Bladder Cancer
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Thomas Jefferson |
Bladder cancer occurs when cells in the bladder rapidly reproduce without any checks, balances, or normal cell death. Both men and women can develop bladder cancer and the warning signs of the cancer are similar. While the symptoms are not exclusive to bladder cancer, it is important to seek medical attention if any warning signs are detected:
- Blood in Urine
An obvious sign of something wrong with the bladder is blood in the urine. In many cases, the blood cells are not noticeable with the naked eye, but are detected with tests at a doctor’s office. Some individuals will notice blood in the urine and should seek immediate medical attention. Feeling a false sense of security due to the episodic manner of blood in the urine allows the cancer to continue growing, so it is important to mention the problem to a doctor. Whether it is cancer or another condition, blood in the urine is a bad sign. It usually relates to bladder cancer or other severe urinary health concerns, so a doctor will need to run tests to determine the exact cause. - Painful Urination
When using the bathroom is painful, it is a sign of several potential problems. Among the likely causes is bladder cancer. While painful urination is not exclusive to bladder cancer, it is one of the first symptoms that men and women notice when the cancer develops. Painful urination can be a sign of infections, cancer, or other conditions within the urinary tract, so it is important to seek medical attention. - Frequent Urination
Needing to use the restroom frequently is a sign of bladder cancer. While frequent urination can result from several other conditions, such as pregnancy or aging, it is also a sign of cancer. Even if the symptom stands alone, patients should discuss the problem with a doctor. Doctors can run tests to determine if blood is present in the urine, and whether other concerns suggest cancer. - Back or Pelvic Pain
In severe cases of bladder cancer, back or pelvic pain might develop. This is usually a sign of more advanced stages of the cancer or the formation of blood clots from the cancer.
Bladder cancer is a serious condition that requires treatment. While the symptoms of cancer are not exclusive to the condition, any warning sign is cause for concern. In around half of cases there are no symptoms and the cancer is detected during tests for other unrelated conditions. Bladder cancer most frequently affects people over 50 years of age and is more common among men. Read about cancer prevention in Cancer Holistic Preventive Program.