Prevention

Bladder cancer cannot be prevented, but you may be able to reduce some of your risk for getting it.

• Stop smoking. Cigarette smokers are much more likely to get bladder cancer than nonsmokers. For help on how to quit smoking, see the topic Quitting Smoking.
• Avoid exposure to industrial chemicals, such as benzene substances and arylamines. Occupational exposure from working with dyes, rubbers, textiles, paints, leathers, and chemicals raises your risk for bladder cancer.
• Avoid exposure to arsenic. Have your drinking water tested. Drink bottled water if you think that your water is contaminated with arsenic.
• Eat healthy foods. Experts believe that what you eat and drink may help prevent bladder cancer.
  • Choose a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. For more information, see the topic Weight Management.
  • Avoid dehydration. Increase your fluid intake, particularly water. Water dilutes cancer-causing chemicals.

Home Treatment

The side effects of bladder cancer treatment can be serious. Healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep and exercise may help control your symptoms. Your doctor may also give you medicines to help you with certain side effects.

• Home treatment for nausea or vomiting includes watching for and treating early signs of dehydration, such as having a dry mouth or feeling lightheaded when you stand up. Eating smaller meals may help. A little bit of ginger candy or ginger tea can help too.
• Home treatment for diarrhea includes resting your stomach and being alert for signs of dehydration. Check with your doctor before you use any nonprescription medicines for your diarrhea. Be sure to drink enough fluids.
• Home treatment for constipation includes making sure that you drink enough fluids and eat fruits, vegetables, and fiber every day. Do not use a laxative without first talking to your doctor.

Other problems that can be treated at home include:

• Sleep problems. If you have trouble sleeping, some tips for managing sleep problems may help.
• Fatigue. If you lack energy and become weak easily, try ways to help your fatigue.
• Hair loss may be unavoidable. But you can decrease irritation of your scalp by using mild shampoos and avoiding damaging hair products.
• Stress. Cancer and its treatment can be stressful. But there are many steps you can take to manage stress.
• Pain. Bladder cancer rarely causes pain, and not all forms of cancer treatment cause pain. But if you do have pain, there are many home treatments that can help.