THERE are around 10,300 new cases of bladder cancer every year in the UK, equating to around 28 cases each day.
It’s the eleventh most common cancer in the country, so it’s key that you know the signs and symptoms to look out for.
If you experience blood in your urine or you have a change in toilet habits then it could be a sign of bladder cancer
Experts at Cancer Research UK said one of the main symptoms of the illness is noticeable when you pee.
Medics explained: “The main symptom of bladder cancer is blood in your urine. This is the same for both men and women.
“Bladder cancer can also cause problems with passing urine.”
They added that doctors refer to blood in the urine as haematuria (pronounced heem-at-you-ree-ah).
You might see blood in your pee which will usually look bright red.
In some cases it might be such small amounts that you can’t see it and other times it might not be there at all, they said.
The bleeding is not usually painful, but if you experience this you should always speak to your GP, the medics said.
It’s useful to be specific when relaying your symptoms, and the experts said you should tell them if there is blood when you first start to urinate and if the urine is mixed with all the urine you pass.
It’s also helpful for them to know whether or not you have any pain when you pass the urine with the blood.
While blood in your urine is the main sign, the experts said you should also lookout for these six symptoms.
- passing urine very often (frequency)
- passing urine very suddenly (urgency)
- pain or a burning sensation when passing urine
- weight loss for no reason
- pain in your back, lower tummy or bones
- feeling tired and unwell.
They explained that the final three may occur if the cancer is advanced or has spread to other parts of the body.
In men, it’s also important to note that prostate cancer can cause urinary symptoms.
It’s important to note that experiencing these symptoms won’t always mean you have cancer.
For example, the experts said that they might also be a sign of a urine infection.
This might be the case, particularly if you do not have blood in your urine, they said.
“For men, the symptoms could be caused by an enlarged prostate gland.
“Tell your doctor straight away if you have these symptoms. If you have an infection, it can usually be treated quickly with antibiotics.
“And it is always best to check for cancer as early as possible so that it can be diagnosed while it is easier to treat,” they added.
