Risks and Prevention of Bladder Cancer

Risk factors

A risk factor refers to any factor that increases the chance of developing a disease. Bladder cancer is the result of specific changes in bladder cell function, particularly how they multiply and form new cells. Numerous risk factors have been reported for bladder cancer; however, most of them do not directly cause cancer. Instead, they increase the risk of DNA damage in cells, which may lead to bladder cancer.¹

Age

The risk of developing bladder cancer increases with age. Although it can occur at any age, older people over the age of 55 are at a higher risk of getting bladder cancer. In the US, bladder cancer is most frequently diagnosed among people aged 65–74 years. The average age at diagnosis is 73 years.²

Male sex

Men are more likely to develop bladder cancer than women.²

Race

Compared with Black people, White individuals have a higher risk of developing bladder cancer.²

Chemicals

Chemicals like arsenic or chlorine in drinking water or chemicals used in the manufacture of dyes, rubber, leather, textiles, and paint products increases the risk of bladder cancer.²

Smoking

Smoking increases the risk of bladder cancer. Tobacco contains harmful chemicals called carcinogens. As the bladder filters the harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke, it sustains damage. In fact, smokers are three times more likely to develop bladder cancer. ²

Previous cancer treatment

Treatment with the anti-cancer drugs cyclophosphamide or ifosfamide or radiation treatments aimed at the pelvis for a previous cancer increases the risk of developing bladder cancer.²

Chronic bladder infection

Repeated urinary infections or inflammations, which might happen with long-term use of a urinary catheter, may increase the risk of a squamous cell bladder cancer.²

History of cancer

Family history or having certain changes in the genes that are linked to bladder cancer, such as HRAS, RB1, PTEN/MMAC1, NAT2, and GSTM1 also increases the risk of developing bladder cancer.²

Reducing the risk of bladder cancer

Reducing the risk of bladder cancer involves implementing lifestyle changes, avoiding risk factors, and undergoing regular health screenings. Some ways to reduce the risk are²:

Lifestyle changes

Healthy diet: Consuming a diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in processed foods and red meat may reduce the risk of bladder cancer.

Hydration: Drinking adequate amounts of fluids, especially water, may help dilute the concentration of cancer-causing agents in the urine.

Regular exercise: Regular physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of developing cancer.

Avoiding risk factors

Avoiding tobacco: Smoking is a major risk factor for bladder cancer. Avoiding or quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of developing bladder cancer.

Occupational safety: Reducing exposure to certain chemicals and substances in the workplace may help lower the risk of developing bladder cancer.

Regular screening

Regular screening for bladder cancer is crucial for early detection and treatment. Screening can identify bladder cancer at earlier stages when it is more likely to be treatable and potentially curable.

Learn more about bladder cancer

Bladder cancer

Key statistics of bladder cancer

Signs and symptoms of bladder cancer

Diagnosis of bladder cancer

Types of bladder cancer

Bethesda. Bladder cancer treatment. PDQ Cancer Information Summaries - NCBI Bookshelf. National Cancer Institute (US). Published September 12, 2024. Accessed November 11, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK66044/#:~:text=Bladder%20Cancer%20Causes%20and%20Risk,do%20not%20directly%20cause%20cancer
Bladder Cancer Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention. American Cancer Society. Accessed November 11, 2024. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/bladder-cancer/causes-risks-prevention.html

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