The bladder is a hollow, muscular, balloon-shaped organ that expands as it fills with urine (it can hold 1.5 to 2 cups of urine). Once it fills to capacity, signals sent to the brain tell a person to find a toilet soon. During urination, this organ empties through the urethra which is located at the bottom of the bladder.
A person may possibly get bladder cancer when the bladder cells grow out of control. Over time, a tumor forms and this can spread to nearby lymph nodes and other organs. While there are no certain ways to prevent this kind of cancer, there are things we can do to at least lower our risk.
Drink Plenty of Fluids
Researchers have found evidence that drinking plenty of fluids (mostly water), may possibly lower a person’s risk of bladder cancer. Experts theorized that increased levels of fluid consumption can help dilute the concentration of any toxins in the bladder and reduce their contact time with cells there. This theory was supported by the results of some clinical trials such as one in Disease Markers in 2015.
Hydrating regularly as well as urinating are fantastic bladder cancer prevention tips that anyone can accomplish. It is recommended that women should have a daily fluid intake of about 11.2 cups while 15.5 cups for men are adequate.
Improve Diet
Eating a healthy diet has been associated with many health benefits, including lowering a person’s risk of several types of cancer. There were studies suggesting that eating plenty of fruits and veggies may help protect our body against bladder cancer.
Cruciferous vegetables, including asparagus, broccoli, kale, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, contain the sulforaphane compound, which studies show may inhibit bladder cancer growth.
A study in 2016 in the journal Investigative and Clinical Urology showed evidence that suggests that a diet rich in vegetables, fruits and low in processed meats is beneficial and may provide protection against bladder cancer.
Exposure To Certain Chemicals In The Workplace Should Be Limited
The use of certain organic chemicals in workplaces may increase a person’s risk of bladder cancer. Workplaces, where these chemicals are commonly used, include the printing materials, textiles, rubber, leather, and paint industries. Following good work safety practices is important for those working in these industries.
Don’t Smoke
People who smoke are at least 3x more likely to develop bladder cancer as compared to those who don’t smoke, according to the American Cancer Society. Smoking tobacco is the most important known risk factor for bladder cancer.
Results of a 2011 study conducted by the National Institutes of Health have shown that half of all bladder cancer cases are found in people who smoke. Previous studies found that 20% to 30% of bladder cancer cases in women were caused by smoking.
But How About E-Cigarettes Or Vaping?
Researchers have found that some of the same carcinogens are present in both cigarettes and e-cigarette liquids. The best thing we can do is not to start smoking or to quit smoking to reduce bladder cancer risk.
