Main Symptom: Blood in Urine

The main symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine. Other possible symptoms include pain, burning, stinging or itching when peeing, getting frequent urinary tract infections, needing to pee more often or very suddenly, losing your appetite or losing weight without trying, pain in the back or lower tummy, aching or tenderness in the bones, and feeling very tired or generally unwell for no clear reason.

Seeing a GP

See a GP if you think you may have bladder cancer — there's no need to feel embarrassed, since doctors are very used to discussing these symptoms. Many of these symptoms are common and often caused by conditions other than cancer, but it's always worth getting checked, since finding cancer early generally makes it easier to treat.

What Happens at Your Appointment

Depending on your symptoms, a GP may need to check inside your bottom or vagina using a gloved finger to feel for lumps, which means undressing from the waist down — you can ask for a male or female doctor, and for someone to be with you during the examination if you'd like. You may also need a blood test or to provide a urine sample. If the GP thinks further investigation is needed, they'll refer you for tests or to a specialist, sometimes urgently depending on your symptoms — this doesn't necessarily mean you have cancer.

Who's More Likely to Get It

It isn't always clear what causes bladder cancer, but you may have a higher chance of developing it if you're over 60, male, smoke or use chewing tobacco, have had a urinary catheter in place for a long time, have previously had radiotherapy for cancer, are overweight, have a close relative who's had bladder cancer, have certain conditions such as diabetes, have worked with chemicals such as those used in textiles or handling carbon or crude oil, or have previously had an infection called schistosomiasis.

Lowering Your Risk

Bladder cancer can't always be prevented, but stopping smoking, losing weight if you're overweight, and wearing protective clothing and masks if your job involves exposure to harmful chemicals can all help lower your risk. It's always worth getting any symptoms of bladder cancer checked by a GP promptly.