Paying attention to any changes in your urine can enable you to take precautions against risky diseases in your body. Bladder cancer occurs when abnormal tissue growth, known as a tumor, develops in the bladder lining. The location of the tumor causes the first warning sign to often be experienced in the toilet. Hematuria is considered the most common symptom, occurring in 85 percent of cases. Hematuria, which is frequently seen in the community, is overlooked by being confused with various diseases.
GENERALLY NO PAIN
According to the NHS, hematuria is considered the “most common” symptom of bladder cancer.
Hematuria is the medical term for the presence of blood in the urine that can be seen with the naked eye or seen with a urine test. This serious symptom is usually painless, but you may notice it when you check the toilet bowl after going to the toilet.
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS THAT BLADDER CANCER IS THE MOST IMPORTANT SYMPTOM
The health service explains: “You may notice streaks of blood in your urine, or blood may turn your urine brown. Blood is not always noticeable and may come and go.”
Research published in the Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy also highlights hematuria as a key symptom of bladder cancer.
IT MAY ALSO BE A SYMPTOM OF OTHER DISEASES
Researchers explained that this warning sign is seen in about 85 percent of patients with the disease. They explained that the hematuria is triggered by the direct bleeding of the tumor, which defines the hemorrhage. Although blood in your urine is considered an important symptom of bladder cancer, hematuria can also be caused by a variety of benign conditions, such as urinary tract infections.
OTHER BLADDER CANCER SYMPTOMS
Besides blood in your urine, bladder cancer can also trigger symptoms including:
- The need to urinate more often
- sudden urge to urinate
- Burning sensation while urinating.
However, these symptoms are considered to be less common, according to health care.
HOW CAN YOU REDUCE THE RISK OF BLADDER CANCER?
While there is no sure way to prevent bladder cancer, it may be possible to reduce some risk factors. The American Cancer Society recommends quitting smoking because this habit is thought to cause about half of all bladder cancer cases.
Also, drinking lots of fluids, especially water, can help lower your risk.