Need emergency help? Call 999 in United Kingdom.

Open local help
MyPHUMy Public Health Unit

Bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is cancer that's found anywhere in your bladder. It's more common if you're over the age of 60.

About this information

This NHS content is written for people in England. Services, entitlements and contact routes may differ in other countries.

Symptoms of bladder cancer

Symptoms

Tests and next steps for bladder cancer

Diagnosis

Treatment for bladder cancer

Medical treatments

Causes of bladder cancer

Causes

Causes of bladder cancer

Prevention

The main symptom of bladder cancer is blood in your pee. Other symptoms include pain or itching when you pee and pain in your back and lower tummy.

Tests for bladder cancer include a urine test and a cystoscopy, where a camera is passed into your bladder to see inside.

Surgery is the main treatment for bladder cancer. You may also have chemotherapy, targeted medicines, immunotherapy and radiotherapy.

It's not always clear what causes bladder cancer, but smoking or chewing tobacco is one of the main causes. Other causes are your genes and lifestyle.

You can lower your risk of getting bladder cancer by trying to quit smoking, losing weight and wearing protective clothes at work.

Main symptoms of bladder cancer

The main symptom of bladder cancer is blood in your pee.

Other symptoms include:

  • pain, burning, stinging or itching when you pee
  • getting lots of urinary tract infections
  • needing to pee more often
  • needing to pee very suddenly
  • losing your appetite and losing weight without trying to
  • pain in your back and lower tummy
  • aching, pain or tenderness in your bones
  • feeling very tired for no reason and feeling generally unwell

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

You have blood in your pee, even if:

  • you do not have any other symptoms
  • it's the first time it's happened
  • there's only a small amount of blood
  • you're not sure if it's blood

Blood in your pee may be bright pink, red or dark brown.

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online .

See a GP if:

  • you think you may have bladder cancer

Try not to be embarrassed. They'll be used to talking about these symptoms.

Who is more likely to get bladder cancer

It's not always known what causes bladder cancer.

You may be more likely to get bladder cancer if:

  • you're over the age of 60
  • you're a man
  • you smoke or use chewing tobacco
  • you've had a urinary catheter in for a long time
  • you've had radiotherapy for cancer before
  • you're overweight
  • a close relative has had bladder cancer
  • you have certain conditions, such as diabetes
  • you've worked with chemicals, such as those used in the textile industry, or handling carbon or crude oil
  • you've had an infection called schistosomiasis (bilharzia)

How to lower your risk of bladder cancer

You cannot always prevent bladder cancer, but there are things you can do to lower your chance of getting it.

Do

  • try to quit smoking

  • try to lose weight

  • wear protective clothes and masks if you work in a job where you're exposed to harmful chemicals

Main tests for bladder cancer

If a GP refers you to a specialist (urologist) because they think you could have bladder cancer, you'll have tests to check for cancer. You may have another urine test.

The main test for bladder cancer is a cystoscopy, where a thin camera is passed through the tube that carries pee out of your body (urethra) to see inside your bladder.

It may be uncomfortable, but it should not be painful. You'll have painkilling medicine so you do not feel any discomfort or pain, or it may be done while you're asleep (general anaesthetic).

During the cystoscopy, a small sample of the lining of your bladder may be taken for testing (called a biopsy).

Main treatments for bladder cancer

Bladder cancer can often be treated.

The treatment you'll have depends on:

  • the type of cancer you have
  • the size of the cancer
  • where it is
  • if it has spread
  • your general health

You'll usually be offered surgery to treat bladder cancer. You may also have chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted medicines.

Your specialist treatment team will:

  • explain the treatments, the benefits and side effects
  • work with you to make a treatment plan that's best for you
  • help you to manage the side effects of treatment

You'll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments. You may also have tests and scans.

If you have any symptoms or side effects that you're worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.

Where to find help and support for bladder cancer

You and your loved ones will be supported throughout your bladder cancer treatment by a group of specialists.

The clinical nurse specialist, or another member of your specialist team, will be able to give you information about local support services that you may find helpful.

There are also national cancer charities that offer support and information about bladder cancer.

Action Bladder Cancer UK

Information and support for anyone affected by bladder cancer.

Fight Bladder Cancer

Information and support for anyone affected by bladder cancer.

Macmillan Cancer Support

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

Cancer Research UK

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

Maggie's

Practical, emotional and social support for anyone affected by cancer.

Content supplied by the NHS website

Content supplied by the NHS website, refreshed 19 August 2026. View the original NHS article ↗

Licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 ↗. MyPHU is independent and is not endorsed by the NHS.