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Contents
  • Age and Gender: The Basics
  • Smoking: The Big One
  • Occupational Hazards
  • Other Risk Factors

Are You at Risk for Bladder Cancer? Key Factors to Know

Are You at Risk for Bladder Cancer? Key Factors to Know

Understanding Your Risk

While blood in urine can have many causes, it's sometimes a sign of bladder cancer. Knowing your risk factors can help you and your doctor decide on the best approach to your health.
Contents
  • Age and Gender: The Basics
  • Smoking: The Big One
  • Occupational Hazards
  • Other Risk Factors

Age and Gender: The Basics

Age is a significant risk factor for bladder cancer. The risk increases as you get older, with most cases diagnosed in people over 70. Men are about 3 to 4 times more likely to develop bladder cancer than women. However, women often have more advanced cancer when diagnosed, possibly due to delayed detection.

Smoking: The Big One

Smoking is the single biggest risk factor for bladder cancer. Smokers are at least 3 times more likely to get bladder cancer than non-smokers. The more you smoke, the higher your risk. Even exposure to secondhand smoke may increase your risk. The good news? If you quit smoking, your risk starts to decrease.
Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the bladder. It is often indicated by blood in the urine and is influenced by factors such as age, gender, and smoking habits.

Occupational Hazards

Certain jobs can increase your risk of bladder cancer due to exposure to chemicals. People working in the rubber, chemical, and leather industries are at higher risk. Painters, machinists, printers, and truck drivers also have an elevated risk. If you work with chemicals, always follow safety guidelines and use protective equipment.

Other Risk Factors

Other factors that may increase your risk include chronic bladder infections, certain chemotherapy drugs, and radiation to the pelvis. Some genetic factors can also play a role. Having a family history of bladder cancer increases your risk. Certain rare birth defects of the bladder can also increase risk.

FAQs

Does hair dye cause bladder cancer?

Studies are inconclusive, but no strong link has been found.

Can drinking water quality affect risk?

High levels of arsenic in drinking water may increase risk.

Does caffeine increase bladder cancer risk?

No clear link has been found between caffeine and bladder cancer.

Can diet affect bladder cancer risk?

A diet high in fruits and vegetables may lower risk.

Is bladder cancer hereditary?

It can be, but most cases are not inherited.

Knowledge is Prevention

Understanding your risk factors can help you take steps to protect your health.
Concerned about your bladder cancer risk? Talk to Doctronic about personalized prevention strategies.
Additional References
  1. Barocas DA, Boorjian SA, Alvarez RD, et al. Microhematuria: AUA/SUFU Guideline. J Urol 2020; 204:778.
  2. Loo RK, Lieberman SF, Slezak JM, et al. Stratifying risk of urinary tract malignant tumors in patients with asymptomatic microscopic hematuria. Mayo Clin Proc 2013; 88:129.
  3. Khadra MH, Pickard RS, Charlton M, et al. A prospective analysis of 1,930 patients with hematuria to evaluate current diagnostic practice. J Urol 2000; 163:524.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.