Bladder cancer is where a growth of abnormal tissue, known as a tumour, develops in the bladder lining. In some cases, the tumour spreads into the surrounding muscles.
The most common symptom of bladder cancer is blood in your urine, which is usually painless.
If you notice blood in your urine, even if it comes and goes, you should speak to your GP, so the cause can be investigated.
Read about the symptoms of bladder cancer
Blood in your urine is the most common symptom of bladder cancer.
The medical name for this is haematuria and it’s usually painless. You may notice streaks of blood in your urine or the blood may turn your urine brown. The blood isn’t always noticeable and it may come and go.
Less common symptoms of bladder cancer include:
a need to urinate on a more frequent basis
sudden urges to urinate
a burning sensation when passing urine
If bladder cancer reaches an advanced stage and begins to spread, symptoms can include:
pelvic pain
bone pain
unintentional weight loss
swelling of the legs