Bladder Cancer Risk Factors
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Bladder Cancer Risk Factors
Adults over age 40 are at greatest risk of developing bladder cancer. Studies have found other potential risk factors for bladder cancer such as the following:
- Certain infections caused by parasites
- Tobacco use
- Family history
- Bladder-related birth defects
- Exposure to carcinogens in certain workplaces
- Being male
- Being white
Previous use of arsenic or cyclophosphamide to treat certain illnesses may also lead to an increased bladder cancer risk. Additionally, researchers are conducting studies on whether chlorine (a chemical used to treat water) and saccharin (an artificial sweetener) may increase the risk of developing bladder cancer.
NOTE: Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer. Not having risk factors doesn’t mean that you will not get cancer. If you think you may be at risk, you should discuss it with your doctor.
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