Did you know smoking isn’t just bad for your lungs? It’s also the leading cause of bladder cancer. This disease develops when the cells in the bladder grow out of control. Bladder cancer is influenced by several risk factors, from your lifestyle to your environment. Learning what causes and increases the risk of bladder cancer can help you better understand the condition.

This article will explore seven bladder cancer causes and risk factors, giving you more information and knowledge about this type of cancer.

1. Smoking

Cigarette smoking is one of the biggest bladder cancer risk factors. When you inhale tobacco smoke, harmful chemicals enter your body. These chemicals travel through your blood and are filtered by your kidneys. From there, they move into your bladder, where they can damage the bladder lining. Over time, this damage can lead to cancer.

People who smoke are 3 to 4 times more likely to get bladder cancer than those who don’t smoke. In fact, smoking is linked to about half of all bladder cancer cases. This means it’s the most significant risk factor by far.

The good news is that it’s never too late to quit smoking. The longer you stay smoke-free, the more your risk for bladder cancer drops. Quitting also improves your heart and lung health, so it’s a win all around. If you need help quitting smoking, talk to your doctor. They can recommend resources like smoking cessation programs or support groups.

2. Exposure to Chemicals at Work

Some jobs expose workers to harmful chemicals, which can increase the risk of bladder cancer. When this happens, it’s known as occupational exposure. People who work with dyes (such as hairdressers), rubber, leather, textiles, and paints are particularly at risk. These industries often use chemicals called aromatic amines, which are known carcinogens (substances that cause cancer).

When workers handle or breathe in these chemicals, they can enter the bloodstream and eventually make their way to the bladder. Over time, repeated exposure increases the chance of bladder cell damage.

If you work in any of these industries, it’s important to follow safety guidelines. Wear gloves, masks, or other protective equipment to limit your exposure. Employers are also required to follow workplace safety laws, so don’t hesitate to speak up if you think precautions aren’t being taken. Regular health checkups can also help catch any problems early.

3. Chronic Bladder Irritation

Chronic (long-term) bladder irritation or swelling can increase your chances of developing bladder cancer. Chronic irritation can weaken the bladder lining and make it more vulnerable to harmful changes over time. Bladder irritation can come from several different sources.

Frequent bladder infections, or urinary tract infections, can cause your bladder lining to become inflamed or damaged. Bladder stones can also cause inflammation. These are hard mineral deposits that can scratch or irritate the bladder. Additionally, using a catheter long term, which helps empty the bladder, can lead to chronic irritation over time.

If you’re dealing with any of these issues, it’s important to work with your doctor to manage them. Proper treatment of infections or bladder stones can help reduce irritation and lower your risk.

4. Previous Cancer Treatments

Cancer treatments that target other parts of your body can sometimes increase your risk of bladder cancer later on. Radiation therapy and certain chemotherapy drugs are two therapies that can increase this risk.

For instance, if you’ve had radiation aimed at your pelvic area to treat cervical, uterine, or prostate cancer, it could affect the bladder. The radiation can damage the DNA of bladder cells, making them more prone to cancer. A chemotherapy drug called cyclophosphamide is particularly linked to bladder cancer risk. This medication is processed by the body and released through the bladder, where it can cause harmful changes over time.

If you’ve had these treatments, don’t panic — having them doesn’t mean you’ll develop bladder cancer, it only means that you have a risk factor. However, let your doctor know about your medical history. They can recommend bladder screenings or monitor you for symptoms like blood in your urine or frequent urination.

5. Genetics and Family History

Family history can play a role in your risk of bladder cancer. If you have close relatives — like parents, siblings, or children — who’ve had bladder cancer, your risk may be higher.

A 2023 multicenter study found that a significant number of participants with the disease reported a family history of cancer, including bladder cancer.

In some cases, this increased risk is partly because of shared genetics. Some people inherit (pass from parent to child) gene mutations (changes) that affect how their bodies process harmful substances or repair DNA damage. These genetic mutations can make it easier for bladder cells to become cancerous.

However, it’s important to note that most bladder cancer cases aren’t directly inherited. The majority are caused by lifestyle factors, like smoking, or occupational exposure to harmful chemicals.

Additionally, people with a family history of Lynch syndrome (an inherited disorder that increases the risk of developing different types of cancer) or hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer may have a higher risk of bladder cancer.

If you have a family history of bladder cancer, it could be worth discussing genetic testing with your doctor. This testing can identify whether you carry any gene mutations or deletions that might increase your risk. Even if you don’t have genetic factors, knowing your family history can help you and your doctor decide on the best approach to monitoring your health.

6. Age, Sex, and Race

Certain factors like age, sex, and race can influence the risk of developing bladder cancer. Age is one of the strongest risk factors, as most bladder cancer cases are diagnosed in people over 55, with the average age of diagnosis at 73.

Sex also plays a significant role. Men are 3 to 4 times more likely than women to develop bladder cancer, per the American Cancer Society. This may be because of higher rates of smoking and occupational exposures among men, although biological differences could also contribute to the risk.

Race is another factor. The American Cancer Society has found that white people have the highest rates of bladder cancer compared to African American, Hispanic, and Asian American groups. Unfortunately, cancer researchers don’t yet understand the basis for these differences.

While you can’t change these factors, knowing your risk can help you stay vigilant and prioritize regular health checkups, especially if you fall into a higher-risk group.

7. Lifestyle Choices

Your everyday habits and lifestyle choices can also influence your risk of bladder cancer. For example, diet may play a role. Diets high in processed or fried foods may slightly raise the risk, while eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains could offer some protection.

Fluid intake is another important factor. Drinking water throughout the day helps flush harmful chemicals out of the bladder, potentially lowering cancer risk. Regular physical activity can also make a big difference by maintaining overall health and reducing cancer risk.

Note that these lifestyle factors are less strongly linked to bladder cancer than factors like smoking or exposure to harmful chemicals. However, adopting healthy habits can benefit your overall health and may help reduce your risk of bladder cancer — among other types of cancer — over time.

Reducing Your Risk

Although some risk factors — like your age or family history — can’t be changed, others can. Here’s how you can lower your bladder cancer risk:

• Quit smoking if you smoke.
• Protect yourself at work — wear safety gear if you’re exposed to certain chemicals, and follow workplace regulations.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and manage any chronic health issues.
• Have regular visits with your health care provider to monitor your health and any medical conditions.

If you are concerned that you or a loved one might have an increased risk of bladder cancer, talk to your health care team. They can provide guidance, recommend screenings, and assess you for early symptoms of bladder cancer.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyBladderCancerTeam is the social network for people with bladder cancer and their loved ones. On MyBladderCancerTeam, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with bladder cancer.

Do you or a loved one have bladder cancer? Did you have any of the common risk factors? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.