Causes Of Bladder Cancer

Young beautiful woman with stomache issues in bathroom

Bladder cancer occurs when cells in the bladder do not divide properly. Instead of dividing a fixed number of times like normal cells, cancerous cells divide without limit, disrupting normal body function. Untreated bladder cancer can lead to serious illness or death. There are a few known and suspected causes of bladder cancer, however. Protecting yourself from these risks is the first step to living a long, healthy life.

Smoking

The easiest way to reduce the risk of contracting bladder cancer is to avoid smoking. About 40 percent of all bladder cancer cases are likely associated with smoking. Those who smoke more have a higher risk of bladder cancer. The good news is that quitting reduces the risk of contracting bladder cancer over time, so it is never too late to stop smoking.

Those who drink a large amount of water, over one liter per-day, have a much lower risk of developing bladder cancer than those who drink fewer than 250 milliliters of water per day.

Occupational hazards

There are a few occupations where workers are expected to handle or breathe in carcinogens that are linked to around 25 percent of bladder cancer cases. For instance, workers in several types of machine shops, such as auto body and metalworking shops, regularly breathe in benzidine, a compound that is associated with multiple types of cancer. Chronic exposure to vehicle exhaust in closed spaces is also associated with bladder cancer. However, those who simply drive normally are not at increased risk.

While the two causes described above are likely responsible for most bladder cancer cases, so-called "idiopathic" cases do exist. This is a fancy way of saying that the cause is unknown. Therefore, people over 40 years old experiencing urinary symptoms, should consult a physician immediately for further evaluation.

Reduce the risk of contracting bladder cancer by avoiding smoking