It's not always known what causes bladder cancer.
You may be more likely to get bladder cancer if:
- you're over the age of 60
- you're a man
- you smoke or use chewing tobacco
- you've had a urinary catheter in for a long time
- you've had radiotherapy for cancer before
- you're overweight
- a close relative has had bladder cancer
- you have certain conditions, such as diabetes
- you've worked with chemicals, such as those used in the textile industry, or handling carbon or crude oil
- you've had an infection called schistosomiasis (bilharzia)
Find out more
You cannot always prevent bladder cancer, but there are things you can do to lower your chance of getting it.
Do
try to quit smoking
try to lose weight
wear protective clothes and masks if you work in a job where you're exposed to harmful chemicals
It's important to get any symptoms of bladder cancer checked by a GP.
