It's not just water that has this effect. Any fluid appears to work, even caffeinated liquids such as coffee or tea. That could be because drinking a lot makes fluid move more quickly through the bladder, which means bladder tissue is exposed to potentially harmful substances for a shorter amount of time. Because smoking raises the risk for bladder cancer, smokers are especially likely to benefit from high fluid intake. Doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas say it's important to drink at least eight cups of liquid a day for proper hydration.
Caffeinated beverages dehydrate the body so plain water is still best.
Getting proper fluid intake is one simple thing you can do to improve your overall health and reduce your cancer risk. Other Topics Health Watch is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.