Bladder cancer is the 11th most common cancer in the UK.
A doctor has shared the warning signs which could be symptoms of bladder cancer. It is understood that about 10,500 people are diagnosed with bladder cancer each year, making up about three percent of all new cancer cases.
Bladder cancer is the 11th most common cancer in the UK. According to the NHS, bladder cancer is where there is a growth of abnormal tissue in the lining of the bladder.
A medical expert has now taken to social media to share seven possible warning signs. Taking to TikTok, Dr O’Donovan and a colleague pointed out the signs you should be looking out for.
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Blood in urine
Blood in your urine is one of the most common signs. The NHS says this symptom – known as haematuria – is ‘usually painless’, SurreyLive reports.
The NHS said: ” You may notice streaks of blood in your urine or the blood may turn your urine brown. The blood isn’t always noticeable and it may come and go.”
Needing to urinate more often
Dr O’Donovan said ‘a need to urinate on a more frequent basis’ is also a symptom of bladder cancer. The NHS says this is a less common symptom of bladder cancer.
It can also be a symptom of diabetes, various urinary tract, bladder and pelvic conditions, or an enlarged prostate. Pregnancy and some medications can also cause frequent urination.
Sudden urges to urinate
Suddenly feeling the urge to urinate could be a less common sign of bladder cancer. But this symptom alone does not mean you have bladder cancer.
A sudden urge to urinate can be a symptom of an overactive bladder or a urinary tract infection. It can be caused by constipation, drinking too much caffeine or alcohol or not drinking enough fluids, among other things.
Burning sensation when urinating
Suffering a ‘burning sensation when passing urine’ could indicate you have bladder cancer. But this is also a sign of other conditions, including urinary tract infections, vaginal or prostate infections, some STIs and kidney stones.
Pain in your pelvis or hip bones
According to the NHS, pain in your pelvis or hip bones appear when bladder cancer is at an advanced stage and has spread elsewhere in the body. Pain in these areas is not necessarily a symptom of advanced bladder cancer as it can be caused by other illnesses.
Unintentional weight loss
Losing weight without trying can be a symptom of a different forms of cancer. In bladder cancer, this sign tends to appear when the disease is at an advanced stage and has spread to other parts of the body.
Leg swelling
Unexplained swelling of the legs can be a symptom of late-stage bladder cancer, particularly if the disease has spread. Leg swelling can also be caused by inflammation, which can appear after injury or as a result of conditions such as arthritis.
Fluid build-up can also lead to swollen legs, which can happen if you sit or stand for too long, eat a diet that is high in salt, are overweight or take certain medicines. Other diseases such as chronic kidney disease, cirrhosis of the liver and deep vein thrombosis, among others, can also cause leg swelling.
It is important to speak to your doctor if you are concerned.