Bladder cancer - Causes (2024)

Bladder cancer is caused by changes to the cells of the bladder. It's often linked with exposure to certain chemicals, but the cause isn't always known.

Severalfactorshave been identified that can significantly increase your risk of developing bladder cancer.

Smoking

Smoking is the single biggest risk factor for bladder cancer. This is because tobacco contains cancer-causing (carcinogenic) chemicals.

If you smoke for many years, these chemicals pass into your bloodstream and are filtered by the kidneysinto your urine. The bladder is repeatedly exposed to these harmful chemicals, as it acts as a store for urine. This can cause changes to the cells of the bladder lining, which maylead to bladder cancer.

It's estimated thatmore than a thirdof all cases of bladder cancer are caused bysmoking. People who smoke may be up to4 times more likely to develop bladder cancer than non-smokers.

Exposure to chemicals

Exposure to certain industrial chemicals is the second biggest risk factor. Previous studies have estimated that this may account for around 25% of cases.

Chemicals known to increase the risk of bladder cancer include:

  • aniline dyes
  • 2-Naphthylamine
  • 4-Aminobiphenyl
  • xenylamine
  • benzidine
  • o-toluidine

Occupationslinked to an increased risk of bladder cancer are manufacturing jobs involving:

  • dyes
  • textiles
  • rubbers
  • paints
  • plastics
  • leather tanning

Some non-manufacturing jobs have also been linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer. These include taxi or bus drivers, as a result of their regular exposure to the chemicals present in diesel fumes.

The link between bladder cancer and these types of occupations was discovered in the 1950s and 1960s. Today, strict regulations limit exposure to cancer-causing chemicals.

However,these chemicals are stilllinked with cases of bladder cancer now, as it can take up to30 years after initial exposure to the chemicals before the condition starts to develop.

Other risk factors

Otherfactors that can increase your risk of bladder cancer include:

How bladder cancer spreads

Bladder cancer usually begins in the cells of the bladder lining. In some cases, itmay spread into surrounding bladder muscle. If the cancer penetrates this muscle, itcan spread to other parts of the body, usually through the lymphatic system.

If bladder cancer spreads to other parts of the body, such as other organs, it's known as metastatic bladder cancer.

Page last reviewed: 01 July 2021
Next review due: 01 July 2024

Bladder cancer - Causes (2024)

FAQs

What is the main cause of bladder cancer? ›

The most common risk factor for bladder cancer is cigarette smoking, although smoking cigars and pipes can also raise the risk of developing bladder cancer. Smokers are 4 to 7 times more likely to develop bladder cancer than nonsmokers. Learn more about tobacco's link to cancer and how to quit smoking. Age.

Why are so many people getting bladder cancer? ›

In fact, smokers are three times more likely to get bladder cancer. People over the age of 55 are more at risk, as are men, more than women. Exposure to harmful chemicals, either at home or at work, previous cancer treatments, chronic bladder inflammation, or a family history of bladder cancer can also play a role.

What is the single most important risk factor in bladder cancer? ›

Smoking. Smoking is the most important risk factor for bladder cancer. People who smoke are at least 3 times as likely to get bladder cancer as people who don't. Smoking causes about half of all bladder cancers.

What is the biggest symptom of bladder cancer? ›

The most common symptom is blood in the urine, called hematuria. It's often slightly rusty to bright red in color. You may see blood in your urine at one point, then not see it again for a while. Sometimes there are very small amounts of blood in the urine that can only be found by having a test done.

What virus causes bladder cancer? ›

Several investigators support the idea that schistosomiasis is aetiologically related to the development of bladder cancer in individuals infected with Schistosoma haematobium. Approximately 70% of those with chronic schistosomiasis who have bladder cancer develop squamous cell rather than transitional cell carcinoma.

What is the red flag for bladder cancer? ›

Blood in the urine is the most common symptom of bladder cancer. Around 80 out of 100 people with bladder cancer (around 80%) have some blood in their urine. Doctors call blood in the urine haematuria (pronounced heem-at-you-ree-ah). You may see the blood in your urine.

What chemicals can cause bladder cancer? ›

The most notable risk factor for the development of bladder cancers is occupational exposure to aromatic amines (2-naphthylamine, 4-aminobiphenyl and benzidine) and 4,4'-methylenebis(2-chloroaniline) that can be found in the chemical, dye and rubber industries as well as in hair dyes, paints, fungicides, cigarette ...

What are the odds of beating bladder cancer? ›

The 5-year relative survival rate of people with bladder cancer that has not spread beyond the inner layer of the bladder wall is 96%. Almost half of people are diagnosed with this stage. If the tumor is invasive but has not yet spread outside the bladder, the 5-year relative survival rate is 70%.

Can hair dye cause bladder cancer? ›

Bladder cancer: Most studies of people exposed to hair dyes at work, such as hairdressers and barbers, have found a small but fairly consistent increased risk of bladder cancer. However, studies looking at people who have their hair dyed have not found a consistent increase in bladder cancer risk.

What hurts when you have bladder cancer? ›

These include: Blood in the urine, known as hematuria. Frequent urinary tract infections. Pain in flank, the section of the back between the ribs and the hip bone.

What foods should be avoided with bladder cancer? ›

Eating small meals throughout the day when you have an appetite is really important to make sure you avoid overeating when you get too hungry. Stay on top of your liquids and try to eat things at room temperature and avoid foods that are greasy, sugary and spicy when you are on a bladder cancer diet.

Do you feel unwell with bladder cancer? ›

If your bladder cancer has spread you might: have bone, back or tummy pain. feel very tired (fatigue) feel generally unwell.

How long can you have bladder cancer before you know it? ›

Even after reporting the problem to their doctors, blood in the urine may be initially misdiagnosed. It may be seen as a symptom of post-menopausal bleeding, simple cystitis or a urinary tract infection. As a result, a bladder cancer diagnosis can be overlooked for a year or more.

Do you pee a lot with bladder cancer? ›

The blood isn't always noticeable and it may come and go. Less common symptoms of bladder cancer include: a need to urinate on a more frequent basis. sudden urges to urinate.

How long can you have bladder cancer without knowing? ›

Can bladder cancer go undetected for years? If symptoms such as blood in the urine and changes in urinary habits are ignored by an individual and/or repeatedly misdiagnosed, it's possible that bladder cancer may not be detected for months or, in some cases, even years.

What is usually the first symptom of bladder cancer? ›

For most people, the first symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, also called hematuria. Sometimes the blood is visible, prompting the patient to visit a doctor.

What is life expectancy with bladder cancer? ›

The 5-year relative survival rate of people with bladder cancer that has not spread beyond the inner layer of the bladder wall is 96%. Almost half of people are diagnosed with this stage. If the tumor is invasive but has not yet spread outside the bladder, the 5-year relative survival rate is 70%.

Where is the first place bladder cancer spreads? ›

Where can bladder cancer spread to? Not all bladder cancers will spread. But If it does it's most likely to spread to the structures close to the bladder, such as the ureters, urethra, prostate, vagin*, or into the pelvis. This is called local spread.

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