Symptoms of bladder cancer

Blood in the urine (haematuria) Back to top

This is the most common symptom. It generally happens suddenly and may come and go, but it’s usually not painful. Blood may make the urine look red or brown, or you may be able to see streaks or clots of blood in the urine. Sometimes blood in the urine can’t be seen and is picked up by a urine test.

Doctors have different names for blood in the urine according to whether it can be seen with the naked eye or can only be detected by a urine test. When blood can be seen in urine, this is called visible (macroscopic) haematuria. If it can only be detected with a urine test, it’s called microscopic haematuria.

If you have bladder symptoms, your doctor will usually check your urine for microscopic amounts of blood. It’s important that people over 50 years who have microscopic haematuria are investigated for cancer. If you see blood in your urine at any age, you should always go to your GP and get it checked out.

Bladder changes Back to top

Some people have a burning feeling when they pass urine or feel the need to pass urine more often or urgently. These are symptoms of bladder irritation. They’re more often caused by infection rather than cancer. However, sometimes more tests may be needed.

Pain in the lower part of the tummy or back Back to top

This is less common, but it may occur in some people.

Most people with these symptoms won’t have bladder cancer. Other, more common, conditions such as an infection or stones in the bladder or kidneys are often the cause. But if you develop any of these symptoms it’s important to get them checked by your GP.