Cause

The cause of bladder cancer is not known. Changes in the genetic material (DNA) of bladder cells may play a role.

Bladder cancer is twice as likely to develop in smokers than in nonsmokers. Experts believe that smoking causes about half of bladder cancer in men and more than one-fourth of bladder cancer in women.¹

Exposure to chemicals and other substances at work—including dyes, paints, leather dust, and others—may also cause bladder cancer.^{1, 2}