Bladder cancer
Anything that can increase your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Different cancers have different risk factors. Having one or more of these risk factors doesn't mean you will definitely get that cancer. The risk factors for bladder cancer include:
Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of bladder cancer. Around half of all bladder cancers in the UK are caused by smoking.
Your risk of getting bladder cancer if you smoke is up to 4 times that of someone who has never smoked. Smoking other types of tobacco products, such as cigars and pipes, also increases your risk.
Stopping smoking can reduce your risk of bladder cancer, compared with your risk if you continue to smoke.
Read more about smoking and cancer, including how to stop smoking
Exposure to chemicals in the workplace causes around 5 out of 100 cases of bladder cancer in the UK (around 5%). Higher bladder cancer risk in some occupations may also be partly due to smoking.
Certain types of jobs carry a higher risk than others, depending on the exposures people may have. But these days, if people work with dangerous chemicals there are regulations to keep their exposure within safety limits.
Chemicals that are linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer include:
aromatic amines
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
mineral oils
This is a group of chemicals known to cause bladder cancer. Some of these chemicals have been banned in the UK for over 50 years. But you may have been exposed to them if you work in industries that produce dyes, rubber or textiles. It can take around 30 to 40 years or more for a bladder cancer to develop after exposure.
These are a group of chemicals that might increase the risk of bladder cancer. You may have been exposed to them if you have worked in:
industries where people handle carbon or crude oil, or substances made from them, such as petrol
any industry involving combustion, such as smelting
Exposure to mineral oils in some workplaces, including metalworking and aluminium production, may increase the risk of bladder cancer.
Long term (chronic) bladder irritation or inflammation is linked with an increased risk of bladder cancer. Causes of chronic bladder irritation include:
repeated urinary tract infections
bladder stones
having a catheter in the bladder for a long time
An infection called schistosomiasis (bilharzia) is a known risk factor for bladder cancer. The infection is caused by a parasitic worm that lives in fresh water in some parts of the world, including Africa and Asia. But this parasitic infection is extremely rare in the UK.
Your risk of developing bladder cancer is higher if you have had radiotherapy in the past to treat cancer in your . For example, prostate cancer. This risk may be less with newer radiotherapy techniques. But longer term research is needed.
You might have a slight increase in risk of bladder cancer if you have a first degree relative with bladder cancer. First degree means a parent, child, sister or brother. This might be because of genetic factors or because you share certain behaviours such as smoking, which increases your risk.
Stories about possible cancer causes are often in the media and it can be hard to know what's true and what's not. You may have heard of something that isn't included here. This is because we only include a risk factor if it is supported by good quality evidence.
Find out about common cancer myths and questions on the causes of cancer
We have more detailed information for health professionals about bladder cancer risks and causes.
For detailed information go to the Cancer Statistics section
Last reviewed: 06 Aug 2026
Next review due: 06 Aug 2029
Bladder cancer starts in the inner lining of the bladder. The bladder stores urine and is in the lower part of your tummy (abdomen).
The main symptom of bladder cancer is blood in your pee (urine). Other symptoms include problems passing urine, pain, feeling tired and weight loss.
You usually start by seeing your GP. Depending on your symptoms, they might refer you for tests or to see a specialist.
The stage, type and grade of the cancer helps your doctor decide which treatment you need.
Survival depends on several factors including the stage and type of your bladder cancer. This page includes general statistics based on large groups of people.
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