Bladder cancer is caused when environmental factors interact with target genes in our chromosomes that lead to abnormal cell growth.

There are ongoing studies to determine which risk factors are connected with bladder cancer, but at this time it is believed that chemicals used in textile coloring (the arylamines), long-term smoking, previous chemotherapy (particularly cyclophosphamide [Cytoxan]) and/or radiation to the pelvic region are well identified factors. 

Risk Factors for Bladder Cancer

• Career – Dye and textile workers, painters, workers in the petrochemical, rubber and aluminium industries, hairdressers and truck drivers are at higher than usual risk for bladder cancer and should be aware of any changes with their ability to void urine normally.  
• Smoking – Smokers have a two to three times greater risk of developing bladder cancer than nonsmokers.
• Diet – People who eat a lot of fatty foods and have high cholesterol intake may have an increased risk for bladder cancer. However, vitamin A and carotene containing foods have been found to lower the risk of bladder cancer.
• Illness
  • Schistosomiasis – a type of chronic bladder infection due to the parasite, schistosoma, (prevalent in Egypt and other parts of Africa) have a greater risk for bladder cancer
  • Paraplegics, who have lost bladder control, are at higher risk of bladder cancer as a result of chronic infections due to frequent catheterizations to pass urine.
  • Patients with previous treatment of other tumors with radiation, or the drug cyclophosphamide, also leads to increased risk of bladder cancers.
• Family History – A few genes promoting bladder cancer have been identified, e.g., the H-ras regulatory gene. Abnormalities on the human chromosome 9 have been associated with bladder cancer. The p-53 tumor suppressor gene on chromosome 17 is the ‘guardian of the genome’ and if lost or defective leaves the body defenseless against the growth of spontaneous cancers, including bladder cancer.