Risk Factors for Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer originates in your bladder, the organ that contains urine before its excretion from the body. The lining of the bladder is often the first spot where it can be found. Fortunately, it is often found early when it is treatable. It is important to understand the risk factors for bladder cancer.
According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no one definitive cause behind bladder cancer. There are certain risk factors that make you more likely to get it, however. Some of these can be controlled whereas others are beyond your control.
Age is a risk factor for bladder cancer. You are very unlikely to get it if you are under 40 years old. As you get older your chances of developing this condition increases.
Your gender can also play a part in your chances of developing bladder cancer. It is more commonly seen in men than women. In addition, your race can play a part. Those with a Caucasian ancestry are more at risk than members of other races.
Smoking puts you at a greater risk for a wide array of health problems, and bladder cancer is no different. A wide range of tobacco products including cigarettes, pipes or cigars may put you more at risk. The chemicals from smoking can end up in various parts of your body, including your urine and thus your bladder. The lining of your bladder can be harmed by these chemicals, increasing your chances of bladder cancer.
Certain chemicals can make you more susceptible to bladder cancer. These harmful chemicals may end up in your bladder as they are being excreted from the body. Arsenic is one such chemical. Others may be used in the manufacturing of leather, dyes and rubber, among others.
Once you have had bladder cancer, your risk of getting it again is higher than someone who has never experienced it. You may be more at risk if other members of your immediate family has had it. Other conditions such as Lynch Syndrome can raise your risk, too.
You can also have a higher risk based on the treatment of other types of cancer. For instance, cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) is used to fight certain types of cancer. A side effect is an increased risk of bladder cancer.
If your bladder is constantly inflamed, then your risk may be higher. Urinary infections and cystitis can cause this. If you need a catheter for long periods of time, inflammation can occur, and thus your risk may be higher.
If you have multiple risk factors for bladder cancer, then your chances of developing the disease will be even higher. For instance, if you smoke and are exposed to chemicals your chances are elevated.
It is important to know the risk factors for bladder cancer. You should control the ones that you can. Speak to your doctor about any risk factors that you have and what you can do to lower your chances of this serious condition.