11 Warning Signs Of Bladder Cancer You Shouldn't Ignore

Bladder cancer can be a life-altering diagnosis, but early detection can make all the difference. Read this article to know about the disease, urinary symptoms, and more from our expert, Dr Poulami Basu, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Cancer Hospital, Kolkata.

Urinary Symptoms Aren’t Embarrassing - They’re a Call for Awareness And Action

Dr Basu said, "We talk about everything, from what we ate to what we watched. But when it comes to urinary issues, we go silent. Burning, urgency, or blood in urine isn’t just ‘old age’ or ‘something you drank’. These symptoms may be signs of something more serious, like bladder cancer."

What You Need to Know About Bladder Cancer

Dr Poulami said that bladder cancer occurs when certain cells in the bladder lining mutate and become abnormal. These cells multiply and form tumors in the bladder. If left untreated, the cancer can spread to lymph nodes, and then to other parts of the body like the bones, lungs, or liver.

"Bladder cancer is the 17th most common cancer in India, with Delhi reporting the highest number of cases among both men and women. While it remains relatively rare, its incidence is rising, especially in urban cities like Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai. Tobacco use is the leading risk factor for bladder cancer. Smokers are 3 to 4 times more likely to develop the disease than non-smokers," shared the expert.

Symptoms of Bladder Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore

The most common symptom is blood in the urine, which may cause it to appear bright red or cola-coloured. The blood may come and go, and in some cases, it may be so minimal that it’s only found through a urine test.

Other early symptoms of bladder cancer include:

• Frequent urination
• Painful urination
• Urinating often during the night
• Feeling like you need to urinate repeatedly even when your bladder isn’t full

As the cancer grows or spreads beyond the bladder, more serious symptoms may appear, such as:

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• Inability to urinate
• Lower back pain
• Pain in the abdomen
• Unintended weight loss and loss of appetite
• Swelling in the feet
• Feeling tired

"Don’t Ignore the Signs," said Dr Poulami

It’s easy to brush off urinary symptoms. Maybe you notice a slight burning when you urinate, or your urine looks slightly off in colour. Maybe you’re going more often than usual, or waking up at night to use the bathroom. These symptoms might seem small, but they could be your body’s early warning signs. 

Bladder cancer can be life-threatening if not diagnosed early. Like many types of cancer, early detection and treatment increase the chance of living longer with bladder cancer. Overall, 77% of people diagnosed with bladder cancer are still alive five years later.

"Unfortunately, cases of bladder cancer are rising drastically in India. It’s becoming more urgent than ever to raise awareness, break the silence, and take urinary symptoms seriously," said Dr Basu.

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Don’t let embarrassment be the reason your health suffers. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing unusual urinary symptoms, no matter how small they seem. What feels like an awkward conversation could be the one that saves your life.

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