Bladder Cancer Signs & Symptoms

Bladder cancer often doesn't produce signs or symptoms in its early stages. The first warning sign is usually blood in your urine (hematuria). The blood may show up on a urine test, or your urine may appear reddish or darker than normal.

This doesn't necessarily mean you have bladder cancer, however. More common conditions — including a urinary tract infection, kidney disease, kidney or bladder stones, and prostate problems — can cause hematuria. These conditions can also cause other symptoms similar to those of bladder cancer. If you develop any of the signs and symptoms below, your doctor can help determine the exact cause:

Pelvic pain
Pain during urination
Frequent urination or feeling you need to urinate without being able to do so
Slowing of your urinary stream