The short answer
The most common sign of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, which may make it look pink, red, or brown. Other signs include urinating often or pain when urinating. Blood in the urine should always be checked.
Blood in the urine is the most common sign of bladder cancer.
The urine may look pink, red, or brown, or the blood may be seen only on a test.
Other signs include needing to urinate often or pain when urinating.
Blood in the urine has many causes, but should always be checked.
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The full explanation.
The simple version
The bladder stores urine. The most common sign of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, which may make it look pink, red, or brown. This has many causes, but it should always be checked.
Signs to know
Possible signs include:
- Blood in the urine (the most common sign)
- Needing to urinate more often than usual
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Feeling the need to urinate without being able to
Usually not cancer
Blood in the urine often comes from infections, kidney or bladder stones, or other causes rather than cancer. But because it can be a sign of bladder cancer, it should always be evaluated.
Blood in the urine should always be checked, even though it is usually not cancer.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for any blood in the urine, or for ongoing urinary symptoms. Because smoking is the biggest risk factor, let your doctor know if you smoke or used to.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸What is the most common sign?
Blood in the urine (hematuria) is the most common sign. It may make the urine look pink, red, or brown, or it may be found only on a urine test.
▸What other symptoms occur?
Other possible signs include needing to urinate more often, pain or burning when urinating, or feeling the need to urinate without being able to.
▸Does blood in the urine mean cancer?
Usually not. It often comes from infections, stones, or other causes. But because it can be a sign of bladder cancer, it should always be checked.
▸What raises the risk?
Smoking is the biggest risk factor for bladder cancer. Certain workplace chemical exposures also raise risk.
Questions to ask your doctor
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