Signs and symptoms of bladder cancer

A sign is something that can be observed and recognized by a doctor or healthcare professional (for example, a rash). A symptom is something that only the person experiencing it can feel and know (for example, pain or tiredness).

The signs and symptoms of bladder cancer can also be caused by other health conditions. It is important to have any unusual symptoms checked by a doctor.

Signs and symptoms of bladder cancer are:

• blood in the urine (hematuria)
  • If the blood is visible, the colour may vary from pale yellow-red to bright or rusty red.
  • Sometimes the blood can only be seen through a microscope.
  • It may be continuous or intermittent (comes and goes).
  • It is present in 85–90% of bladder cancer cases.
• need to urinate often (frequency)
• intense need to urinate (urgency)
• inability to urinate
• burning or pain during urination
• bladder spasms

Late signs and symptoms

Late signs and symptoms occur as the cancer grows larger or spreads to other parts of the body, including other organs.

• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• fever
• change in bowel habits
• pain
  • rectum or anus
  • pelvis
  • flank – the side of the body between the abdomen and back
  • above the pubic bone
  • bones
• lump in the pelvis
• swelling in the legs, scrotum or vulva