4 Symptoms Of Bladder Cancer Every Woman Should Know

Medical experts will tell you that bladder cancer is far more common in men than in women. However, the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network reports that women are more likely to be diagnosed with bladder cancer at an advanced stage, because they miss the symptoms. Knowing these signs can help you get diagnosed sooner or relive your mind if its just a false alarm, as many of the signs of bladder cancer may be similar to other illnesses. Here are a few warning signs to watch for:

• UTI-LIKE SYMPTOMS

Urinary tract infection symptoms are very similar to bladder cancer symptoms. Its easy to confuse the two, especially by Doctors who do not know their onions well enough. One might experience increased frequency of urination, urgency to urinate, pain with urination, or urinary incontinence. If you’ve noticed any pee-related problems, like you have to go all the time, or you were diagnosed with UTI, but the antibiotics don’t seem to be helping, please report back to your doctor.

• UNEXPLAINED PAIN

“Pain is often associated with more advanced bladder cancers,” says Susan Constantino, M.D., an oncologist with UF Health Cancer Center at Orlando Health. “The pain can be in the flank area, abdomen, or pelvis. Patients can also develop pain in their bones if the cancer has spread to their bones.” If you’re having aches and pains in those areas, you may want to have your doctor look at it.

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• DECREASED APPETITE

According to experts, appetite loss is a common cancer symptom, and bladder cancer is no exception, especially if the cancer has grown or spread. “You might have weight loss or feel tired and weak.” Of course, there are plenty of other factors that can lead to loss of appetite, so don’t automatically assume the worst—but do talk to your doctor about it if it persists.