A few lifestyle-related and non-lifestyle-related factors have been identified as bladder cancer risk factors, i.e., being associated with these factors can increase one’s risk of developing bladder cancer. These risk factors do not guarantee a bladder cancer diagnosis and, therefore, are the possible causes of bladder cancer.
It is not possible to achieve 100% bladder cancer prevention as the exact cause is not known. That said, certain measures can reduce its risk and support its early detection.
Bladder Cancer Risk Factors
Some of the bladder cancer risk factors are:
Tobacco Use and Smoking
Cigarette smoking is one of the most common urinary bladder cancer risk factors. Several studies have reported the association between smoking and an increased incidence of bladder cancer. It has been found that people who smoke have a 4- to 7-fold higher risk of developing bladder cancer than people who do not smoke. Carcinogens present in tobacco are excreted through urine. In this way, these carcinogens disrupt the inner lining of the bladder.
Age
Although bladder cancer can occur in people of any age group, it most commonly occurs in the elderly. It has been found that about 90% of the cases of bladder cancer occur in people over the age of 55. The average age for the diagnosis of bladder cancer is 73 years.
Gender
Gender also affects the incidence of bladder cancer. Men are at increased risk of developing bladder cancer. However, bladder cancer in women is diagnosed at a later stage than in men. It is common for bladder cancer to be misdiagnosed or diagnosed in later stages among women. The possible reasons for a higher incidence of bladder cancer in men may be a higher rate of tobacco use and exposure to industrial chemicals.
Race and Ethnicity
Race and ethnicity also affect the incidence of bladder cancer. Researchers have performed several studies to determine the incidence of bladder cancer in people of different races and ethnicities. It has been reported that white people are at increased risk of developing bladder cancer compared to people of other ethnicities. Survival from bladder cancer also has disparities based on race and ethnicity. The best survival rate is reported in Hispanic whites, while the worst survival rate is seen in blacks.
Family History
A medical and family history of bladder cancer increases the risk of developing this condition. Those with a father, child, or sibling diagnosed with bladder cancer have an increased likelihood of developing bladder cancer. However, bladder cancer rarely occurs in families. Underlying medical conditions in the family, such as Lynch syndrome, also increase the risk of developing bladder cancer.
Exposure to Certain Chemicals
Chronic exposure to certain chemicals, such as those used in manufacturing dyes, paints, textiles, and leather, increases the risk of bladder cancer. Due to the chronic inhalation of diesel fumes, truck drivers are also at increased risk of bladder cancer. These chemicals are filtered by the kidneys from the blood and pass through the ureters to the bladder. These chemicals stay in the bladder for some time and disrupt the internal lining. Disruption of the bladder lining for a long period increases the risk of bladder cancer.
Chronic Irritation of the Bladder
Chronic irritation and bladder infections also increase the likelihood of developing bladder cancer. Chronic irritation may be due to underlying medical conditions, such as bladder stones or the chronic use of catheters. It has been reported that people living in areas with a high incidence of parasitic infection of the bladder have a higher risk of developing squamous cell cancers of the bladder.
Diet
People taking a diet devoid of fruits and vegetables are at increased risk for bladder cancer. A study has reported that a higher intake of a pro-inflammatory diet increases the risk of several cancers, including kidney, prostate, and bladder cancer. It has also been found that the Mediterranean diet has a preventive effect, and the Western diet has a detrimental effect on bladder cancer risk.
Previous Cancer Treatment
Several treatment strategies for managing previous cancer also increase the risk of bladder cancer. For instance, using cyclophosphamide as a chemotherapy drug enhances bladder cancer risk. Further, radiation therapy for treating cancers of the pelvic region also increases bladder cancer risk.
How Can Bladder Cancer be Prevented?
“How to prevent bladder cancer?” is one of the most common questions asked. Although it is not possible to prevent this cancer, one can reduce its risk. Following are some bladder cancer prevention tips:
Don't Smoke
Quitting smoking is one of the most important preventive measures, and it can increase the chances of bladder cancer prevention. A recent study has reported that the risk of bladder cancer in smokers is higher than what was thought before. Therefore, it is important to refrain from smoking.
Drink Plenty of Fluids
Drinking plenty of fluid may help reduce the risk of bladder cancer, especially in people exposed to toxic chemicals. Drinking a significant amount of fluid helps flush out the chemicals from the bladder.
Eat a Healthy Diet
People should eat a healthy diet to prevent bladder cancer. The diet should have fruits and vegetables. It helps the body fight against abnormal and mutated cells.
Limit Exposure to Chemicals
It is necessary to avoid chronic exposure to toxic chemicals. It is important for people working in the textile, leather, dye, and paint industries to follow safety instructions. Hairdressers should also avoid long-term exposure to hair dyes. Truck drivers should also avoid chronic exposure to diesel fumes.
Get Regular Check-ups
People, especially those with family and medical histories of bladder cancer, chronic bladder infections, and smoking habits, should undergo regular check-ups to detect bladder cancer early.
Conclusion
Bladder cancer risk factors include smoking, older age, male gender, family and medical history of bladder cancer, exposure to toxic chemicals, and history of cancer treatment. Some bladder cancer prevention tips include avoiding smoking, consuming a healthy diet, limiting exposure to toxic chemicals, and drinking plenty of fluids.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not possible to avoid bladder cancer completely. However, certain bladder cancer prevention measures can reduce its risk.
- Consuming a balanced diet that is rich in essential nutrients
- Exercising regularly
- Refraining from tobacco consumption
- Keeping oneself well-hydrated
A diet including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes may help reduce the risk of bladder cancer recurrence.
The lifetime risk for bladder cancer in women is about 1 in 91, while in men, it is 1 in 28.
Physical activity improves overall health and optimizes the function of the immune system, resulting in a reduced risk of bladder cancer. A study found a 15% reduction in the risk of bladder cancer in people with occupational and recreational physical activity.
The survival period after bladder cancer diagnosis depends upon several factors, such as the disease’s stage during the diagnosis, response to treatment, overall health, and underlying medical conditions.
The risk of bladder cancer is higher in men, elderly individuals, people with chronic irritation and infection of the bladder, and people exposed to toxic chemicals.
High-risk bladder cancer refers to bladder cancer that is more likely to recur and spread to different organs in the body. High-risk bladder cancer diagnosis is made after considering multiple factors, such as the type of bladder cancer, the stage at which the disease is diagnosed, and the patient’s overall health condition.
