Unlike breast cancer, there’s no standard screening test for bladder cancer. For that reason, it’s especially important to know the early symptoms of this condition and to bring them to a healthcare professional’s attention.
Blood in your urine (hematuria)Blood in your urine (hematuria) is the most common symptom of female bladder cancer. But it can also be a symptom of other conditions, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Hematuria may also result from sexual activity, especially if you he vaginal dryness. If you hen’t gone through menopause, you may assume that blood in your urine is because of your period or breakthrough bleeding.
No matter what you think may be causing blood in your urine, don’t overlook this symptom.
According to 2016 research, clinicians are more likely to diagnose females with hematuria with a UTI. This means clinicians are less likely to refer females to a urologist or another specialist who can test for bladder cancer.
If you see blood in your urine consistently or often, be sure to take it seriously. Let a healthcare professional know about your concerns and advocate for yourself.
Blood may make your urine look red, pink, or brown. You may also see spots of blood on toilet paper after wiping. However, microscopic amounts of blood may not always be visible.
If you’re at higher risk of bladder cancer, talk with a doctor about getting regular urine tests as a failsafe.
Pain or discomfort during urinationPainful urination (dysuria) or trouble urinating can be early symptoms of bladder cancer. You may also he a burning or irritating sensation when you urinate.
As with hematuria, these symptoms are more likely caused by other conditions, including bladder infections.
Urgent or frequent urinationIn addition to unusual sensations during urination, you may find that your urinary habits he changed.
Hing to urinate more often can be an early symptom of bladder cancer. Sometimes, the need to go to the bathroom may wake you up several times a night.
You may also feel an urgency to go, even if your bladder isn’t full. Difficulty with urination or hing a weak urine stream may also occur.