Introduction to Bladder Cancer

Risk Factors for Bladder Cancer

A risk factor is anything that increases the chances of a person developing a particular disease or condition. Risk factors that have been identified for bladder cancer include:

  • Smoking - Cigarette smoking represents the greatest risk factor for bladder cancer and has been linked to up to 65% of bladder cancer cases occurring in men and up to 25% in women.

  • Occupational exposure - Work-related exposure to certain chemicals known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene and beta-naphthylamine (among others) has been linked to bladder cancer. Individuals with heavy occupational exposure to dyes, rubbers, textiles, paints, leathers, and certain chemicals are at higher risk for developing bladder cancer. A study published in 2001 in the International Journal of Cancer reported that women who used permanent hair dyes at least once a month were twice as likely to develop bladder cancer as women who did not.

  • Chemotherapeutic drugs - Certain drugs that are used for the treatment of cancer, particularly cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, have been linked to the development of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

  • Infections - Certain types of infections have also been linked to the development of bladder cancer including:

    • chronic or recurrent urinary tract infections
    • schistosomiasis - an infection caused by a parasitic worm called Schistosoma hematobrium that is endemic to some parts of Africa and the Middle East
    • kidney stones, bladder stones, and long-term indwelling bladder catheters have been linked to squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder

  • Radiation therapy to the pelvic area has been associated with an increased risk for bladder cancer.

  • Gender - Men are about 4 times more likely to develop bladder cancer than women.

  • Race - The incidence of bladder cancer is about twice as high in whites than in African Americans or Hispanics.

  • Age - The risk of developing bladder cancer increases with age with about 50% of cases occurring in individuals age 72 or older.