Bladder Cancer: Symptoms
Seeing a health care provider at the first sign of symptoms is the best way to find and treat bladder cancer. The earlier bladder cancer is found, the easier it is to treat.
What are the symptoms of bladder cancer?
These are some of the early symptoms of bladder cancer:
Blood in your urine
Bloody urine is often the first sign of bladder cancer. The color of urine may be pink, light rusty, or deep red, depending on the amount of blood. There may be clots of blood in the urine.
A change in urinary habits
Signs of bladder cancer include:
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Urinating more often than normal.
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Burning, discomfort, or pain when you urinate.
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Feeling a need to urinate right away.
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Trouble urinating.
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A weak urine stream.
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Needing to get up to urinate many times during the night.
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Feeling a need to urinate when the bladder isn't full.
When to see your doctor
Many of these symptoms may be caused by other, more common health problems. But it's important to see a health care provider if you have these symptoms. Only a health care provider can tell if you have cancer.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Jessica Gotwals RN BSN MPH
Online Medical Reviewer:
Susan K. Dempsey-Walls RN
Date Last Reviewed:
2/1/2025
© 2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions.