When it comes to recognizing cancer symptoms, we are often advised on what warning signs to look for.

However, there is one form of cancer frequently referred to as the “silent” cancer because it typically does not exhibit symptoms until it has reached an advanced stage. This type of cancer can easily be mistaken for less serious health conditions, making it difficult to detect early. Despite this, there are certain warning signs to be aware of.

The Silent Cancer

According to Cancer Research UK, around 10,400 new cases of bladder cancer are diagnosed annually in the United Kingdom. This places it as the 11th most common cancer in the country, with more than one person receiving a diagnosis every hour. Bladder cancer develops when tumors or abnormal tissue growths form in the bladder lining. Unfortunately, it is often not discovered until the disease has significantly progressed.

Bladder Cancer Symptoms

One of the most common signs of bladder cancer is the presence of blood in the urine. However, this symptom can also be associated with a urinary tract infection (UTI). Studies suggest that over 50% of women and 10% of men will experience a UTI at some point in their lives.

Symptoms of a UTI include intense pain and a frequent, urgent need to urinate. Because of these similarities, many individuals may assume they have a UTI when, in reality, their symptoms could indicate bladder cancer.

Other Bladder Cancer Symptoms

According to Action Bladder Cancer UK, half of all individuals diagnosed with this disease eventually succumb to it. This makes early detection and treatment critical, as survival rates increase to 80% when the cancer is caught early.