- Blood in your urine: If you notice that there’s blood in the toilet bowl or in your urine stream when you go to the bathroom, you should alert your physician right away. The blood may change the color from a light pink or orange to a dark or bright red. This is one of the prime symptoms of bladder cancer and a reason why early detection is so often possible. Don’t panic if you have this symptom, though. There are several other factors that can cause blood to appear in your pee. Kidney stones, an infection or a benign tumor are also common causes of blood in the urine.
- Frequent urination: Another common complaint among bladder cancer patients is the need to urinate more often than usual. This symptom can be caused by less serious conditions such as a kidney or bladder infection, but you should always see your doctor to rule out the possibility of bladder cancer and to resolve any other health concerns you may have.
- Painful urination: If you feel a burning or painful sensation when you pee, see your doctor. Again, ruling out bladder cancer is always best. You may simply have an infection, but it’s best to seek medical advice.
- Urgent urination: Another typical complaint that may signal bladder cancer is a feeling of needing to urinate immediately, even when you know your bladder is not full.
- Inability to urinate: The inability to urinate can become a serious health problem for multiple reasons. Seek medical attention right away and be sure to tell your healthcare team what other symptoms you may have experienced recently.
- Swelling in the feet: If you notice your feet are puffy and swollen, you should see your doctor. This could be another sign of bladder cancer.
- Bone pain: This is a symptom that can warn that cancer has moved into other areas of your body -- namely the bones. If you feel aches and pain in your bones, tell your physician and be sure to list all other ailments at your examination.
- Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss: This is a common symptom of many cancers, and any time that you experience anorexic ailments or unexpected weight loss, share that information with your healthcare provider. While there are many other possible explanations for these complaints, you should always make sure your doctor rules out the most serious concerns.