphamide
arsenic
Some people may be exposed to chemicals in the workplace. Exposure to various products in the workplace could be a risk factor for bladder cancer. These products include:
the rubbers
the leather
textiles
paintings
dyes
This list may grow over time. For example, exposure to diesel fumes in the workplace could cause bladder cancer. Scientists continue to study chemical risk factors for bladder cancer. If a person’s occupation puts them at risk of being exposed to carcinogens (substances that can cause cancer), their employer must reduce that risk as much as possible. Wearing protective gear and avoiding prolonged exposure can help reduce the risk of exposure.
Drinking water
A person’s water drinking habits can put them at risk of developing bladder cancer. For example, anyone who drinks water contaminated with arsenic may have a higher risk of developing this disease. In addition, insufficient fluid intake appears to be a risk factor for bladder cancer. Although the link is unclear, scientists speculate that people who drink more water can flush out more cancer-causing chemicals.
Maintain a balanced diet and exercise program
Diet and exercise can influence the risk of developing bladder cancer. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help reduce the risk of bladder cancer. However, not all research suggests this is the case.
Frequently asked questions about bladder cancer prevention.
What foods help prevent bladder cancer?
Some research suggests that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help protect against bladder cancer. However, this is not the case for all studies. Either way, maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet can have many benefits. It may also reduce the risk of certain other cancers. Fruits and vegetables may protect against bladder cancer, but the evidence is weak.
Which vitamins help prevent bladder cancer?
The researchers did not find that vitamins or supplements could help prevent bladder cancer. In fact, some supplements, like beta-carotene, may slightly increase the risk of bladder cancer. Aristolochic acid, a substance present in several dietary supplements, could also increase the risk of bladder cancer.
Summary
Bladder cancer is caused by genetic mutations in the cells of the bladder. Various risk factors can make these mutations more likely. Some risk factors are unavoidable. These are demographic factors such as age and gender. They also include medical factors such as bladder problems and a history of bladder cancer. Other risk factors are preventable. A person can reduce their risk of bladder cancer by quitting smoking or not starting to smoke again. Limiting exposure to certain chemicals and others in the workplace can also help.
Other potentially preventable risk factors are taking certain medications, drinking too little water, and certain diet and exercise factors.
