Bladder cancer often has subtle symptoms in its early stages and is sometimes mistaken for a serious condition. However, early detection is crucial for effective treatment. If you experience any of the following warning signs, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis. Let’s take a look at the six main symptoms of bladder cancer.

1. Blood in the urine (hematuria)
   One of the most common and early warning signs of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, known as hematuria. The blood can be pale pink or orange to deep red. Sometimes blood can only be detected by a urine test and may not be visible to the naked eye. Hematuria can be intermittent, disappear, and reappear over time, but small amounts of blood in the urine should not be ignored.

Blood in the urine can be caused by other conditions, such as urinary tract infections or kidney stones, but it’s the most common symptom of bladder cancer, so it’s important to get checked out by your healthcare provider.

2. Frequent urination
   Bladder cancer can irritate the bladder wall, increasing the urgency and frequency of urination. Even if your fluid intake hasn’t increased, you may need to urinate more often than usual. The urge to urinate often occurs at night and disturbs your sleep.

This symptom may resemble a urinary tract infection or an overactive bladder, but if it persists for no apparent reason, it could indicate a more serious condition, such as bladder cancer.