(HealthDay News) -- Bladder cancer is more common among men than women and among whites than blacks. While there is no certain way to prevent the disease, the chances for survival are very good if it's found and treated early.

The American Cancer Society suggests these steps to help reduce your risk:

• Don't smoke. Smoking is believed to cause nearly half the deaths from bladder cancer among men and more than a third among women.
• Avoid exposure to certain chemicals. If you work with a class of chemicals called aromatic amines, be sure to follow good work safety practices. Industries where these chemicals are commonly used include the makers of rubber, leather, printing materials, textiles and paint products.
• Drink plenty of liquids. There is some evidence that drinking large amounts of fluids -- mainly water -- can lower a person's risk of bladder cancer.
• Diet. A diet high in fruits and vegetables seems to protect against bladder cancer.