Early symptoms of a potentially fatal disease include blood in the urine, but what are the warning signs when the disease has progressed?

According to The American Cancer Society’s estimates, in 2022, more than 80,000 people will be diagnosed with bladder cancer in the US – and sadly around 17,000 will die from it.

In recent years, the incidence of new cases of bladder cancer and fatalities attributable to bladder cancer have decreased marginally among women. Men’s mortality rates have remained steady while incidence rates have been declining.

Bladder cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, but it is less common in women.

As with the majority of cancers, there are a number of key warning signs.

More than 70% of bladder cancer cases, according to consultant urologist at The Christie Private Care Jeremy Oates, are superficial.

“This means they sit on the bladder lining and don’t invade the bladder wall,” he adds, “and can be divided into low grade and high-grade tumours.”

“Superficial, low-grade tumours are rarely serious, though can cause problematic symptoms and have a high chance of recurrence.

“High grade tumours have a much higher risk of progressing to muscle invasive disease, which is much more significant disease and requires more invasive treatments.”

First signs to look out for:

• Blood in your urine
• Pain – this is usually a burning sensation when passing urine
• Pain in the lower back or tummy
• Frequent urination

Mr Oates emphasized that if you suffer any of these symptoms, they are commonly caused by less serious, non-cancerous illnesses.

“However, if you notice any of these symptoms it is important to see your GP so that a referral and diagnosis can be made as quickly as possible,“ he added.

If cancer has progressed to a later stage, you may suffer a number of symptoms.

Advanced stage symptoms

• Pelvic pain
• Unintentional weight loss
• Bone pain
• Swelling of the legs.

Tobacco smoking is one of the most common causes of bladder cancer.

“There are several known risk factors, though it is well known that smoking increases the chance of developing cancers and also increases the risk of developing higher grade disease as well as recurrent disease,” Mr. Oates added.

Fortunately, quitting smoking appears to lower this risk.

Image Credit: Getty

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