Symptoms & risk factors

Bladder cancer starts in the cells of the bladder – the organ that stores urine. It mostly affects older adults, but it can appear at any age.
Knowing the signs and symptoms helps with early detection, and understanding the risk factors can help you take steps to protect your health.

Recognising the symptoms of bladder cancer

Symptoms of bladder cancer can be subtle and are sometimes mistaken for other conditions like infections or kidney stones. Pay attention to these signs, see a doctor as soon as you notice them:

Most common symptom:

• Blood in your urine (haematuria): Urine may look pink, red, or rusty. Sometimes blood can only be detected in a lab test.
  👉 Around 8 in 10 people with bladder cancer experience this symptom.

Other common symptoms:

• Pain or burning when passing urine
• Needing to urinate more often than usual, even at night
• Feeling an urgent need to urinate
• Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis

Less common symptoms:

• Persistent pain in your lower back or abdomen
• Pain in your bones (in more advanced stages)

When to see a doctor:

Even one episode of blood in your urine, or any persistent change in urinary habits, deserves medical attention. Early diagnosis leads to more treatment options and better outcomes.

Understanding your risk factors

Bladder cancer can affect anyone, but some factors increase your chances of developing it.

Primary risk factors:

• Smoking and tobacco use: Smokers are at least three times more likely to develop bladder cancer than non‑smokers.
• Past radiation exposure: Previous radiotherapy, especially for other cancers, can increase risk.
• Chronic bladder inflammation: Repeated infections or long‑term irritation can play a role.
• Exposure to certain chemicals: Especially in industries such as dyes, rubber, leather, textiles, and paints.
• Parasitic infections: In some regions, infections like schistosomiasis can cause bladder cancer.

Fact:

Men are more likely to develop bladder cancer than women, but women are often diagnosed at a more advanced stage, which can affect their prognosis.

How to reduce your risk

While not all risk factors can be controlled, there are proactive steps you can take:

• Avoid smoking: Quitting is the single most effective way to lower your risk.
• Healthy diet: Eat more fruits and vegetables, and limit processed or fried meats.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water may help flush out potential carcinogens.
• Workplace safety: Follow safety regulations and use protective equipment when working with chemicals.
• Regular checkups: Early medical advice and, for high‑risk individuals, screenings like urine cytology or cystoscopy can catch problems early.

Did you know?

Some studies suggest that a diet high in fruits and vegetables may lower the risk of bladder cancer, while a diet high in fried meats can increase it.