Smoking, gender, and diet can affect the risk of developing bladder cancer.

Smoking, gender, and diet can affect the risk of developing bladder cancer.

Anything that increases your chance of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Risk factors for bladder cancer include the following:

Smoking.
Being exposed to certain substances at work, such as rubber, certain dyes and textiles, paint, and hairdressing supplies.
A diet high in fried meats and fat.
Being older, male, or white.
Having an infection caused by a certain parasite.

Possible signs of bladder cancer include blood in the urine or pain during urination.

These and other symptoms may be caused by bladder cancer. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur:

Blood in the urine (slightly rusty to bright red in color).
Frequent urination, or feeling the need to urinate without being able to do so.
Pain during urination.
Lower back pain.