Learn about bladder cancer
Don’t ignore blood in your urine or changes in your urinary habits. Talk to your doctor about your risk for bladder cancer.
Bladder cancer symptoms, risks and early detection
Bladder cancer is one of the top 10 most common cancers in the world. When bladder cancer is found early, people may have more options. That’s why being Bladder A.W.A.R.E matters.
Ask your doctor if you’re at risk for bladder cancer — it could help lead to earlier detection
What does Bladder A.W.A.R.E. stand for?
Gaps in awareness can impact the recognition of symptoms and diagnosis of bladder cancer. Bladder A.W.A.R.E. is an acronym designed to help you become more aware of your bladder health and what may be helpful to discuss with your doctor.
A — ask about your risk for bladder cancer
W — watch for symptoms
A — act fast, see a doctor
R — rule out possible causes
E — early detection matters
What are early signs of bladder cancer?
Certain symptoms may be an early sign of bladder cancer. Blood in your urine is usually the first sign, before pain or other symptoms appear. If you see blood in your urine, it should be evaluated right away—even if it goes away on its own. In most cases, blood in the urine doesn’t mean you have bladder cancer, but it’s important to see your doctor to rule out other causes. Talk to your doctor if you have new or worsening blood in your urine or changes in your urinary habits (urinary frequency, urgency, hesitancy or any discomfort).
Is there a screening test for bladder cancer?
There’s no regular screening for bladder cancer, so it’s important for people to be aware of the risk factors and symptoms to know when to act. If you have risk factors, and you’ve noticed certain changes in your urinary habits, your doctor may recommend tests to look for bladder cancer.
Bladder cancer resources
Awareness can help people take action sooner. Be the reason someone pays attention. Share these resources to help others learn the signs, understand the risks and be Bladder A.W.A.R.E.
Bladder A.W.A.R.E. infographic
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Doctor-patient discussion guide
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Don’t ignore blood in your urine or changes in your urinary habits
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A — ask about your risk for bladder cancer
Some people may have a higher chance of developing bladder cancer. It’s important to learn and discuss any potential individual risk factors with a doctor so you can make informed decisions about your health.
Some risk factors can’t be changed. For example, bladder cancer is more common in men than women, and risk increases after age 55.
Smoking is a major risk factor and causes about half of bladder cancer cases. People who smoke are at least three times as likely to get bladder cancer as people who don’t.
Bladder cancer doesn’t usually run in families. Most gene changes linked to bladder cancer develop during a person’s life—such as from chemical exposure or random gene changes— rather than from genes passed down through parents.
Some jobs may bring higher exposure to certain chemicals and fumes that increase risk for bladder cancer, including:
-Makers of rubber, leather, textiles and paint products
-Painters
-Printers
-Firefighters
-Hairdressers
-Truck drivers
-Machinists
W — watch for symptoms
Blood in urine (pee) is usually the first sign of bladder cancer, often before pain or other symptoms. It’s not always easy to detect and may not necessarily be red — blood can be orange, pink or dark red in color, and it can go away and come back.
Blood in urine may not be bladder cancer, but it’s never normal. It’s important to watch for any changes to your urine or urinary habits like:
- Pain or burning while peeing
- Feeling like you have to go right away, even when your bladder isn’t full
- Having trouble going or having a weak urine stream
- Getting up to go often during the night
A — act fast, see a doctor
If you notice any of these symptoms or have any other concerns, don’t wait — talk to a doctor.
Changes to your urine can be easy to dismiss, especially if it only happens once or doesn’t cause pain. But paying attention to changes in your body and how it functions is important.
While these symptoms may not be bladder cancer, acting quickly can help you get answers sooner.
R — rule out possible causes
Your doctor can help find what may be causing your symptoms by asking about your medical history, conducting a physical exam and by testing your urine and may order laboratory or other tests.
If you’re seeing your primary care doctor, you might also be referred to a urologist for further tests and treatment. A urologist is a doctor who specializes in diseases of the urinary system and the male reproductive system.
Since changes to urine and urinary habits can be linked to different health issues, this process may involve checking for — or ruling out — other causes such as:
- Bladder stones
- Kidney stones
- Urinary tract infection
- Kidney disease
E — early detection matters
Finding bladder cancer early by talking to your doctor about your health and any symptoms is critical.
Talk with your doctor about your risk for bladder cancer so you can take action for your health.
“Our goal is to reach patients sooner — before the disease advances. Many patients don’t recognize the warning signs for bladder cancer or feel comfortable talking about them. Breaking that silence is important, because awareness is the first step towards finding bladder cancer earlier.”
- Dr. M. Catherine Pietanza
Vice president, global clinical development, Merck Research Laboratories