Essential Warning Signs and Symptoms of Bladder Cancer to Be Aware Of

Are you aware of the signs and symptoms of bladder cancer? Recognized as a common cancer, bladder cancer affects thousands globally each year. 

Men are more susceptible than women. Although it can occur at any age, it is most often diagnosed in older adults. Early detection of bladder cancer is possible with health awareness and can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

It's crucial to recognize the early symptoms and undergo testing. Bladder cells can become cancerous, and only a proper diagnosis can determine the appropriate treatment.

Causes of Bladder Cancer:

The precise causes of bladder cancer are still being researched. Uncontrolled cell growth in the bladder can lead to cancer, with known risk factors including:

• Smoking
• Exposure to industrial chemicals, such as aniline dyes, benzidine, and o-toluidine
• Certain occupations, like those in the dye, leather, paint, and plastics industries
• Bladder stones
• Early menopause before age 45
• Prolonged chemotherapy and radiotherapy
• A family history of bladder cancer

Types of Bladder Cancer:

Bladder cancer can be classified into three types:

• Urothelial carcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Adenocarcinoma

In the United States, the majority of bladder cancer cases occur after the age of 65, with over 17,000 women diagnosed annually.

9 Bladder Cancer Signs and Symptoms:

1. Bleeding While Urinating:

Bleeding during urination is a common symptom of bladder cancer that should never be overlooked. It can occur painlessly and persist for weeks or even months.

However, many women disregard this symptom, especially during menopause. If you notice blood or changes in urine color, you must inform your doctor, as tests can often determine the cause of the problem.

2. Sudden Weight Loss:

Unintentional weight loss is a common early symptom of bladder cancer, as it is with other types of cancer.

If you experience unexpected changes during urination and sudden weight loss without any apparent cause, do not ignore these signs and contact your doctor immediately.

3. Pelvic Pain:

Pelvic pain is another indicator of bladder cancer. While there are many potential causes of pelvic pain, if you experience persistent pain that does not subside and keeps returning, take note of this symptom and consult a specialist.

Cancerous cells developing in the bladder can cause pain and swelling in its inner layers.

4. Symptoms Resembling UTI:

A urinary tract infection (UTI), which commonly affects women, can sometimes mask the presence of bladder cancer due to similar symptoms. If you have experienced a UTI, you are familiar with the discomfort it causes.

Symptoms such as pain in the lower abdomen, frequent urges to urinate, irritation, and a burning sensation are common to both UTIs and bladder cancer.

If antibiotics prescribed for a UTI do not alleviate your symptoms, it is crucial to seek a thorough diagnosis and examination.

5. Loss of Appetite:

A decreased appetite can be indicative of bladder cancer, as it can be with other serious conditions.

If you suddenly find yourself not feeling hungry and losing interest in eating your favorite foods, it's important not to ignore these signs and to pay attention to what your body is telling you.

6. Weakness and Fatigue:

Persistent early fatigue, tiredness, and weakness may also signal that something is not right internally. An early sign of bladder cancer is a feeling of weakness, which may cause a loss of interest in daily activities.

The entire body is battling the unwelcome disease, and a lack of appetite can contribute to further weakness.

7. Back Pain:

Research has shown that individuals with bladder cancer often experience back pain. While bladder cancer is treatable, it can sometimes have long-lasting effects on the body, and symptoms can vary widely among individuals.

8. Urinary Irritation and Difficulty:

Experiencing a blockage sensation during urination, along with pain, difficulty, and irritation, can be a significant sign of bladder cancer.

Many symptoms are associated with the bladder and urinary process, so they should not be ignored. There may be an urgency to urinate even when the bladder is not full, and a feeling of strain or pressure during urination could be due to the growth of cancerous cells.

9. Pain in Other Body Parts:

Bladder cancer can metastasize to other parts of the body, and experiencing unexplained pain may be a symptom. For instance, pain in the perineum or flank area near the pubic bone could indicate bladder cancer.

Bladder cancer may also impact the stomach or liver, potentially causing abdominal pain. It can affect the bones as well, making joint pain a common occurrence in this situation.

In rare instances, the cancer may spread to the lungs, with symptoms including coughing, coughing up blood, and breathing difficulties. If the cancer reaches the kidneys, swelling in the legs and feet may occur.

Dos and Don’ts:

Dos:

• Consume a healthy diet and hydrate well.
• Adhere strictly to your medication regimen.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any concerning symptoms.
• Raise awareness about bladder cancer.

Don’ts:

• Avoid smoking, as it is a primary risk factor for bladder cancer.
• Minimize contact with chemicals and adhere to all safety guidelines and precautions.

Conclusion:

It is crucial for women to be informed and vigilant about bladder cancer. Often, the diagnosis occurs when the cancer has already spread to other organs. Bladder cancer is treatable in its early stages; however, like other cancers, if it spreads to other parts of the body, it may require extensive treatment, which not everyone can afford.