Bladder Cancer Risk Factors and Causes

What Are the Risk Factors for Bladder Cancer? 

Bladder cancer risk factors include smoking, chemical exposure, age, gender, chronic bladder irritation and exposure to contaminants like arsenic or PFAS. Smoking is the leading cause of bladder cancer. While some risks cannot be controlled, understanding bladder cancer risk factors can help people reduce exposure, recognize symptoms earlier and speak with their doctor about prevention and screening. 

Bladder cancer develops when abnormal cells grow in the bladder lining. Many cases are linked to long-term exposure to harmful substances that are filtered through the urine and stored in the bladder. 

What Causes Bladder Cancer? 

Doctors do not know the exact cause of every bladder cancer diagnosis, but several well-established risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing the disease. 

The most common bladder cancer risk factors include: 

• Smoking and tobacco exposure 

• Workplace chemical exposure 

• PFAS and environmental contaminants 

• Older age 

• Male sex 

• Chronic bladder inflammation 

• Previous bladder cancer diagnosis 

• Certain chemotherapy drugs or radiation 

• Arsenic or nitrate in drinking water 

• Family history and inherited conditions 

Some risk factors can be reduced through lifestyle changes, while others cannot be controlled.

Is Smoking a Leading Cause of Bladder Cancer?

Yes. Smoking is the most important and preventable bladder cancer risk factor. 

Tobacco smoke contains harmful chemicals that enter the bloodstream and are filtered by the kidneys into the urine. These toxins can damage the bladder lining over time and increase cancer risk. 

People who smoke are significantly more likely to develop bladder cancer than non-smokers. 

Smoking and Bladder Cancer Facts 

• Smoking causes about half of bladder cancer cases. 

• Cigarettes, cigars, and pipes all increase risk. 

• Former smokers still carry elevated risk for years. 

• Quitting smoking can help lower future risk. 

If you currently smoke, quitting is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your long-term health. 

Resources to Quit Smoking

Smoking and bladder cancer podcast 

Smoking and bladder cancer podcast 2 

Smoking cessation resources 

Can Chemical Exposure Increase Bladder Cancer Risk?

Yes. You may have an increased risk of bladder cancer if you are exposed to certain chemicals in the environment, in drinking water or at your job. Learn more about chemicals and bladder cancer.

Does Race Affect Bladder Cancer Risk?

Yes. Bladder cancer rates differ across racial and ethnic groups. 

In the United States: 

• White Americans are diagnosed more often. 

• Black, Asian, Hispanic and Native Americans are more likely to experience delayed diagnosis. 

• Asian Americans have lower rates of bladder cancer. 

Does Age Affect Bladder Cancer Risk?

Yes. Bladder cancer becomes more common with age. The average age of a person diagnosed with bladder cancer is 73. Most bladder cancer cases occur in people over the age of 55, though adults of any age may develop bladder cancer.

Are Men or Women More Likely to Get Bladder Cancer? 

Men get bladder cancer more often than women.  

However, women are often diagnosed at a later stage. 

Symptoms such as blood in the urine may sometimes be mistaken for urinary tract infections or gynecologic conditions in women, which can delay diagnosis. 

Resources

Learn more about bladder cancer in women.

Watch a Webinar on the Biologic Sex Differences in Bladder Cancer.

Can Chronic Bladder Inflammation Increase Bladder Cancer Risk?

Yes, long-term bladder irritation and inflammation may increase risk. These do not cause bladder cancer but are linked to it. 

Conditions associated with chronic inflammation include: 

• Urinary infections. 

• Chronic catheter use. 

• Kidney stones, and bladder stones.  
  • These do not cause bladder cancer but are linked to it. They may be signs that something more serious is going on and should be evaluated by a physician. 

Read Megan’s story, whose recurring UTIs led her to visiting her physician and eventually receiving a bladder cancer diagnosis.

Does a Previous Bladder Cancer Diagnosis Increase Risk?

If you have had bladder cancer in the past, you are at risk of developing another cancerous tumor in your urinary system. Once you have been diagnosed with bladder cancer and treated, you will be checked over the years to make sure new tumors don’t develop. 

Do Birth Defects of the Bladder Increase the Chance of Cancer?

Very rarely, a connection between the navel or belly button and the bladder called the urachus, doesn’t disappear as it should before birth. That connection can become a rare form of bladder cancer known as urachal cancer.

Can Chemotherapy and Radiation Increase Bladder Cancer Risk?

Yes. Some cancer treatments may slightly increase future bladder cancer risk. 

These include: 

• The chemotherapy drug Cytoxan/cyclophosphamide.  

• Radiation used to treat other cancers. 

•  These treatments are still important and lifesaving for many cancers, but patients should discuss long-term monitoring with their healthcare team. 

How Can You Lower Your Bladder Cancer Risk?

Not all bladder cancer cases can be prevented, but healthy lifestyle choices may help reduce risk. 

Ways to Lower Bladder Cancer Risk 

• Stop smoking 

• Limit exposure to industrial chemicals 

• Test private well water 

• Drink plenty of fluids 

• Eat fruits and vegetables regularly 

• See a doctor if you have blood in your urine 

• Attend recommended follow-up appointments 

Early detection is still one of the most important factors in improving outcomes. 

Learn about nutrition’s impact on bladder cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship.

Frequently asked questions about bladder cancer risk factors

What is the biggest risk factor for bladder cancer? What is the biggest risk factor for bladder cancer? 

Smoking is the leading risk factor for bladder cancer. Tobacco exposure accounts for approximately half of bladder cancer cases. 

Can bladder cancer be detected early? 

Yes. Blood in the urine is often an early warning sign. Early diagnosis can improve treatment outcomes. 

Is there a screening test for bladder cancer? 

There is no FDA-approved screening test for people without symptoms or high risk. Doctors may use urine tests or cystoscopy for higher-risk individuals. 

Can bladder cancer come back after treatment? 

Yes. Bladder cancer has one of the highest recurrence rates among cancers. Even after successful treatment, regular follow-up is crucial to monitor for new tumors or recurrence. 

Does alcohol cause bladder cancer? 

Current research does not show strong evidence that alcohol directly causes bladder cancer, though heavy alcohol use may contribute to overall cancer risk. 

Does diet affect bladder cancer risk? 

A healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables may support overall health and potentially reduce cancer risk. Processed meats and exposure to certain food-related chemicals could raise it.

Learn More About Bladder Cancer Prevention