Is bladder cancer hereditary?
Like many other cancers, bladder cancer is hereditary. While family history is less of a factor in bladder cancer than some other cancers, it is still something to be mindful of when considering a patient’s history. But heredity is often not the chief cause of bladder cancer. The chief risk factors of bladder cancer are: Race (whites are more at-risk than other races), gender (males have an increased risk), tobacco use, chronic bladder infections and inflammation, exposure to certain toxic chemicals, and previous treatment for cancer. If you are at-risk, it’s important to talk with your doctor about ways to decrease your chances of developing bladder cancer. Also, early detection is key - regular monitoring and cancer screening are essential.
