5 Symptoms Of Bladder Cancer Every Woman Should Know
Even if you're vigilant about getting regular breast exams, Pap tests, and skin checks,
bladder cancer may not really be on your radar.
After all, it's far more common among men than women, and the majority of cases affect
patients over age 65.
But don't let those stats keep you from learning to spot the symptoms.
"Many people mistakenly think bladder cancer is only a disease of older men," says Arjun
Balar, MD, an oncologist at NYU Langone Medical Center.
"But there are more than 18,000 women who are diagnosed with this cancer every year
in the United States."
And because women may not be on the lookout for early bladder cancer symptoms, the Bladder
Cancer Advocacy Network reports that women are more likely to be diagnosed with bladder
cancer at an advanced stage.
Knowing the symptoms can help you get diagnosed sooner, which can improve your prognosis.
Here are a few warning signs to watch for.
Blood in your urine This is the most common early symptom of bladder
cancer, and it's an easy one for women to overlook especially because it's typically
painless and you can go weeks or even months between occurrences.
"Many women ignore this symptom because they connect it with menstruation or menopause,"
Balar says (in fact, take a look at these 6 symptoms that seem like menopause but may
be something scarier).
"Blood in the urine doesn't always mean you have bladder cancer, but it's important to
discuss with your doctor."
UTI-like symptoms
Bladder cancer can often be mistaken for a urinary tract infection, because many of the
symptoms overlap.
"Patients may experience increased frequency of urination, urgency to urinate, pain with
urination, or urinary incontinence," says Susan Constantino, MD, an oncologist with
UF Health Cancer Center at Orlando Health.
If you've noticed any pee-related problems you have to go all the time, or you feel like
you have to go but can't, or you have a hard time emptying your bladder or if antibiotics
don't seem to be helping your UTI symptoms, talk with your doctor.
Unexplained pain
"Pain is often associated with more advanced bladder cancers," Constantino says.
"The pain can be in the flank area, abdomen, or pelvis.
Patients can also develop pain in their bones if the cancer has spread to their bones."
If you're having aches and pains in those areas, tell your doctor especially if you've
also had the aforementioned spotting or UTI symptoms.
Decreased appetite
Appetite loss is a common cancer symptom, and bladder cancer is no exception.
If the cancer has grown or spread, Balar says, "You might have weight loss or feel tired
and weak."
Of course, there are plenty of other things that can mess with your appetite, so don't
automatically assume the worst—but do talk with your doctor about it if it persists.
Smoking
OK, so this isn't technically a symptom but according to the National Institutes of Health,
about 50% of women diagnosed with bladder cancer are smokers.
"Smoking is the biggest risk factor for bladder cancer," Constantino says.
If you notice any of the above symptoms and you smoke, let your doctor know ASAP.
Because it's easy to chalk up the symptoms to a stubborn UTI or normal spotting, Balar
says, "Bladder cancer may be overlooked in women, and they are not diagnosed until their
cancer has spread and it's harder to treat."
So if you're worried, don't just write off your symptoms.
Your doctor can determine if it's a minor infection or something more serious and if
it is bladder cancer, it's easier to treat if you catch it early.