Doctor says don't ignore bladder cancer symptom 'even once'

A doctor has urged people not to ignore the signs of bladder cancer, even if they 'only happen once'. GP Dr Masarat Jilani GP at Bladder Care Company Jude has explained which

symptoms to watch out for. Dr Jilani said: "The early warning signs of bladder cancer can easily be mistaken for a simple urinary tract infection, or even ignored by those who assume

it’s just the aches and pains of getting older - but spotting the signs early really matters. "Blood in the urine, even if it only happens once and even if it's only a small

amount, is never something to ignore and should be fully investigated. "If you notice any change in your urinary habits, from urgency to going more often or persistent pain in your

lower back or pelvic region it’s time to speak to your GP. Most of the time, it won’t be cancer, but if it is, early diagnosis can save your life. "One of the downsides of bladder

cancer not being as well funded as other cancers, is that the signs and symptoms are not always public knowledge. Knowing what to look out for and getting it seen to promptly can make all

the difference to the outcome.” FIVE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF BLADDER CANCER YOU SHOULDN’T IGNORE: BLOOD IN YOUR URINE This is by far the most common early sign, so never overlook it. It may

appear as pink, red, or rusty-coloured urine, and even if it only happens once, it should always be checked out by a doctor. NEEDING TO URINATE MORE OFTEN THAN USUAL A sudden change in how

often you need to go especially if it’s disrupting daily life or your sleep could indicate a bladder issue. This requires further investigation, don’t just write this off as signs of aging.

PAIN OR BURNING WHEN YOU URINATE More often than not this will just be an infection, however discomfort during urination should be properly investigated, particularly if antibiotics don’t

solve the problem. FEELING LIKE YOU NEED TO GO EVEN WHEN YOUR BLADDER IS EMPTY This is usually a sign your bladder is irritated by something, and that could simply be an infection but if you

experience an urgent or unfinished sensation it’s worth speaking to your doctor to assess what is causing it. PELVIC PAIN OR LOWER BACK DISCOMFORT Persistent pain in the lower back, or

pelvic region should be assessed by a doctor, especially if it’s accompanied by other urinary symptoms or otherwise unexplained.