According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), bladder cancer affects approximately 38,000 men and 15,000 women in the United States each year. Once bladder cancer progresses to its later stages, it is difficult to cure. Identifying the symptoms of bladder cancer in its early stages can prevent its progression, however. This significantly increases the success of bladder cancer treatment.
Symptoms of Bladder Cancer
If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. It can indicate cancer.
1. Hematuria, or bloody urine. According to CancerHelp.org.uk, 80 percent of people diagnosed with bladder cancer experience bloody urine. Bloody urine is usually one of the first and most common signs of cancer.
The identifying factors of bloody urine include:
- Bright red to dark brown urine. Its color can change from time to time, depending on how much blood is lost.
- Sometimes pain and discomfort. Bloody urination may be accompanied by localized pain around the urethra opening.
2. Frequent or painful urination. Even if your urine is not red or bloody, frequent or painful urination can indicate cancer.
Frequent urination, including frequent urination during the night, is a strong indicator of a bladder problem. Having a sudden or random urge to go is another symptom. Although the urges are strong, there may be no or little urine to pass.
Coupled with dysuria, or painful urination, these symptoms can strongly indicate cancer. Bloody urine is sometimes experienced with frequent or painful urination.
3. Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs). A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is a painful infection that affects the urinary tract. It commonly affects the tubes connecting the kidneys, bladder, and urethra. It causes burning pain in the urinary tract when passing urine. It can also make the urine look cloudy or pink.
Continuous, frequent UTIs often indicate a problem with the urinary system. Bladder cancer often causes numerous, often painful UTIs.
4. Localized pain around the kidneys. Called flank pain, pain affecting one part of the back around a kidney is a serious indicator of a kidney or urinary problem. According to WebMD.com, the pain increases when the bladder fills and causes additional pain around the bladder or genitals. When experienced with other symptoms, it can indicate bladder cancer.
5. Pain and sudden weight loss. Sudden weight loss often indicates a serious medical issue, but if it is accompanied with extreme pain around the pelvic area, it may be a symptom of bladder cancer.
Coupled with weight loss, extreme pain around the rectal or pelvic area, either concentrated in the muscles or bones, is a very indicative symptom.
These symptoms sometimes occur with anemia, a disorder that decreases the amount of hemoglobin found in red blood cells. Symptoms of anemia include weakness and fatigue.
When to See a Doctor
A gradual buildup of these symptoms can indicate bladder cancer, although it may also indicate other urinary or kidney disorders. A sudden development of any of these symptoms is also a strong indicator. See a doctor immediately if any of these bladder cancer symptoms occur. Early treatment is the key to fast and successful recovery.
