Bladder Cancer Symptoms
Affiliated: Find a Doctor | Symptoms | Treatment | Diagnosis
Symptoms of Bladder Cancer
A person may experience the following bladder cancer symptoms:
- Blood in the urine either visible (gross hematuria) or found during a urinalysis examination (microscopic hematuria) is most common.
- Frequent urination or feeling the need to urinate frequently without being able to do so (urgency).
- Pain during urination (dysuria).
All these symptoms can be signs of other non-cancerous conditions as well, so it is important to talk to a doctor to determine if further tests are required.
Incidence - Risk Factors
There are a number of variables or risk factors associated with bladder cancer:
- Age
As a person ages, his or her chances of developing bladder cancer increases. It most commonly develops in the 60- to 80-year old age group, although it can occur in people as young as in the 20’s.
- Smoking
A person who smokes has a two to three time greater risk of developing bladder cancer than a non-smoker.
- Certain Professions
People who work in an environment where they are exposed to carcinogens (substances that cause cancer) are more likely to get bladder cancer. Professions with the greatest risk are those that require the person to work with rubber, certain dyes, textiles, paint, and hairdressing supplies.
- Some Anti-cancer Drugs
Cyclophosphamide and arsenic (used for treating cancer) can increase the risk of bladder cancer.
- Race
Caucasians are twice as likely to develop bladder cancer than African Americans and Hispanics.
- Gender
It has been shown that bladder cancer in men is two to four times more likely to occur than bladder cancer in woman.
- Family History
Having a family member who has had bladder cancer increases a person’s likelihood of developing the disease.
- Personal History
A person who has had bladder cancer is more likely to get the disease again than a person who has not had bladder cancer.
Our Bladder Cancer Mission is You 
Patient Story > Adam Schaffer will never forget Thanksgiving Day 2007, when his then 6-year-old son accidentally kneed him in the groin during a playful bout of wrestling. A few hours later, Schaffer’s stream of urine was the color of blood.
Meet Our Doctors >
The Department of Urology at UCLA is one of the most progressive and comprehensive urology programs in the country. Our faculty members work side by side with research scientists for new cures and treatments for bladder cancer.
Make An Appointment > Our goal is to provide you with fast, easy access to the physicians and services at UCLA. For assistance in determining which UCLA urologist(s) may have expertise to help you, please call the Urology Appointment phone number:
(310) 794-7700
