Bladder Cancer Risk Factors and Prevalence

Anne E. Lizardi, DNP, CRNP, RNFA, presented “Bladder Cancer Risk Factors and Prevalence.” 

How to cite: Lizardi, Anne E. “Bladder Cancer Risk Factors and Prevalence.” October 2025. Accessed Nov 2025. https://grandroundsinurology.com/bladder-cancer-risk-factors-and-prevalence/

Bladder Cancer Risk Factors and Prevalence – Summary

Anne E. Lizardi, DNP, CRNP, RNFA, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Lizardi discusses epidemiologic trends and risk determinants for bladder cancer. 

Dr. Lizardi shares that based on GLOBOCAN estimates, there were approximately 614,000 new cases globally in 2022, ranking bladder cancer among the ten most frequently diagnosed cancers worldwide. Men are three to four times more likely to receive the diagnosis than women, who are often diagnosed later due to misattribution of symptoms to urinary tract infections.

Smoking remains the strongest modifiable risk factor. Occupational exposures to dyes, rubber, leather, and certain chemicals further elevate risk, as do chronic bladder inflammation, long-term catheter use, and infections such as schistosomiasis. Prior pelvic radiation and specific chemotherapeutic agents are additional contributors.

Dr. Lizardi highlights prevention priorities, including tobacco cessation programs, improved workplace safety standards, infection control, and equitable access to early detection. She stresses that the substantial global prevalence underscores the need for sustained surveillance, attention to disparities, and continued research to reduce recurrence and mortality.