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Bladder Cancer: Symptoms

Seeing a healthcare provider at the first sign of symptoms is the best way to find and treat bladder cancer. The earlier bladder cancer is found, the easier it is to treat.

What are the symptoms of bladder cancer?

These are some of the early symptoms of bladder cancer:

Blood in your urine

Bloody urine is often the first sign of bladder cancer. The color of urine may be pink or deep red, depending on the amount of blood. There may be clots of blood in the urine.

Change in urinary habits

These changes can be a sign of bladder cancer:

  • Urinating more often than normal

  • Burning, discomfort, or pain when urinating

  • Need to urinate right away

  • Trouble urinating

  • Weak urine stream

  • Need to get up to urinate many times during the night

When to see your healthcare provider

Many of these symptoms may be caused by other, more common health problems. But it's important to see a healthcare provider if you have these symptoms. Only a healthcare provider can tell if you have cancer.

Medical Reviewers:

  • Jessica Gotwals RN BSN MPH
  • Richard LoCicero MD
  • Sabrina Felson MD