Bladder Cancer Symptoms and Signs

November 25, 2024

This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by Kevin G. Chan, M.D., clinical professor, division of urology and urologic oncology, Department of Surgery, City of Hope^® Cancer Center Duarte

Bladder cancer signs and symptoms are varied and may change, according to how advanced the cancer is. Symptoms are changes in the body that a person notices, while signs are objective indicators of disease that others may observe or measure. Together, symptoms and signs may help point doctors to a bladder cancer diagnosis.

Some people with bladder cancer have no signs or symptoms at all. Even if someone has the signs or symptoms discussed below, they might be caused by something other than bladder cancer. It is important for people to see a doctor if they have any of these possible cancer indicators.

Symptoms of Bladder Cancer

Symptoms of bladder cancer tend to be related to changes in urination patterns. Advanced bladder cancer that has spread outside of the bladder might cause symptoms in other parts of the body as well.

Common Bladder Cancer Symptoms

The most common early symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, also called hematuria. Sometimes, the amount of blood is so small that it is only detectable through a microscope. Sometimes, urine with blood in it may be tinged orange or pink. It is less common that hematuria would cause the urine to be dark red, but it is possible. Over time, these symptoms may come and go. Urine may even remain clear for weeks or longer and then blood may reappear.

Other common bladder cancer symptoms may include changes in urination patterns, such as:

• Urinating often
• Feeling the need to urinate, even without a full bladder
• Pain or burning while urinating

Symptoms of Advanced Bladder Cancer

As cancer in the bladder grows or spreads to other parts of the body, it may cause other symptoms. Some of these symptoms may include:

• Not being able to urinate
• Bone pain
• Pain in the abdomen
• Lower back pain on one side
• Feeling weak or tired
• Swollen feet
• Unexpected weight loss
• Loss of appetite

These symptoms may be connected to several conditions, so having one or more does not necessarily mean cancer is present. However, anyone with these symptoms should talk to a doctor, preferably a urologist (a doctor who specializes in conditions related to the urinary tract), to find out what might be causing them.

Bladder Cancer Symptoms in Women Versus Men

Men are about four times more likely than women to be diagnosed with bladder cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 65,080 men and about 19,790 women will be diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2025.

The symptoms of bladder cancer are largely the same in both sexes, but women tend to be diagnosed at more advanced stages. They also tend to be diagnosed with higher grade cancer, which tends to grow and spread more quickly. As a result, women with bladder cancer often have poorer outcomes than men.

One reason women tend to be diagnosed later is because they are less likely than men to be referred to a urologist when blood is in their urine. They are also less likely to have a procedure called cystoscopy to look for signs of cancer in the bladder. During a cystoscopy, a long, thin tube is inserted through the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) and into the bladder. A light and a lens on the end of the tube allow the doctor to examine the bladder.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of bladder cancer should be checked by a doctor to figure out the cause. Most cancers, including bladder cancer, are more easily treated when diagnosed early.