5 Common Symptoms of Bladder Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore

5 Common Symptoms of Bladder Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore

Bladder cancer is a disease that occurs when the abnormal cell growth occurs in your bladder. This type of cancer often affects people over the age of 50, and it typically develops in the lining of the bladder. If left untreated, it can spread to surrounding organs and eventually lead to death.

Therefore, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms early on. In this post, we’ll discuss 5 common symptoms of bladder cancer that you should never ignore.

1. Blood in Your Urine

If you notice that your urine is discolored, perhaps reddish or brownish, it’s important to have it checked out immediately, as this could be a sign of bladder cancer. This is because the cancer cells can cause the blood vessels in the bladder lining to break, resulting in blood in the urine. However, it’s worth noting that blood in the urine can also be caused by other non-cancerous conditions, like kidney stones, so you should always see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

2. Pain When Passing Urine

Bladder cancer can cause discomfort or pain while urinating, a symptom similar to a UTI (urinary tract infection). Therefore, if you experience any pain when passing urine, it’s important to have your urine checked for bacteria to rule out UTI and consult your doctor if the pain persists.

3. Increased Urgency to Urinate

Frequent and sudden urges to pee can also be a sign of bladder cancer. This is because cancerous cells in the bladder can cause irritation and inflammation that triggers an overactive bladder. If you notice that you’re visiting the bathroom more than usual, don’t ignore this symptom; get it checked out immediately.

4. Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain can also be a symptom of bladder cancer, especially when accompanied with anemia and fatigue, as both of these are the other common cancer symptoms. If you experience persistent lower back pain, have unexplained anemia, and fatigue to go along, it’s recommended to be checked by a doctor.

5. Swelling in the Feet

Swelling in the feet can also be a symptom of bladder cancer. When the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lymphatic fluid can become blocked and collect in the feet, resulting in swelling. In addition to this, you may also experience pain and discomfort in your legs.

Conclusion

It’s important to note that the symptoms mentioned can also be caused by other non-cancerous conditions. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, it’s still important to seek the advice of a medical professional. Remember, early detection and treatment of bladder cancer can make a huge difference in the outcomes of the disease. Therefore, it is recommended that those over 50 years of age and others who are at high risk of bladder cancer undergo regular check-ups such as cystoscopy and urinalysis.