Bladder cancer is rather rather, accounting for a mere 5% of yearly cancer diagnosis in the U.S. Bladder cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow within or out of this hollow, flexible pouch, located in the pelvis. Early warning signs of bladder cancer often effect urination, as the bladder is mainly responsible for urine storage. Although the kidneys cause actual urination, the bladder aids the urination process by pushing urine through the urethra.

Bladder cancer can spread rather quickly if a tumor develops and cancerous cells spread to surrounding fats and tissue, or to other areas of the body,such as the liver, kidneys, bones, lungs , or lymph nodes. Even with a tendency for spreading, approximately 7 out of 10 bladder cancer patients respond to treatment successfully. Although medical experts aren’t certain what causes bladder cancer, there are several risk factors that put individuals at risk of developing bladder cancer, they include:

1. Chemical exposure

Individuals who work or expose themselves to harmful chemicals over a long term basis are considered at increased risk for certain cancers, including bladder cancer. Hairdressers, machinists, painters, and truck drivers tend to inhale several toxic chemicals as part of their daily jobs.

2. Smoking

In addition to chemical exposure, long term inhalation of tobacco fumes can collect in your bladder over time, and lead to permanent bladder damage as well as the development of bladder cancer.

3. Frequent bladder infections

When inflammation becomes chronic in any body part or organ, the risk of cancer increases. Fr instance, frequent bladder infections can cause bladder irritation and damage over time, raising the overall risk of bladder cancer.

4. Certain medications

Medical research has found a link between taking certain prescription medications and increased bladder cancer risk, including:

• Diabetes medications that contain pioglitazonecan, such as Actoplus Met and Duetact
• Previous radiation therapy to the pelvic region
• Former chemotherapy treatments with the medication cyclophosphamide (or Cytoxan)

5. Genetics

Even though patients of any age and race can develop bladder cancer, heredity (i.e., family history, genetics, and race) can increase your tendency for bladder cancer. For instance, if you have an immediate family history of bladder cancer, are caucasian, or a male over age 40-years old, you are considered an increased risk.