Bladder Cancer Causes & Risk Factors

Conditions & Diseases: Cancers

Bladder Cancer

Causes and Risk Factors

The body’s cells grow and divide in a regulated manner (only a specific number of cells are produced in order to keep the organs healthy and functioning properly), a process controlled by the DNA. The DNA is the genetic material found in every body cell that controls every chemical process in the body. When the DNA is damaged, the instructions that regulate the way the body functions are impaired and certain cells may start to grow and divide out of control causing malignant tumors to form. However, what exactly causes DNA damage that leads to bladder cancer is not clear yet. In few cases of bladder cancer, the DNA mutation is inherited, while in most of the cases, the mutation occurs during a person’s life.

There are a number of factors that can increase by themselves or in combination the risk for bladder cancer. These risk factors include:

Smoking: Smoking is one of the factors that substantially increases the risk for bladder cancer. Cigarettes, cigars, and pipes contain a high number of carcinogens (chemicals proven to be cancer-causing substances) which can be filtered in high concentration in the urine and in time, they damage the bladder inner lining. Smokers have 2 to 4 times the risk to develop bladder cancer than non-smokers. Approximately 50 percent of all bladder cancers in men and 30 percent of all bladder cancer in women are caused by cigarettes smoking. This risk gradually declines when the person quits smoking.

Exposure to chemicals:

1. Work environment chemicals: Approximately, one in four cases of bladder cancer can be attributed to carcinogens exposure (chemicals proven to be cancer-causing substances) in the work environment. The most dangerous chemicals are:

Arylamines (Anilien dyes, 2-Naphthylamine, 4-Aminobiphenyl, Xenylamine, Benzidine) used in the manufacture of rubbers, dyes, leather, textiles, and paint products.
Polyromantic hydrocarbons (PAHs) used in industries that deal with pesticides, carbon, crude oil, or substances made from them.

Unfortunately, bladder cancer occurs years later after the exposure. In some cases, it may even occur 25 years later.

2. Non-related with the work environment: Exposure to high level of arsenic has been associated with bladder cancer. Usually, the arsenic can enter the body through the drinking water. The risk for arsenic exposure depends on where a person lives and the arsenic content standards for the water system in that area. Another chemical that can increase the risk for bladder cancer is chlorine. This can also enter the body through the drinking water. However, this risk is small comparing with other chemicals.

Past history of bladder cancer: If a person suffered from bladder cancer in the past, he/she is at higher risk to develop again bladder cancer other urinary tract cancers (such as in the kidneys, urethra, or ureters).

Medical Conditions:

Chronic bladder inflammations: Chronic or repetitive urinary infections or inflammations such as cystitis which might involve a long-term use of a catheter may increase the risk for certain types of bladder cancer (such as squamous cell carcinoma).
Schistosoma haematobium is a blood fluke (parasite) that breaks the walls of the urinary bladder causing haematuria (the presence of blood in the urine). The infection caused by this parasite increases the risk for squamous cell carcinoma. However, this parasite is only common in countries from North Africa.
Recurrent bladder calculi or “stones” refers to a medical condition where little lumps of calcium sometimes form in the bladder. Recurrent bladder calculi can increase the risk for squamous cell carcinoma, because they cause a chronic bladder infection.

Medical treatments:

Chemotherapy: Certain cancer-killing drugs such as cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) and ifosfamide (Ifex) increases the risk for developing bladder cancer.
Radiation therapy or radiotherapy: Studies conducted on women that were treated with radiation therapy for cervical cancer has shown an increased risk for developing bladder cancer.

Bladder birth defects:

Urachus presence at birth. Urachus is a connective structure between the bladder and umbilicus (belly button) in an unborn baby. This structure disappears before the baby is born. In rare cases, the urachus is still present at birth. This situation can increase the risk for adenocarcinoma.
Estrophy: This is a medical condition where the bladder and urethra do not form properly. The bladder, instead of a round shape, is flat and is exposed to the outside of the body. This condition exposes the bladder to frequent infections, and increases the risk for adenocarcinoma.

Genetic factors: Scientists were able to detect a deletion of part or all of chromosome 9 in patients that suffer from bladder cancer. Also, a number of gene mutations were associated with bladder cancers. These include: FGFR3, HRAS, RB1, TP53, and TSC1. Each of these genes play an important role in regulating cell division by preventing an excessive number of cells. The alteration suffered by the genes can explain why certain tumors grow and spread more rapidly than others. Most of these genetic mutations occur during a person life, rather than being inherited from a parent.

Age: Bladder cancer is more common in people between the age of 50 and 70. It is rarely diagnosed in adults younger than 40.

Gender: Bladder cancer is more common among men than women.

Race: Caucasians are twice as likely to develop bladder cancer than Hispanics and African Americans. Asians have the lower risk for this type of cancer.

Deficient diet: A diet high in fried meats and fats can increase the risk for developing bladder cancer. Doctors recommend a diet rich in fruits.

Coffee intake: Coffee can increase the risk for developing bladder cancer if the coffee intake per day is over 10 cups.

Article by Alina Morrow, MS
Medical Writer
OmniMedicalSearch.com