Bladder Cancer Survivors Share the ‘Most Common’ Symptom They Noticed Before Diagnosis

Bladder cancer survivors across the United States are speaking out about the early warning sign they almost all experienced before their diagnosis—and why no one should ignore it.

According to the American Cancer Society, there are about 83,190 new bladder cancer cases diagnosed in the U.S. each year, making it one of the more common cancers, especially in older adults. It is the fourth most common cancer in men and is more than three times more common in men than in women.

While risk factors include age, smoking, certain workplace chemical exposures, and genetics, a significant number of bladder cancer cases are potentially preventable. Catching symptoms early can dramatically improve treatment outcomes, which is why survivors are urging others to recognize the signs.

The Most Common Symptom: Blood in Urine

The number one early symptom, according to both survivors and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is blood in the urine—even in small amounts. This symptom, called hematuria, may be bright red or just a faint pink, and sometimes it occurs only once.

Dr. Arthur Hamberger, a Texas-based physician and three-time cancer survivor at the time, noticed what he described as “the slightest shade of pink you can imagine” in his urine back in 2018. It happened only once, but he knew enough not to ignore it.

Bladder Cancer Survivors Have Spoken Out About the 'Most Common' Symptoms They All Experienced

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He immediately contacted a urologist and underwent a CT urogram, a scan of the urinary tract. “It showed I had a fairly large tumor in my bladder and a mass in my pancreas,” recalled Dr. Hamberger, who was 73 at the time.

Thanks to his quick action, surgeons removed the bladder tumor while preserving his bladder, and he also underwent surgery for pancreatic cancer. Today, he is a six-time cancer survivor.

“If it were not for that little bit of blood in my urine, they would have never found the tumor in my pancreas,” he said.

Understanding the Psychology of Symptom Recognition

Recognizing and interpreting one's own physical symptoms is a complex psychological process. Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist and author, emphasizes that "the way we perceive our health is often influenced by our mental state and societal narratives," highlighting how individual health literacy and societal stigma can shape symptom recognition (Dr. Ramani Durvasula). This intricate interplay can complicate the journey to understanding one's health and seeking appropriate care.

Bladder Cancer Survivors Have Opened Up About the 'Red Flag' Warning

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For Austin, Texas resident Margo Wickersham, the warning sign also appeared as a light pink tint in her urine—first one morning, then the next, and then it disappeared. “It was just a little blood, and it was pink, not red,” she said. “But I was a 57-year-old woman and post-menopausal, so there were not a lot of reasons to explain it.”

A urine test ruled out a urinary tract infection, and when a nurse practitioner at her OB-GYN’s office suggested “keeping an eye on it,” Margo decided to push for answers. She made an appointment with a urologist, who performed a cystoscopy—a procedure in which a thin tube with a camera is inserted into the bladder.

The test revealed a small bladder tumor. It turned out to be highly aggressive stage 1 bladder cancer. Further testing at MD Anderson Cancer Center confirmed the diagnosis and also revealed a rare form of the disease known as plasmacytoid cancer, which is prone to recurrence.

“You can’t always go by how you feel,” Margo said. “I felt completely fine, but I had blood in my urine. If your urine has blood in it, that’s a red flag. See a doctor.”

Other Symptoms to Watch For

While blood in urine is the most common sign of bladder cancer, other possible symptoms include:

• Pain, burning, stinging, or itching during urination
• Frequent urinary tract infections
• Needing to urinate more often than usual
• Sudden, urgent need to urinate
• Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
• Pain in the lower back or pelvic area
• Bone pain or tenderness
• Persistent fatigue or feeling generally unwell

Bottom Line

Bladder cancer can be aggressive, but it is often treatable when caught early. Survivors stress that even a faint hint of blood in urine should never be ignored—it’s a sign to schedule a prompt evaluation with a healthcare provider.

For more information on bladder cancer symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, visit the American Cancer Society’s official website or talk to your doctor.

Interestingly, research has shown that men and women may perceive and report symptoms differently. Dr. Angela Duckworth, a renowned psychologist and author, states, "Men often underreport their symptoms due to social conditioning, which can lead to later diagnoses of conditions like bladder cancer." This perspective aligns with findings from various studies indicating that women tend to report more severe levels of pain and longer durations of discomfort compared to men. According to the Angela Duckworth website, this discrepancy in reporting could potentially explain why bladder cancer is more common in men—if they're less likely to report symptoms, it may be diagnosed later when the disease is more advanced.

The Role of Fear and Denial

Another important aspect of symptom recognition is the psychological response to potential illness. Fear and denial can play significant roles, leading to delayed diagnoses and poorer health outcomes. Dr. Susan David, an emotional agility expert, emphasizes that "the emotional responses to illness can often cloud judgment, making it harder for individuals to seek help." This aligns with findings from her work on emotional resilience, which highlights the importance of addressing these feelings to improve health outcomes. Raising awareness about early symptoms is therefore critical, as Dr. David notes on her website, susandavid.com.

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Early detection is key to improved outcomes in bladder cancer and many other diseases. However, there's a psychological component to this process that's often overlooked. Dr. Kelly Brogan, a psychiatrist, emphasizes that "the mind-body connection plays a crucial role in how we perceive and respond to symptoms." Understanding the psychological factors that influence symptom recognition and prompt medical help-seeking behavior can help us develop better strategies for early detection and intervention. This underscores the importance of continued research into the psychological aspects of symptom recognition and reporting, as well as the need for educational programs that address these issues (Dr. Kelly Brogan; Dr. Madeline Levine; Dr. Ramani Durvasula).