Bladder Cancer

Same Symptoms. Different Story

In the UK, over 20,000 people are diagnosed with bladder cancer each year, yet it is still not widely recognised as a common cancer. 

Symptoms of bladder cancer can overlap with the symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI) in both men and women as well as gynaecological conditions and peri- and post-menopausal symptoms in women.

The key symptoms to look out for are:

• Blood in pee (even just once)
• Urinary tract infection (UTI) that keeps returning
• Pain, burning or stinging when peeing
• Peeing urgently or more often than usual

The earlier bladder cancer is diagnosed the more likely the person concerned will have a better outcome. It is vital that we work to raise awareness of the symptoms of bladder cancer.

Around half of all bladder cancers are caused by tobacco use. Using any type of tobacco product, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes and shisha, is the biggest cause of preventable bladder cancer in the UK

How smoking may increase risk?

Chemicals in tobacco get into the bloodstream. They are then filtered out of the blood by the kidneys and end up in the urine. When the urine is stored in the bladder, these chemicals are in contact with the bladder lining. Chemicals called arylamines are known to cause bladder cancer. Arylamines in cigarette smoke may be the cause of the increased risk

For more information about bladder cancer visit Action Bladder Cancer UK or the NHS website

Published: Jun 3, 2026