The main symptom of cancer of the bladder is blood in the urine (haematuria). Most people with bladder cancer notice this first. In some cases blood can't be seen but is picked up on a urine test.
Other less common symptoms include:
- a burning feeling when passing urine
- having to pass urine more frequently
- often needing to pass urine urgently
All of these symptoms can also be caused by more common conditions such as bladder irritation or infection or, by stones in the kidney or bladder. Men who have an enlarged prostate gland also often have urinary symptoms.
Guidelines for family doctors suggest they should arrange an urgent appointment with a specialist in bladder disease (called a urologist) for anyone who has:
- blood that can be seen in their urine
- or is over 50 and has traces of blood in their urine without signs of infection.
There are many other causes for blood in the urine. But, if you have this symptom you should see your GP for advice.