Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the bladder. This type of cancer is more common in older adults and is more common in men than in women.
Bladder cancer can be a very serious and life-threatening disease if it is not caught and treated early. Knowing the symptoms of bladder cancer can help you catch it early and get the treatment you need. In this article, we will discuss five symptoms to watch out for if you think you may have bladder cancer.
1. Blood in the urine
Blood in the urine is one of the most common symptoms of bladder cancer. This can occur for two different reasons: either the cancer cells are bleeding, or the cancer is causing irritation to the bladder, causing it to bleed.
If you notice blood in your urine, you should immediately make an appointment with your doctor to get evaluated. Blood in the urine can occur for other reasons but it is important to rule out bladder cancer as a cause.
2. Pain or burning during urination
If you are experiencing pain or burning during urination, it could be a sign of bladder cancer. This is because the cancer can cause irritation to the bladder and cause painful urination.
However, this symptom can also be caused by other conditions such as a urinary tract infection or kidney stones. If you are experiencing this symptom, it is important to get evaluated by your doctor to determine the underlying cause.
3. Frequent urination
Frequent urination is another symptom of bladder cancer. This is because the cancer can cause the bladder to become overactive and have the urge to urinate frequently.
However, this symptom can also be caused by other conditions such as an enlarged prostate or a urinary tract infection. If you are experiencing this symptom, it is important to get evaluated by your doctor to determine the underlying cause.
4. Pain in the lower back or abdomen
Pain in the lower back or abdomen can be a sign of advanced bladder cancer. This is because the cancer can spread from the bladder to nearby tissues and organs.
If you are experiencing this symptom, it is important to get evaluated by your doctor to determine the underlying cause.
5. Difficulty urinating
If you are having difficulty urinating or need to strain during urination, it could be a sign of bladder cancer. This is because the cancer can block the flow of urine out of the bladder.
However, this symptom can also be caused by other conditions such as an enlarged prostate or a urinary tract infection. If you are experiencing this symptom, it is important to get evaluated by your doctor to determine the underlying cause.
Conclusion
Bladder cancer is a serious disease that can be life-threatening if not caught and treated early. Knowing the symptoms of bladder cancer can help you catch it early and get the treatment you need.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this article, it is important to make an appointment with your doctor to get evaluated. Remember, early detection is key to successful treatment of bladder cancer.