Bladder cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in America, affecting more than 70,000 adults in the U.S. each year, and contributing to 12,000 deaths annually. The disease occurs more frequently in older men than it does in women, but can affect anyone of any age. Bladder cancer begins in the cells of the bladder. Luckily bladder cancer is highly treatable if detected early, which often requires follow-up tests for years to prevent it from recurring.

To detect and treat bladder cancer, you must first recognize the symptoms. Below is a list of symptoms, which are used to help diagnose bladder cancer:

1. Blood in the urine
One of the most common symptoms of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, which can be quite alarming. The presence of blood in a person’s urine is also referred to as hematuria, which oftentimes can only be viewed under a microscope. Hematuria can be caused by a variety of conditions and diseases, which include kidney disease, blood disorders, and cancer. Noticing blood in your urine can signify serious health concerns, even if it only occurs once. Blood in the urine is often painless but can lead to worsening health complications. There are two types of hematuria, which include gross hematuria and microscopic hematuria. Gross hematuria will cause your urine to appear pink, red, or have spots of visible blood. Microscopic hematuria differs, which means the blood will not be visible and the only way to detect it is to have it examined under a microscope.

2. Painful urination
If you experience pain or irritation while urinating, this is another symptom of bladder cancer. A person who suffers from bladder cancer will often experience a painful discomfort when they urinate, which can originate in the bladder, urethra, or perineum. Painful urination is commonly caused by a UTI (urinary tract infection), which is in inflammation of the urinary tract. Another cause for painful urination is interstitial cystitis(IC), which is an inflammation of the bladder’s lining. Symptoms of patients who suffer from interstitial cystitis often experience pain and tenderness in the bladder, which can lead to difficulty urinating and Incontinence.

3. Incontinence or blocked urine
If you need to urinate, but feel as if something is blowing the flow of urine, this can be an indication of bladder cancer. Men who suffer from enlarged prostates often experience difficulty urinating. Although when it comes to bladder cancer, obstructive symptoms may not be as common as irritation symptoms, they both should be immediately addressed. If you’re having trouble urinating or notice a weak or intermittent flow of urine then you should make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

4. Lower back pain
Lower back pain is another common reason to visit your doctor, which can be an indicator of bladder cancer. Lower back pain can be caused by inflammation or diseases that affect the organs, such as, kidneys, spleen, liver, and bladder. Abdominal pain can also be caused by many conditions, which include abnormal growths, inflammation, and obstructions.

5. Unusual fatigue
If you suffer from bladder cancer, it can metastasize and spread to other parts of the body, which can lead to extreme fatigue and weakness. A person who suffers from advanced bladder cancer will often find themselves unusually tired, which can affect their ability to perform tasks they normally would be able to easily complete. In addition to feeling tired, you may also feel extremely weak and have difficulty lifting, standing, or walking short distances.