bladder cancer
risk factors

There are many risk factors for getting bladder cancer. Some you can change, while others you can’t.

The biggest risk factor for bladder cancer, smoking, is something you can change. Half of all bladder cancer cases in the U.S. are caused by cigarette smoke.

Bladder cancer is two to three times more likely to develop in smokers than in nonsmokers.

Certain types of long-term chemical exposures at work may also increase the risk of bladder cancer. These include chemicals used to make plastics, paints, textiles, leather and rubber.

Hairdressers, machinists, printers, painters and truck drivers may be at risk for bladder cancer.

Risk factors you can’t change include race and ethnicity, age, gender and family history of bladder cancer.

Firefighters may have a greater risk from inhaling a number of combustible products in fires.

Vietnam veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange may be at increased risk of bladder cancer.

Other risk factors include:

• Frequent or long-lasting bladder infections.
• Radiation to the pelvis for cervical cancer or prostate cancer.
• History of bladder cancer. If you have had bladder cancer in the past, you should be closely monitored after treatment to make sure you don’t develop another tumor.

The risk of bladder cancer goes up as you get older. Most people with bladder cancer are older than 55. Men are much more likely than women to develop the disease. People who have family members with bladder cancer are at a higher risk of getting it as well.

Listen to this episode of the Urology Care Podcast below to learn more about testicular cancer and fertility preservation.

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