Risk factors for bladder cancer

It is not possible to say what causes bladder cancer in a single person. We do know there are some features that are more common in people who develop bladder cancer. These features are called “risk factors”.

But it is usually hard to be sure whether a risk factor contributed to the development of the cancer. And having one or more risk factors for bladder cancer does not mean that someone will develop this cancer. In fact, many people with bladder cancer have no obvious risk factors.

Risk factors for bladder cancer include:

• smoking tobacco
• exposure to certain chemicals (such as benzene derivatives and arylamines (chemicals used in certain industries)
• radiotherapy treatment for cancers in the pelvis/lower abdomen.

If you have any of these risk factors or you’re worried about your risk for bladder cancer, yarn with your doctor, nurse or Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health worker.