Bladder cancer is an excellent model for studying genetic susceptibility and gene–environment interaction (e.g., gene–smoking and gene–occupational exposure interactions) in cancer etiology. Cigarette smoking is the predominant risk factor, accounting for approximately half of the new cases in men and a third of the new cases in women. read more
Genetic factors are also likely to play an important role in determining bladder cancer risk. Researchers have studied the effects of mutations in several genes, including FGFR3, RB1, HRAS, TP53, and TSC1, on the formation and growth of bladder tumors. read more
Nevertheless, only a small percentage of individuals with environmental exposure develop bladder cancer, suggesting genetic contribution to bladder cancer etiology. Epidemiological studies have shown a twofold increased risk of bladder cancer among first-degree relatives of bladder cancer patients [8,9]. read more
Some people with bladder cancer have a rare mutation in the RB1 gene. This gene can cause retinoblastoma, an eye cancer. It may also increase bladder cancer risk. This gene mutation can be inherited. Other hereditary and rare genetic syndromes may increase bladder cancer risk. read more