Urinary bladder cancer is among the more common cancers affecting men, but its early symptoms can often be mistaken for routine urinary infections, prostate problems or changes associated with ageing.

Painless blood in the urine is one of the most important warning signs, according to Dr Ankur Bhatnagar, Senior Consultant and Head of Unit-I, Urology and Kidney Transplant, Sarvodaya Hospital. Men over 55, particularly those with a history of smoking, face a higher risk of developing the disease.

Painless Blood In Urine A Key Warning Sign

Blood in the urine, medically known as haematuria, is considered one of the most significant symptoms of urinary bladder cancer.

The urine may appear pink, red or cola-coloured, although the bleeding may occur intermittently and can disappear for a period of time.

This can be misleading, as a bladder tumour may bleed occasionally and the absence of visible blood later may create the impression that the problem has resolved.

Even a single episode of visible blood in the urine, particularly when it occurs without pain, should be evaluated rather than ignored.

Blood in the urine should not automatically be attributed to exercise, kidney stones, prostate problems or ageing without appropriate medical assessment.

Microscopic blood found during a routine urine examination may also require further evaluation.

Persistent Urinary Changes Can Also Be A Sign

Bladder cancer can also cause changes in normal urinary habits, including frequent urination, a sudden urgency to pass urine or a burning sensation while urinating.

Such symptoms can resemble those caused by a urinary tract infection or an enlarged prostate, which can sometimes delay further investigation.

A persistent pattern, particularly when symptoms do not improve despite treatment, may warrant further medical evaluation.

Some people may also experience vague pain in the lower abdomen, pelvic pressure or discomfort while passing urine.

These symptoms can be mild during the early stages of the disease and may therefore be overlooked.

Advanced Symptoms Require Urgent Evaluation

As bladder cancer progresses, symptoms can become more persistent and severe.

These may include continuing pelvic pain, difficulty passing urine, pain on one side of the back, unexplained weight loss, fatigue or swelling in the legs.

Such symptoms require prompt medical evaluation, as delayed diagnosis can increase the risk of the disease progressing to a more advanced stage.

Smoking Remains The Strongest Risk Factor

Bladder cancer is more commonly seen in men over the age of 55, particularly among smokers.

Smoking is considered the strongest risk factor because carcinogenic substances are filtered through the kidneys and collect in the urine, where they can damage the lining of the bladder.

Other risk factors include chronic irritation of the bladder, previous radiation treatment to the pelvic region and exposure to certain industrial chemicals.

Some occupational exposures, including chemicals associated with the rubber industry, have also been identified as risk factors.

Tests Used To Diagnose Bladder Cancer

Evaluation generally begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination.

Doctors may recommend a complete urine examination to look for blood cells, pus cells and other abnormalities, along with tests to assess kidney function.

An ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder may also be carried out as part of the initial assessment.

Further investigations can include imaging of the urinary tract and cystoscopy, a procedure that allows doctors to directly examine the lining of the bladder.

Early Detection Can Improve Treatment Outcomes

Bladder cancer detected at an early stage can often be treated using localised therapies, followed by regular surveillance.

A delay in diagnosis, however, can allow the disease to progress to muscle-invasive bladder cancer, which may require more aggressive treatment and can be associated with poorer outcomes.

According to Dr Bhatnagar, bladder cancer is treatable in the vast majority of cases when detected early.

He advised people who notice blood in their urine not to wait for the symptom to disappear on its own and to seek an early evaluation from a urologist.

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