Each year about 10,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with bladder cancer. Men get bladder cancer much more commonly than women. It’s rare for anyone under the age of 50 to get it but it becomes more common as people get older. Cancer of the bladder isn’t infectious and can’t be passed on to other people.
Some of the possible causes or risk factors for bladder cancer are known. The following risk factors can increase the risk of developing it:
Cigarette smoking This is the biggest risk factor for bladder cancer. The longer a person smokes for and the more cigarettes they smoke, the greater the risk. Chemicals that cause bladder cancer are present in cigarette smoke. It’s thought that these chemicals get into the bloodstream and end up in the urine after being filtered by the kidneys. They then damage the cells which line the inside of the bladder. It takes many years for the chemicals to cause bladder cancer.
Exposure to chemicals at work The other main cause of bladder cancer is exposure to certain chemicals at work. These include chemicals previously used in dye factories, rubber, gasworks, plastics, paints and in other chemical industries. These chemicals were banned in the UK in 1967. However, it can take up to 25 years after exposure for bladder cancers to develop.
If you think that you were exposed to certain chemicals through your work, let your cancer doctor know. You may be able to claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit from the Department of Work and Pensions.
Infection Repeated urinary infections and kidney or bladder stones (which can cause infections) have been linked with bladder cancer. People who are paralysed have more bladder infections and a higher risk of getting bladder cancer.
Untreated infection with a parasite called schistosoma (also called bilharzia) is a major cause of bladder cancer in people living in developing countries.
Earlier treatment for cancer Radiotherapy to the pelvis (to treat another cancer) and treatment with a chemotherapy drug called cyclophosphamide can also increase your risk.