Causes of Bladder Cancer

What causes bladder cancer?

While the exact causes of bladder cancer are not known, there are well-established risk factors for developing the disease. Risk factors for bladder cancer include the following:

  • cigarette smoking
    Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for developing bladder cancer. Smoking causes about half of the deaths from bladder cancer among men, and less than one-third of bladder cancer deaths in women. The disease occurs in smokers twice as often as nonsmokers. Quitting smoking reduces the risk of bladder cancer, as well as several other types of cancer and diseases.
  • occupational exposure
    Certain occupations and work environments that expose workers to dyes and some organic chemicals appear to increase the risk for bladder cancer. Workers in the rubber, chemical, leather, textile, metal, and printing industries are exposed to substances such as aniline dye and aromatic amines that may increase their risk for bladder cancer. Other at-risk occupations include hairdressers, machinists, painters, and truck drivers (due to exposure to diesel fumes).
  • chronic bladder irritation
    Chronic bladder infections or bladder stones may be linked to certain types of bladder cancer.
  • age
    The risk for bladder cancer increases with age. Over 70 percent of people with bladder cancer are over age 65.
  • gender
    Bladder cancer occurs about four times more often in men than in women.
  • race
    Caucasians are twice as likely  to develop bladder cancer as African-Americans and Hispanics. Asians have the lowest bladder cancer rates.
  • personal history of bladder cancer
    Individuals who have previously had bladder cancer have an increased risk of developing the disease again.
  • family history
    Individuals with family members who have had bladder cancer are more likely to develop the disease. Research is ongoing to determine specific genetic risks for bladder cancer.
  • parasite infections
    Infection with certain parasites found in tropical regions of the world, but not in the US, increases the risk of bladder cancer.

Make an Appointment

  • Please call us during regular business hours to schedule an appointment.

    For Urology: (212) 746-5878

    For Medical Oncology (New Patient Visits): (646) 962-2072

    For Medical Oncology (Follow up Patient Visits): (646) 972-2072
Top of page