Bladder Cancer Awareness

Bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men, but it is less common in women. The rates of new bladder cancers and deaths related to bladder cancer have been dropping slightly in women in recent years. Bladder cancer occurs mainly in older people and whites are more likely to be diagnosed with bladder cancer than African Americans or Hispanic Americans. Risk factors for developing bladder cancer include, but are not limited to, smoking, certain medicines or herbal supplements, not drinking enough fluids, chronic bladder irritation and infections and bladder birth defects. There is no sure way to prevent bladder cancer, but quitting smoking, limiting exposure to certain chemicals in the workplace, drinking plenty of fluids and eating a healthy amount of fruits and vegetables can lower your risk.