Can fluid intake help to prevent bladder cancer?

Urine can contain carcinogens, e.g., from cigarette smoke, that come in contact with the wall of the bladder until urination. By increasing daily total fluid intake, exposure of the bladder wall to carcinogens can be reduced through dilution and increased urination, which, at least in theory, may help reduce the risk of bladder cancer. Although currently no conclusion can be drawn on whether the total amount of fluids consumed per day can influence bladder cancer risk, there is strong evidence that the consumption of arsenic in drinking water increases bladder cancer risk and limited evidence that greater consumption of tea decreases the risk of bladder cancer