Bladder Cancer Symptoms: Recognizing the Warning Signs

Signs and symptoms of bladder cancer may include:

-Blood in the urine (hematuria). This is the most common sign of bladder cancer. The blood may be visible to the naked eye or it may be detected through a urine test.

-Frequent urination. You may feel the need to urinate more often than usual, even if you don't have a lot of urine to pass.

-Urgent urination. You may have a sudden, urgent need to urinate, and you may not be able to hold your urine.

-Painful urination. You may feel pain or burning during urination.

-Difficulty urinating. You may have difficulty starting or stopping your urine stream, or you may have a weak urine stream.

-Lower back pain. You may feel pain in the lower back, just above the hip bones.

-Pelvic pain. You may feel pain in the pelvis, just below the belly button.

-Weight loss. You may lose weight for no apparent reason.

-Fatigue. You may feel tired all the time.

-Loss of appetite. You may not feel hungry or you may lose interest in food.

If you have any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor right away. Bladder cancer is often curable if it's caught early.