A "silent" cancer can display symptoms similar to those of other less serious health conditions. Approximately 10,300 new bladder cancer cases are diagnosed in the UK annually, according to Cancer Research figures.
This equates to more than one case every hour, making bladder cancer the 11th most common cancer in the UK. The disease, termed "silent" because it frequently shows no symptoms until it has advanced, develops when abnormal tissue growth, a tumour, forms in the bladder lining.
Blood in urine is the most common symptom of bladder cancer, which can also indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI). Several other warning signs also overlap with UTI symptoms.
The urgent and persistent urge to urinate and a sharp, persistent pain is something many people have experienced. More than half of women and 10% of men will suffer a UTI at some point.
This means it is easy to dismiss this silent potential warning sign of bladder cancer, mistaking the uncomfortable pain for an infection, whilst the more serious issue goes undetected, reports Surrey Live.
Unfortunately, bladder cancer claims the lives of around half of those diagnosed, according to charity Action Bladder Cancer UK. However, identifying the bladder symptom early and receiving a prompt diagnosis can be life-saving, with an 80% survival rate if detected early enough.
Other symptoms to look out for include an increased need to urinate, a sudden or urgent need to pee, and/or a burning sensation when passing urine - all of which can also be signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Bladder cancer reaches an advanced stage and has spread, symptoms may include:
The NHS advises that you should seek an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if you notice blood in your urine, even if it's the first time it has occurred, there's only a small amount of blood, or you're unsure if it's blood. The blood may appear bright pink, red, or dark brown.
While this is usually not indicative of anything serious and could be caused by a UTI, kidney stones or an enlarged prostate, as mentioned above, it is very important to get checked out.
