The bladder is the organ that holds the urine. The Mayo Clinic explains that blood is filtered in the kidneys, at which time the kidneys produce urine. Once the urine is produced, it is then sent to the bladder where it is stored until it's excreted from the body. Cancer is what happens when healthy cells begin to grow in an abnormal way. While a definite cause of bladder cancer cannot be identified, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS), there are several factors that can increase one's risk of developing it.
Smoking
As with many types of cancer, cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for bladder cancer. The National Institute of Health reports that smoking increases your risk of bladder cancer by 5 times. A report from Bio-Medicine, an online journal that reports on biology and medical news, states that exposure to a compound in cigarettes called "arylamine" may be what predisposes smokers to developing bladder cancer. Arylamine is also found in other chemical pollutants, as well as cigarette smoke.
Environmental Pollutants
Many chemicals currently used in certain industrial processes increase the risk of bladder cancer. The American Cancer Society (ACS) states the industries with the greatest risk for bladder cancer are: leather, rubber, textiles and paint. Workers in the field of cosmetology, printing, machinery and commercial transportation also have a higher risk of developing bladder cancer. This is due to the inhalation of fumes.
Inflammation
An article in the September 2009 issue of the medical journal Current Opinion in Urology states that environmental pollutants are factors in the development of bladder cancer. They also name inflammation as a risk factor. Inflammation can be a result of recurrent infection, radiation treatments, certain drugs, medications, and the overuse of pain killers. The ACS also reports that kidney and bladder stones, along with urinary infections, contribute to inflammation in the bladder.
Dietary Risks
A report in the September 2008 issue of the Scandinavian Journal of Neurology and Nephrology states that certain dietary factors could pose a possible risk for bladder cancer. The dietary risks named are pork, bar-b-qued meats, fats, salt, products made with soy, spices, pickled vegetables, and artificial sweeteners. The good news is that certain fruits and vegetables, mainly those high in beta-carotene and other antioxidant vitamins, seem to reduce the risk of bladder cancer. Examples include carrots, citrus fruit, and cruciferous vegetables.
Fluid Intake
The May 1999 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, and the ACS, both concur that increasing fluid intake reduces the risk of bladder cancer. This lowered risk is most pronounced in men, and if the fluid consumed is water, as opposed to coffee or sodas, the risk is even lower.
While there are many risks for bladder cancer, many of them are factors that you have control over. Take the initiative to change certain lifestyle choices, such as smoking and water consumption, and lower your bladder cancer risk.
