Bladder cancer often develops silently, with subtle symptoms that are easy to overlook. However, early detection greatly improves the chances of successful treatment. Understanding the warning signs could save your life — or the life of someone you love.
Here’s what you need to know:
What Is Bladder Cancer?
Bladder can.cer starts when abnormal cells in the bladder begin to grow uncontrollably. Over time, these cells can form tumors and spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. According to the American Cancer Society, bladder can.cer is one of the most common can.cers, particularly among older adults.
Early diagnosis is critical, but many cases are caught late simply because symptoms were mistaken for less serious issues, like urinary tract infections (UTIs) or aging-related changes.
10 Warning Signs of Bladder Cancer
If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them. Consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
1. Blοοd in the Urine (Hematuria)
One of the earliest and most common signs. Your urine may appear pink, orange, or dark red — or you might only detect blood through a lab test.
2. Frequent Urination
Feeling the need to urinate more often than usual, even when your bladder isn’t full, can be a war:ning sign.
3. Painful Urination (Dysuria)
A burning sensation or pain when urinating can signal more than just an infection — it could be cancer.
4. Urgency to Urinate
A strong, sudden urge to urinate, even if little comes out, shouldn’t be ignored.