Understanding Bladder Cancer and its Early Warning Sign

While bladder cancer may not be the first thing on your mind compared to other health concerns, recognizing its primary warning sign can lead to earlier detection and treatment.

Experts in the field include Arjun Balar, M.D., a medical oncologist affiliated with Eli Lilly & Co., and Ramkishen Narayanan, M.D., a urologist leading the Center for Urologic Health at the Disney Family Cancer Center in Burbank, CA.

Although bladder cancer is diagnosed more frequently in men, women are not immune to it. “A common misconception is that bladder cancer only affects older men,” says Dr. Balar. “However, more than 19,000 women are diagnosed with it annually in the United States.”

The most prevalent form of bladder cancer is urothelial carcinoma, which originates from the urothelium—a specialized layer of cells lining the urinary tract. Dr. Narayanan notes, “This layer is unique because it can change shape as the bladder fills and empties, hence the term transitional cell carcinoma.”

So, what’s the top sign that should prompt you to see a doctor? Dr. Narayanan mentions “gross painless hematuria,” which means blood in the urine without accompanying pain. “This might appear as a temporary episode of bloody urine that might come and go over several days or weeks,” he explains. “This is a concerning symptom because conditions like kidney stones or urinary tract infections usually involve pain.” Initially, bladder tumors might not cause any pain at all.

Furthermore, symptoms like an increased urge to urinate—especially if you don’t have a urinary tract infection—should be examined, particularly if you have additional risk factors such as a family history or previous smoking habits. If something feels off, it’s wise to consult with your physician. According to the American Cancer Society, early detection of bladder cancer, before it spreads, brings a 98% survival rate, underscoring the importance of prompt action for effective treatment.

Ultimately, maintaining awareness of your health could make all the difference.