25 February 2024 , 13:30
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Despite cases falling in recent years, more than 10,000 people in the UK alone are diagnosed with bladder cancer every year.
The disease is known for developing at a slow rate, meaning it's more likely to effect those aged over 75 - but can still be found in younger adults. Leading charity Cancer Research says almost half of bladder cancer incidences are preventable, with 45 per cent being caused by smoking tobacco.
As with any type of cancer, getting a prompt diagnosis is essential in treating the disease before it has chance to spread. However, common symptoms linked to the illness are often overlooked or quickly dismissed.
The NHS states the most common sign of bladder cancer is having blood in your urine, which is usually painless. In fact, it is said around 80 per cent of those diagnosed present with this symptom.
If you spot blood in your urine, even if it is not consistently there, you should contact your GP as soon as possible. This doesn't mean you necessary have bladder cancer, as the symptom could be caused by other issues such as a kidney infection, kidney stones, or an enlarged prostate. Other warning signs to look out for include:
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- The need to urinate on a more frequent basis
- A burning sensation when passing urine
- Sudden urges to urinate
Signs bladder cancer has already reached to an advanced stage and spread to other parts of the body include: pelvic pain, bone pain, swelling of the legs and unintentional weght loss. It's important to flag these concerns straight away, but may be caused by non-cancerous issues.
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As Gloucestershire Live points out, many of these symptoms could easily be mistaken for a urinary tract infection (UTI) - particularly if you don't have blood in your urine. UTIs are very common and can be cleared up with a round of antibiotics.
Regardless, it's important to seek medical help if you're showing any of these signs. A doctor will ask about your symptoms, family history, as well as any lifestyle choices that could increase your risk (ie. smoking).
A urine sample may be requested to detect abnormal cells, as well as a physical examination to spot for lumps that often press against the bladder. If you or a loved one is suffering with cancer, you can get support here.