Age: The incidence of bladder cancer increases with age and peaks in the 6th decade of life.

Tobacco: Smokers are twice as likely to get bladder cancer as non-smokers. Kidneys filter chemicals from smoking and pass them through urine into the bladder, where they can damage cells.

Chemicals: Several chemicals increase the risk of bladder cancer including those used in textile, rubber, leather, dye, paint or print industries, some organic chemicals and chemicals known as aromatic amines.