Bladder cancer symptoms: Don't ignore these signs, especially if you see blood in your urine

A fleeting trace of blood in your urine can be dismissed as nothing to worry about. But experts warn this could be your body's first, and only, early warning sign of bladder cancer. The month of  May is marked as Bladder Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a crucial time to raise the alarm and highlight why spotting red matters, particularly among older adults and smokers.

Bladder cancer often begins quietly. Most people don’t associate mild or painless symptoms like slight blood in the urine or occasional discomfort while peeing with something as serious as cancer. "Because it's painless and sometimes self-resolves, people tend to ignore this vital warning sign," says Dr G Ravindra Varma, Sr. Consultant Urologist, Transplant Surgeon and Managing Director, AINU. “Early symptoms are often mistaken for UTIs or ageing-related urinary issues, delaying diagnosis and treatment,” he adds.

Cancer in the bladder usually starts in the inner lining, where rogue cells grow out of control. These tumours can stay superficial or dig deeper into the muscle walls, making treatment more complex. “Seventy percent of the time, bladder cancer is detected at a stage when it hasn't invaded the muscle, which makes early diagnosis critical. Imaging such as ultrasound followed by a contrast-enhanced CT scan helps determine the tumour's nature and spread. A timely trans-urethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) offers both diagnosis and first-line treatment,” explains Dr Varma.

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• Blood in urine is a red flag: 

Don’t ignore even a single episode of blood in your urine. It's often the first and most common sign of bladder cancer, especially if you’re over 50.

• Smokers are at a higher risk:

If you smoke, your chances of getting bladder cancer may be up to four times higher. The toxins in tobacco collect in the bladder, damaging its lining over time.

• Occupational exposure matters:

Jobs involving certain chemicals, like those in the textile, dye, painting, and hairdressing industries, can increase the risk. Chronic exposure to carcinogens is a known contributor.

• Early diagnosis means better outcomes:
  With early detection, 70 percent of tumours are found before muscle invasion, making them more treatable and less likely to need radical surgery.

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• Surgery and follow-up: 

“TURBT is both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool,” says Dr Varma. Depending on the biopsy results, additional treatments like intravesical chemotherapy may follow. For advanced cases, minimally invasive surgeries help reduce recovery time.

• Quit smoking: 

Quitting tobacco is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of developing bladder cancer and other cancers. Prevention starts with lifestyle changes.

• Strict follow-up is crucial:

Even after treatment, patients need regular monitoring. "To preserve the bladder and remain cancer-free, a stringent follow-up protocol is non-negotiable,” warns Dr Varma.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.