# Bladder cancer symptoms: blood in the urine

> Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/symptoms

## In short

Blood in your pee — even once, even if it does not hurt — is the main symptom of bladder cancer. Needing to pee often or urgently, or repeated urine infections, also need a check. About 10,000 people are diagnosed in the UK each year. Smoking causes around half of cases. Stage 1 survival is over 95% when it is found early.

Blood can come and go. Do not wait for it to come back. GPs take visible haematuria in adults seriously.

## Which symptoms should you report?

Visible blood is the headline. You do not need pain or clots.

- Blood in your pee — even once, even if painless
- Needing to pee very often or urgently
- Burning when you pee that is not a simple infection
- Urine infections that keep coming back

## Why is smoking the biggest risk?

Chemicals in tobacco are filtered into urine and contact the bladder lining for years. Stopping smoking lowers the chance of new tumours even after a diagnosis.

## Is this the same as kidney cancer blood in the urine?

The symptom overlaps. Urology tests look at both the bladder (camera) and the kidneys (scan) so the source is found.

## Key takeaways

- Painless blood in the urine should be checked even once.
- Smoking causes around half of bladder cancers.
- Early-stage survival is over 95%.

## Related pages in this guide

- Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bladder-cancer
- Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/symptoms
- Cystoscopy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/tests
- Treatment: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/treatment

## Frequently asked questions

### Can beetroot mimic blood in urine?

It can colour urine. If you see red or brown urine, still tell a GP rather than assuming food.

### Do women get bladder cancer?

Yes, though it is more common in men. The same symptom rules apply.

### Do you fund bladder cancer treatment overseas?

When a partner urologist has recommended it for a patient who cannot pay.

## How you can help

World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency

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This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health.