Take Steps To Prevent Bladder Cancer
Steps to Take Now to Prevent Bladder Cancer Later
- Quit Smoking. Cigarette smoking is one of the leading risk factors for bladder cancer. Chemicals in tobacco smoke are absorbed into the blood, pass through the kidneys and collect in the urine. These chemicals can damage the inside of the bladder and increase your chances of getting bladder cancer.
- Avoid exposure to chemicals and irritants. Take proper precautions if you work in an environment with dangerous chemicals, which, like tobacco smoke, leach into the blood and collect in urine stored in your bladder.
- Eat a healthy diet. Including fruits and vegetables in your overall diet has many health benefits, including lowering the risk of several types of cancer.
- Drink. Water, that is. Increase your intake of water to flush out impurities in the urine and to help dilute any harmful chemicals that find their way into the bladder.
RECOGNIZING THE WARNING SIGNS OF BLADDER ISSUES
The problem with bladder cancer is that, in its early stages, people often do not notice symptoms. Learning to recognize signs of urinary issues could ultimately save your life.
Early on, bladder cancer often produces no symptoms. Your first warning sign may be hematuria (blood in your urine that may be visible or only be visible under a microscope by a doctor). Learn more about other bladder cancer symptoms.
Other less common symptoms of bladder cancer include:
- Painful urination
- Frequent urination or feeling an urge to urinate without results
- Slow or intermittent urine stream
- Pelvic pain
These potential warning signs, however, may indicate other medical problems such as urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or prostate disorders. Make it a point to check in with your doctor or urologist for a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of any new symptoms. It may not be bladder cancer, but aren’t you better safe than sorry?
Learn more about the signs, symptoms, and treatments for bladder cancer HERE,
or find a urologist to discuss any new or worrisome urinary issues.