Tobacco smoke contains harmful chemicals that can damage the lining of your bladder. Quitting smoking is the single best thing you can do to protect yourself from bladder cancer.
Bladder cancer risk can also be increased by exposure to chemicals like arsenic or dyes, or by having a family history of this disease. It’s also possible to avoid this cancer by staying hydrated and eating a healthy diet.
Smoking
Smoking increases your risk of bladder cancer by exposing your body to the carcinogenic chemicals found in cigarettes. These are inhaled through the lungs and then filtered from the blood through your kidneys before being excreted in the urine.
During this process, they interact with the DNA of the cells in your bladder, which can cause them to form a tumor. Over time, this tumor can also penetrate the bladder lining or invade surrounding muscle layers.
When diagnosed at an early stage, these tumours can be removed with surgery or chemotherapy. But they may recur if left untreated.
To avoid this, experts say the number one thing you can do is stop smoking. Quitting can be the most difficult change to make, but it's one of the best things you can do for your overall health.
Chemical Exposure
One of the most important things you can do to avoid bladder cancer is to limit your chemical exposure. This includes chemicals found in food, water and air that you breathe in or drink.
Exposure to certain industrial chemicals and other substances, such as the fumes from diesel exhaust, have been linked to a higher risk of bladder cancer. It is estimated that 20% of bladder cancers are associated with occupational exposure to chemicals.
Symptoms from chemical exposure can include tearing eyes, a burning sensation, headache, vomiting or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually temporary and go away when the exposure is stopped.
Some chemicals can cause more serious effects such as difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing or a faint feeling. They can also cause sudden collapse or convulsions. A large exposure can even cause death.
Diet
Bladder cancer is a serious and life-threatening disease. Fortunately, you can avoid it and live longer by avoiding certain risk factors.
One way to reduce your bladder cancer risk is to eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water. Water helps flush out impurities in your urine and dilute any harmful chemicals that may be in there.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) notes that a diet high in fruits and vegetables is associated with lower bladder cancer risks. This is because a diet high in fruits and vegetables contains antioxidants that can prevent some of the carcinogens that lead to bladder cancer.
Avoiding smoking and limiting exposure to chemicals and irritants could also help. Cigarette smoke, for example, is a leading cause of bladder cancer.
Physical Activity
Physical activity is the process of moving your body and requires energy expenditure. Examples of physical activity include walking, running, swimming and playing sports.
Increasing your level of activity will reduce your risk of bladder cancer and increase the chances of survival. The most effective form of exercise is moderate intensity, which means it's not too strenuous but still makes you breathe hard and make your heart beat faster.
It also helps to keep your weight and muscle mass at a healthy level. Regularly being active will help to prevent and manage several chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
Although the dominant definition of physical activity is simple and clear, there is a significant amount of complexity that remains unacknowledged. There is space for a new and wider definition to account for the cognitive, affective and situated aspects of physical activity.
