Bladder cancer risks and prevention

Bladder cancer is a disease where abnormal cells in the bladder grow uncontrollably, forming tumors that can affect the bladder’s function and potentially spread to other parts of the body. Individuals who develop bladder cancer often have certain risk factors that increase their likelihood of getting the disease. A risk factor is anything that raises the chances of developing a particular illness.

Bladder cancer risk factors

Like many cancers, bladder cancer typically develops due to mutations in the cells lining the bladder. These mutations can trigger uncontrolled cell growth, leading to tumor formation. While the exact cause of bladder cancer remains unknown, several factors can increase the risk of developing the disease:

• Eating a diet high in fried food and fat 
• Frequent bladder infections 
• Exposure to substances such as rubber, dyes in textiles, paint, and hairdressing supplies 
• Smoking cigarettes 
• Previous cancer treatment 
• Age 55 or older 
• Personal or family history of bladder cancer

It’s important to remember that having one or more of these risk factors doesn’t guarantee you’ll develop bladder cancer. However, you may want to speak with a Penn Medicine doctor to assess your risk.

Is bladder cancer hereditary?

Bladder cancer is not typically considered hereditary, meaning it usually doesn’t run in families or pass directly from parent to child through genes. However, certain genetic factors can increase the risk of developing bladder cancer. For example, some rare inherited conditions, like Lynch syndrome, can raise the risk of bladder cancer. Additionally, a family history of bladder cancer may suggest a higher risk, but this is generally due to shared environmental factors, such as exposure to substances that can lead to cancer by causing changes in the DNA of cells, rather than direct genetic inheritance.

Exposure to carcinogens like tobacco doesn’t always result in cancer, as the body’s defense mechanisms can sometimes repair the damage. However, repeated or prolonged exposure increases the likelihood of cancer developing over time.