Many of the early symptoms of bladder cancer are shared with much less serious conditions, such as urinary tract infections, making them easy to ignore. But it’s important to take them seriously: The earlier bladder cancer is diagnosed, the greater the chances of containing and treating it. Here’s the most common early signs to be aware of.
What is usually the first sign of bladder cancer?
For most patients, the first sign of bladder cancer is blood in the urine.
Blood in your urine occurs when bladder cancer is at an early stage. It can cause the color of your urine to change: it may appear orange, pink or a darker red. Blood might not be seen consistently, sometimes going away for a time before reappearing.
Small blood clots may also be visible. A urine test may detect blood in the urine when it’s at levels too low to create visible changes.
Read more about bladder cancer signs and symptoms
What are other early symptoms of bladder cancer?
Early signs of bladder cancer often relate to changes in urination, such as:
- Urinating more often than usual.
- Feeling a burning sensation when urinating.
- Needing to urinate urgently.
- Having trouble urinating.
While physically you may feel fine, these symptoms mean you need a urine sample test and other testing to find out why they’re occurring. Even if you see blood in your urine just one time, ask your doctor about it, as it could be a sign of bladder cancer.
In addition to changes in your urine, other early bladder cancer symptoms to be aware of include:
- Pain in the back or lower stomach.
- General fatigue and feeling unwell.
- Pain and tenderness in your bones.
- Loss of appetite.
- Unexplained weight loss.
Why is it important to take early symptoms seriously?
Blood in your urine doesn’t automatically mean a diagnosis of bladder cancer. It could also be a sign of a urinary infection, kidney stone or benign tumor. But either way, it needs to be looked into.
Recognizing initial symptoms and urgently alerting your doctor can have a significant impact on your experience with bladder cancer. Detection of bladder cancer during the early stages can allow for more effective treatment, and reduces the risk of the cancer growing into the muscle wall or spreading outside the bladder. Early intervention can also improve quality of life, as treatments may be less aggressive with fewer side effects and potential complications.
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