Can bladder cancer be prevented?

There is no sure way to prevent bladder cancer, but there may be things you can do that could lower your risk.

Do not smoke

Smoking is believed to cause about half of bladder cancer cases among men and women.

Limit exposure to certain chemicals in the workplace

If you work with a class of chemicals called aromatic amines, be sure to follow good work safety practices. Industries where these chemicals are commonly used include the makers of rubber, leather, printing materials, textiles, and paint products.

Aromatic amines are also found in many hair dyes, so it is important for hairdressers and barbers who are exposed to these products regularly to use them safely. (Most studies have not found that personal use of hair dyes increases bladder cancer risk.) For more information, see our document, Hair Dyes.

Drink plenty of liquids

There is some evidence that drinking a lot of fluids – mainly water – may lower a person’s risk of bladder cancer.

Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables

Some studies have suggested that a diet high in fruits and vegetables may help protect against bladder cancer, but other studies have not found this. Still, eating such a diet has been shown to have many health benefits, including lowering the risk of several other types of cancer.