Cancer guide

Bladder cancer

Painless blood in the urine is the classic first sign — and needs a same-week workup. Most bladder cancers are caught at a non-invasive stage that's very treatable.

What to know first

  • About 75% of bladder cancers are non-muscle-invasive at diagnosis.
  • Cystoscopy (a scope look at the bladder) is the definitive test.
  • Smoking is by far the largest modifiable risk factor.

When to see a doctor

  • Any visible blood in the urine — even once, even painless
  • New or persistent urinary urgency, frequency, or burning without infection
  • Recurrent 'UTIs' in men, or UTIs that don't clear with antibiotics

Related guides

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