10 Warning Signs of Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is the ninth most common
cancer in the world, with the highest rates being in North America and
Europe. This is why you need to pay attention to all possible signs and
symptoms so that you can detect it before it is too late. Here's what
you need to pay attention to:
1. Blood in Your Urine
Bloody pee is the primary sign of bladder cancer. Urine color may range
from pink to red to dark brown, and you often won't be able to see it
with the naked eye. Blood in your urine may also mean you have a bladder
infection, UTI or even kidney stones.
2. Pelvic Pain
If a malign tumor grows within your bladder wall, pressure or pain may
be present. Make sure to tell your doctor about ongoing pelvic pain or a
strange feeling of pressure, particularly if it’s accompanied by any
other symptoms.
3. Frequent Urination
Having to get up to pee all the time could be a sign of an infection.
However, it could also indicate that bladder cancer is developing inside
of you.
4. Swollen Feet
Swelling in the ankles or feet is a sign that bladder cancer may have
advanced and metastasized to other parts of your body. What's more,
swollen feet may also be a symptom of either bladder or kidney cancer.
5. Loss of Appetite or Weight
Common with many cancers, a loss of weight or appetite may mean that
cancer cells have formed inside of you. Sudden and unexplainable changes
in your eating habits or weight should be a red flag, so make sure to
visit a physician as soon as possible.
6. Feeling Weak or Fatigued
Bladder cancer may lead to fluid accumulating in your body, which in
turn can make you feel lethargic, which is why you should visit a doctor
if you're feeling tired for no apparent reason.
7. Unable to Pass Urine
A blockage in your urinary tract might be preventing your bladder from
passing urine. If this is the case for you, you should get examined to
determine if it’s being caused by a tumorous growth, cyst, kidney stone
or some other condition.
8. Feeling of Having to Pee
What this means is that even though your bladder is empty, you still
often feel an urgent need to pee. If this keeps happening to you on a
regular basis, visit a health professional.
9. Burning or Pain During Urination
A painful, burning sensation during urination is linked to many types of
illnesses, so you should never just wait for this symptom to disappear
of its own accord. In fact, this symptom is present in 3 different kinds
of cancers – bladder, kidney, and prostate.
10. Back Pain
Back pain may be a sign that bladder cancer has entered a more advanced
stage, but it may also indicate that you have a kidney infection or some
other urological condition, so you should visit a doctor as soon as
possible.