(BPT) - Bladder cancer happens when cells in the bladder start to grow out of control. These cells can form a tumor and, over time, can spread to other parts of the body.
Bladder cancer isn't always easy to detect, so it's important to know what your chances (or risk) of getting bladder cancer may be and what to look for.
Do you want to better understand your risk for bladder cancer? Here are 3 things you should know:
1. The signs and symptoms of bladder cancer
Blood in urine (pee) is usually the first and most common sign of bladder cancer. Blood in your urine may:
- Look orange, pink or dark red in color
- Go away and then come back from time-to-time
Blood in your urine does not always mean cancer, but it's important to see and talk to your doctor to rule out other causes like a bladder or kidney stone, an infection or kidney disease.
When should I talk to my doctor?
Always talk with your doctor about any changes in your urine or bladder habits, such as:
- Having to go more often than usual
- Pain or burning while you urinate
- Feeling like you have to urinate right away, even when your bladder isn't full
- Having trouble going or having a weak urine stream
- Getting up to go often during the night
Your may recommend exams or tests to learn the cause of the blood in your urine or changes in bladder habits.
2. Some people may have a higher chance of developing bladder cancer
The chances of developing bladder cancer increase with age. In the U.S., about 9 in 10 people with bladder cancer are over the age of 55. Bladder cancer is also about twice as likely to occur in white people compared to Black and Hispanic people, and it affects men more than women.
Smoking is a major risk factor for bladder cancer. People who smoke are at least three times as likely to get bladder cancer as people who don't.
Does bladder cancer run in families?
Bladder cancer does not usually run in families. This means it's not usually inherited from your parents.
What are some causes of bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer can be caused by changes in your genes (called gene mutations). These changes can cause cells to become cancerous and grow out of control.
These changes are not usually something a person is born with, and may develop later in life, possibly due to factors such as:
- A person's environment or lifestyle, such as using tobacco, especially if they smoke cigarettes
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Being exposed to certain chemicals at work
- A history of radiation to the pelvis to treat other cancers
3. Certain jobs may put people at a higher risk of bladder cancer
Some people have jobs that may expose them to certain chemicals linked to a higher chance of bladder cancer, including industrial chemicals used in making rubber, leather, textiles and paint products. People who work as painters, firefighters, hairdressers and truck drivers can similarly be exposed to certain chemicals and fumes that might increase their risk of bladder cancer.
If your work might expose you to chemicals that could raise your risk of bladder cancer, be sure to follow good work safety practices.
Even if someone has one or more risk factors, it doesn't mean that you will get bladder cancer.
Talk with your doctor about changes in your health.
If you notice changes in your urine or bladder habits, don't ignore them - tell your doctor.
Ask your doctor if you have a higher chance of developing bladder cancer. This conversation may help you and your doctor catch bladder cancer earlier.
For more information and resources about bladder cancer, visit Merck.com.
Copyright © 2026 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved.
