Smoking tobacco is the most important risk factor for developing bladder cancer.
Anything that increases your chance of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Risk factors for bladder cancer include the following:
- Smoking
- Being exposed to certain substances at work, such as rubber, certain dyes and textiles, paint and hairdressing supplies
- Certain cancer treatments, such as the drug cyclophosphamide, or radiation therapy to the pelvis or abdomen
- Family history or personal history of bladder cancer