Bladder cancer, a condition often described as "silent" because it typically shows no symptoms until it has advanced, can display signs that are easily mistaken for a common infection. It is the 11th most common cancer in the UK, with around 10,900 new cases every year, or 30 every day, according to Cancer Research figures. This equates to more than one diagnosis every single hour.
Key warning signs overlap with UTIs
The most widespread symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, which can also indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI). Several other warning signs also overlap with the symptoms of a UTI, including a desperate and persistent urge to use the toilet, coupled with intense, lingering pain. More than half of women and 10% of men will experience a UTI at some point in their lives, making it easy to dismiss this potentially critical warning sign while the more serious underlying issue goes undetected.
Survival rates and additional symptoms
Bladder cancer claims the lives of around half of those affected, according to charity Action Bladder Cancer UK. However, identifying symptoms early and securing a prompt diagnosis can prove life-saving, with an 80% survival rate if the disease is caught in time. Other symptoms include needing to urinate more frequently, experiencing sudden or more urgent urges to use the toilet, and/or a burning sensation when passing urine—all of which can also be indicators of a UTI.
Should bladder cancer progress to an advanced stage and spread, symptoms may include pelvic pain, bone pain, swelling of the legs, and unintentional weight loss.
NHS advice on blood in urine
NHS guidance advises that you should request an urgent GP appointment or seek assistance from NHS 111 if you notice blood in your urine, even if you have no other symptoms, it's the first time it has occurred, there's only a small amount of blood, or you're unsure whether it is blood. Blood may appear bright pink, red, or dark brown. In most cases it isn't caused by anything serious, and could be down to a UTI, or other factors such as kidney stones or an enlarged prostate, but it is vital to get yourself checked over.
