Bladder Cancer Symptoms (2024)

There are several symptoms of bladder cancer. These include:

  • Blood in the urine, known as hematuria
  • Frequent urinary tract infections
  • Pain in flank, the section of the back between the ribs and the hip bone
  • Painful urination
  • Frequent urination
  • Urinary hesitancy, or difficulty beginning to urinate
  • Having a more powerful urge to urinate

These symptoms do not always mean you have bladder cancer. However, it is important to discuss any symptoms with your doctor, since they may signal other health problems.

In rare cases, bladder cancer can be passed down from one generation to the next. Genetic counseling may be right for you. Visit ourgenetic testing pageto learn more.

Bladder Cancer Symptoms (2024)

FAQs

Bladder Cancer Symptoms? ›

Early bladder cancer symptoms can be difficult to recognize, but some common symptoms include: Blood in urine, which may appear orange, pink or rarely, dark red. Change in bladder habits such as increased frequency or urgency of urination. Pain or burning sensation during urination.

What are the red flags of bladder cancer? ›

Early bladder cancer symptoms can be difficult to recognize, but some common symptoms include: Blood in urine, which may appear orange, pink or rarely, dark red. Change in bladder habits such as increased frequency or urgency of urination. Pain or burning sensation during urination.

Is bladder cancer usually curable? ›

Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer can often be cured. For muscle-invasive bladder cancer, prognosis also depends on whether carcinoma in situ is also present.

Which finding is an early indicator of bladder cancer? ›

In most cases, blood in the urine (called hematuria) is the first sign of bladder cancer. There may be enough blood to change the color of the urine to orange, pink, or, less often, dark red.

Does bladder cancer spread quickly? ›

Bladder cancer spreads at different speeds depending on the type of bladder cancer you have. Urothelial bladder cancer is slow to spread, while other types are much faster. Urothelial bladder cancer is the most common type of bladder cancer. It typically doesn't spread very quickly.

What does Stage 1 bladder cancer feel like? ›

The first sign of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, which is painless for most people. In the early stages, this may be your only symptom, though some people don't experience it. Other symptoms include changes in bladder habits, frequent urinary infections, and pelvic or back pain, which might be on one side.

What is the biggest symptom of bladder cancer? ›

The most common symptom is blood in the urine, called hematuria. It's often slightly rusty to bright red in color. You may see blood in your urine at one point, then not see it again for a while. Sometimes there are very small amounts of blood in the urine that can only be found by having a test done.

What is life expectancy with bladder cancer? ›

The 5-year relative survival rate of people with bladder cancer that has not spread beyond the inner layer of the bladder wall is 96%. Almost half of people are diagnosed with this stage. If the tumor is invasive but has not yet spread outside the bladder, the 5-year relative survival rate is 70%.

How long can you have bladder cancer without knowing? ›

Can bladder cancer go undetected for years? If symptoms such as blood in the urine and changes in urinary habits are ignored by an individual and/or repeatedly misdiagnosed, it's possible that bladder cancer may not be detected for months or, in some cases, even years.

Where is the first place bladder cancer spreads? ›

Where can bladder cancer spread to? Not all bladder cancers will spread. But If it does it's most likely to spread to the structures close to the bladder, such as the ureters, urethra, prostate, vagin*, or into the pelvis. This is called local spread.

What hurts when you have bladder cancer? ›

Pain in flank, the section of the back between the ribs and the hip bone. Painful urination. Frequent urination. Urinary hesitancy, or difficulty beginning to urinate.

Do you feel unwell with bladder cancer? ›

If your bladder cancer has spread you might: have bone, back or tummy pain. feel very tired (fatigue) feel generally unwell.

What color is your pee when you have bladder cancer? ›

Bladder cancer signs and symptoms may include: Blood in urine (hematuria), which may cause urine to appear bright red or cola colored, though sometimes the urine appears normal and blood is detected on a lab test. Frequent urination.

Can you live without a bladder? ›

Can a person live without a bladder? Yes, you can live without a bladder, but you'll need a new reservoir to hold pee that your kidneys produce. However, if a surgeon removes your entire bladder, there's an adjustment period as you become more comfortable with a new way to relieve yourself.

What age do people get bladder cancer? ›

Bladder cancer occurs mainly in older people. About 9 out of 10 people with this cancer are over the age of 55. The average age of people when they are diagnosed is 73. Overall, the chance that men will develop this cancer during their lifetime is about 1 in 28.

What is the most common treatment for bladder cancer? ›

Surgery is the main treatment for bladder cancer. The type of surgery depends on where the cancer is located. Other treatments may be given in addition to surgery: Treatment given before surgery is called preoperative therapy or neoadjuvant therapy.

What does bladder cancer pee look like? ›

Bladder cancer signs and symptoms may include: Blood in urine (hematuria), which may cause urine to appear bright red or cola colored, though sometimes the urine appears normal and blood is detected on a lab test.

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