Learn The BasicsThe exact cause of bladder cancer, similar to many other types of cancer, is not known. However, several factors are known to increase the risk of bladder cancer.
These include age, sex, race, a personal or family history of the disease, repeated bladder infections, smoking, exposure to certain chemicals and certain medications.
Age
Even though bladder cancer can occur at any age, the risk of developing the disease increases with age. Most people diagnosed with bladder cancer are over 55.
Sex
Bladder cancer can affect both men and women. However, the disease is more common among men than among women.
Race
Caucasian people are twice as likely to develop bladder cancer compared to people of other races, and Asian people have the lowest rate of bladder cancer. The reason behind this disparity is not clear.
Family history
A person who has a personal or family history of bladder cancer is also more likely to develop the disease. However, it is uncommon for bladder cancer to run in families.
A type of cancer called hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer may increase a person’s risk of developing other types of cancer, including bladder cancer.
Repeated bladder infections
Researchers have identified a link between repeated bladder infections and bladder cancer.
A parasitic infection called schistosomiasis seems to increase the risk of a type of bladder cancer called squamous cell bladder cancer.
In fact, this type of cancer is more common in certain parts of the world, like Africa or Asia, where schistosomiasis is also more common.
Smoking
Smoking is a significant risk factor for bladder cancer, with a smoker being six times more likely to develop the disease compared to a non-smoker.
Certain chemicals found in tobacco smoke, which are carcinogenic (cancer-causing), pass into the urine and can cause genetic changes in cells lining the inside of the bladder, leading to bladder cancer.
Exposure to certain chemicals
Being exposed to certain chemicals like arsenic and chemicals used in the manufacturing of certain dyes, rubber, leather, textiles and paint products may increase the risk of developing bladder cancer.
Medications
Treatment with certain medications like cyclophosphamide, which is an anti-cancer treatment, has been shown to increase the risk of bladder cancer.
Research has shown that the diabetes medication pioglitazone may also be associated with an increased risk of developing bladder cancer.
Finally, dietary supplements that contain aristolochic acid, which are sometimes used for weight loss, have been linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer.
Other risk factors
There may be other risk factors, such as obesity and dehydration, that may increase the risk of bladder cancer. However, research about the link between these factors and the risk of bladder cancer is not conclusive.