Preventing bladder cancer begins with us. Although we can’t control genetics, aging and other unknowns, we certainly can control the choices we make everyday and minimize the risk of disease. If we habitually control everyday choices and make meaningful lifestyle changes, we turn the odds in our favor. Warding off bladder cancer begins by learning the risk factors that predispose us to the disease in the first place. Below are the greatest risk factors associated with bladder cancer.

Risk Factors for Bladder Cancer:

Cigarette Smoking

Tobacco smoke is thought to be the single most lethal chemical carcinogen, accounting for at least 30 percent of cancer deaths. Smoking is strongly associated with cancers of the lung, head and neck, esophagus, pancreas, cervix and bladder. Tobacco may also act synergistically with other substances, such as alcohol, asbestos, uranium, and viruses, to promote cancer development.

Exposure to Environmental Agents

Environmental factors associated with cancer include exposure to sunlight, radiation, chronic irritation or inflammation, and tobacco use. Occupational hazards related to bladder cancer are found in toxins like dyes, rubber, paint, asbestos, ink and leather.

Recurrent Urinary Infection

Infections from sexually transmitted diseases, poor hygienic practices, or non-compliance with antibiotic treatments can irritate and inflame urinary organs, making it difficult to void.

Bladder stones

There are numerous causes of bladder stones. They are sometimes brought on by a malfunctioning organ or hormone. However, the most effective thing we can do to prevent bladder stones is to choose healthy food and to stay hydrated with plenty of water.

High Urinary pH

Poor food choices are the root cause of high urinary pH. Cranberry juice and fresh vegetables help make urinary pH less acidic and within the normal range. Urine is naturally acidic to protect us from microscopic pathogens.

High Cholesterol

Processed foods high in trans fatty acids, high caloric intake, little exercise, sedentary lifestyles, obesity and stress all contribute to high cholesterol. There is absolute truth to the saying—we are what we eat. Consult a dietician for healthy diet recommendations if your cholesterol level is high.

Using Regent Strips

New research is being done on the use of regent strips to identify microscopic amounts of blood in the urine. The most common symptom for bladder cancer is painless, hematuria, or blood in the urine. However, this product is still being evaluated and tested.

Ultimately, the most important way to prevent bladder cancer is to make sound, healthy lifestyle choices.