Bladder Cancer Awareness Month: 7 warning signs you may be ignoring

Urinary bladder cancer can begin with symptoms that look like a UTI, prostate problem or simply ageing. Here are the early warning signs men should not ignore, according to a urologist.

In Short

• Blood in the urine can be the earliest warning sign of bladder cancer
• Persistent urinary symptoms should not always be dismissed as an infection or ageing
• Early detection can allow localised treatment and regular surveillance

Urinary bladder cancer is among the more common cancers affecting men, but its early warning signs can be easy to dismiss. Symptoms such as blood in the urine, frequent urination, urgency or burning may be mistaken for a urinary infection, prostate problems or ageing.

According to Dr Ankur Bhatnagar, Senior Consultant & Head (Unit-I), Urology & Kidney Transplant, Sarvodaya Hospital, this can delay diagnosis. Men over 55, particularly those with a history of smoking, face a higher risk.

Smoking is the strongest risk factor, as carcinogens filtered by the kidneys collect in urine and can damage the bladder lining.

BLOOD IN URINE IS THE BIGGEST WARNING SIGN

The most important symptom of urinary bladder cancer is painless blood in the urine, medically known as haematuria. It may make the urine appear pink, red or cola-coloured and can come and go.

Even one episode of visible blood in the urine should not be ignored, particularly when there is no pain. Bladder tumours can bleed intermittently, creating a false sense that the problem has disappeared.

Blood in the urine should not automatically be blamed on exercise, kidney stones, prostate problems or ageing without proper evaluation. Even microscopic blood detected during routine urine testing needs follow-up.

PERSISTENT URINARY CHANGES CAN BE A CLUE

Bladder cancer can cause increased urinary frequency, urgency or burning while passing urine. These symptoms can look similar to a urinary tract infection or prostate enlargement.

A key warning sign is when such symptoms persist or do not improve with treatment.

LOWER ABDOMINAL OR PELVIC DISCOMFORT

Some people experience vague lower abdominal pain, pelvic pressure or discomfort while passing urine. These symptoms can be mild in the early stages, making them easy to overlook.

As the disease progresses, symptoms may include persistent pelvic pain, difficulty passing urine, one-sided back pain, unexplained weight loss, fatigue or swelling of the legs. These require urgent medical evaluation.

WHO IS AT HIGHER RISK?

Bladder cancer is more common in men over 55, especially smokers. Other risk factors include chronic bladder irritation, previous pelvic radiation and exposure to certain industrial chemicals, including those associated with the rubber industry.

HOW IS BLADDER CANCER DIAGNOSED?

Evaluation begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination. Common tests include a complete urine examination to check for blood cells, pus cells and other abnormalities, along with kidney function tests.

An ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder may also be performed. Further evaluation can include urinary-tract imaging and cystoscopy, which allows doctors to directly examine the bladder lining.

EARLY DETECTION CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Early bladder cancer can often be treated with localised therapies followed by regular surveillance. Delayed diagnosis increases the risk of muscle-invasive disease, which may require more aggressive treatment and can have poorer outcomes.

As Dr Bhatnagar points out, bladder cancer is treatable in the vast majority of cases when detected early. If blood appears in the urine, seeing a urologist early is important rather than waiting for it to disappear on its own.

- Ends