Bladder Cancer

Home » Bladder Cancer » Causes, Risk Factors

Causes and Risk Factors

Cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) in the urine may lead to the development of bladder cancer. Cigarette smoking contributes to more than 50% of cases, and smoking cigars or pipes also increases the risk.

Other risk factors include the following:

• Age
  
• Chronic bladder inflammation (recurrent urinary tract infections, urinary stones)
  
• Consumption of Aristolochia fangchi (herb used in some weight-loss formulas)
  
• Diet high in saturated fat
  
• Exposure to second-hand smoke
  
• External beam radiation
  
• Family history of bladder cancer (several genetic risk factors identified)
  
• Gender (male)
  
• Infection with Schistosoma haematobium (parasite found in many developing countries)
  
• Personal history of bladder cancer
  
• Race (Caucasian)
  
• Treatment with certain drugs (e.g., cyclophosfamide—used to treat cancer)
  

Exposure to carcinogens in the workplace also increases the risk for bladder cancer. Medical workers exposed during the preparation, storage, administration, or disposal of antineoplastic drugs (used in chemotherapy) are at increased risk. Occupational risk factors include recurrent and early exposure to hair dye, and exposure to dye containing aniline, a chemical used in medical and industrial dyes.

Workers at increased risk include the following:

• Hairdressers
  
• Machinists
  
• Printers
  
• Painters
  
• Truck drivers
  
• Workers in rubber, chemical, textile, metal, and leather industries
  

Bladder Cancer Resources

	Join Our Bladder Cancer Forum Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others.	Advertising Disclaimer
	Living with...Share your story Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections.
	Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. Help others by sharing your story. View stories already submitted. June 1st is National Cancer Survivors Day Share your survival story and help others in the fight against cancer. Read cancer survivor stories already submitted.
	Stay Updated Sign up for our newsletter and receive important updates on the medical conditions that are most important to you.
Are you interested in becoming a nurse? Take this test. Advertising Disclaimer To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Healthcommunities.com's healthchannels toolbar.