Bladder cancer signs and symptoms can vary from person to person. The most common symptom is blood in the urine, also called hematuria. While this can turn the urine into a red or rusty color, it may only be detected through testing.
You should contact your primary care provider (PCP) if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Urinating more often than usual
- Pain or burning during urination
- Feeling an urge to urinate, even when your bladder isn't full
- Difficulty urinating or a weak urine stream
- Frequently waking up at night to urinate
Usually, these signs or symptoms are caused by other conditions, such as infections, a stone in the kidney or bladder, a noncancerous tumor or another benign kidney disease, not cancer. Your PCP can help you figure out what is causing your symptoms.
Take Charge of Your Health
Talk to your primary care provider if you have symptoms that you think may be bladder cancer. UW Medicine Primary Care can help you get started. Learn about Fred Hutch's relationship with UW Medicine.
From Out of the Blue Comes a Better Bladder Cancer Detector
Decades ago, blue lights helped shoppers scope out sales. Today they’re helping urologists scope out cells – specifically those of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. UW Medicine urologists with Fred Hutch possess a mechanism that makes the tumors glow bright pink – all the better to see them.
What Should I Do If I Am Worried I May Have Bladder Cancer?
If you have any signs or symptoms that you worry might be from bladder cancer, talk with your primary care provider. Usually, these symptoms are caused by something else, like an infection. Whatever the cause, it’s important to find out so you can get treatment to help. If it is cancer, finding it earlier may mean it’s easier to treat.