Rule out bladder cancer first if you have urination problems

Having problems with urinating? It could be a sign of bladder cancer, especially among older men.

When to see the doctor

Bladder cancer signs and symptoms can include:

• Blood in urine (haematuria)

• Painful urination

• Pelvic pain

• Back pain

• Having to urinate more than usual

• Feeling the urge to urinate even if the bladder is not full

• Lower back pain on one side

• Weak urine stream

• Fatigue and weakness

• Loss of appetite and weight

The most common complaint doctors usually hear is painless blood in the urine.

Preventive Measures

There are a few ways to reduce the risk of bladder cancer:

• Stop smoking

Smoking is the biggest and most common risk factor for bladder cancer.

• Beware of chemicals

If you work with chemicals, follow all safety instructions to avoid exposure.

And follow the necessary protocols in occupational screening for cancers.

• Secondary prevention

If you have blood in the urine, either visible or identified during urine microscopic examination, see your urologist within two weeks of discovering the symptom.

Even if it goes away, you should still meet the urologist for a proper assessment.

Blood in the urine is the most common symptom of bladder cancer and should not be ignored.

You can achieve a reasonably high cure rate if bladder cancers are diagnosed early.

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