Factors that may increase the risk of bladder cancer include: 

Smoking

Smoking can increase the risk of bladder cancer, favoring the accumulation of harmful chemicals in the urine. When you smoke, your body processes the chemicals in the smoke and removes them in the urine. These harmful chemicals can damage the mucous membrane of the bladder, which may increase the risk of cancer.

Old age

The risk of bladder cancer increases with age. Bladder cancer can occur at any age but is rarely seen in younger than 40 years.

Gender

Men have a higher risk of developing bladder cancer than women. Exposure to certain chemicals – Kidneys play an essential role in filtering harmful chemicals in the blood. Bladder exposure to these may increase the risk of cancer. Chemicals associated with the risk of bladder cancer include arsenic and chemicals used in the manufacture of dyes, rubber, leather, textiles, and paints.

Previous treatment for cancer

Previous treatment with the anticancer drug cyclophosphamide increases the risk of developing bladder cancer. People who have undergone radiation treatments targeting the pelvis for previous cancer have a higher risk of developing bladder cancer.

Bladder inflammation

Chronic or recurrent (cystitis) infection or inflammation, as might happen with long-term use of a urinary catheter, may increase the risk of bladder cancer.

Personal or family history of cancer

If you have had bladder cancer, it may recur. If a first-degree relative – a parent, a brother or a child – has a history of bladder cancer, you may have a higher risk for the disease. The family history of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, also called Lynch syndrome, may increase the risk of cancer in the urinary system as well as in the colon, uterus, ovaries and other organs.