Risk Factors
A risk factor is any characteristic, behavior, or condition that increases your chances of developing a disease. Here are some known risk factors for bladder cancer:
Age
Your risk for developing bladder cancer increases with age. Usually, people diagnosed with bladder cancer are over age 55.
Sex
Men have two to four times the risk of developing bladder cancer as women.
Race
Caucasians are about twice as likely to get bladder cancer as people of other races.
Tobacco consumption
Smokers have two or three times the risk of developing bladder cancer as nonsmokers. Toxins from tobacco (smoking or chewing tobacco) can collect in your urine and damage the cells in your bladder, increasing your risk for bladder cancer.
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Personal History
Bladder cancer has the greatest risk of recurrence (about 50% to 80%) of any type of cancer. People who have already been treated for bladder cancer have an increased risk.
Exposure
Exposure to certain chemicals in the workplace may increase your risk of bladder cancer. These chemicals can collect in your urine and damage the cells in your bladder. Workers at high risk include hairdressers, dry cleaners, painters, truck drivers, and those who make rubber, textile, leather, and paint products.
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Bladder infections
People with chronic urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and bladder stones may be at an increased risk for bladder cancer.
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Arsenic
Exposure to arsenic in a medical setting or in your drinking water can increase your risk for bladder cancer.
Family History
Close relatives of a person who has had bladder cancer are more likely to develop the disease.
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Kidney Transplant
People who have had a kidney transplant may be at an increased risk for bladder cancer.
