Bladder cancer: the common cancer many people still miss

For Bladder Cancer Awareness Month this May, leading charity Action Bladder Cancer UK is highlighting one of the most commonly overlooked warning signs of bladder cancer – blood in the urine.

Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, yet public awareness remains low. As a result, many patients face delays in diagnosis because early symptoms are not recognised or are dismissed.

To help address this, Action Bladder Cancer UK is urging the public to seek medical advice if they notice blood in their urine – even if it happens only once – and to become more aware of the disease.

Jeannie Rigby, CEO of Action Bladder Cancer UK, says: “Recognising the symptoms of bladder cancer is key to early diagnosis. Unfortunately, some cases are diagnosed late, leading to worse outcomes. Bladder cancer can be overlooked, particularly in women, where symptoms may be mistaken for urinary tract infections or gynaecological issues. You should never ignore blood in your urine, even if it only happens once. If you notice any symptoms, contact your GP promptly.”

For further information on how to get involved in Bladder Cancer Awareness Month, including accessing campaign resources, supporting the charity or simply finding out more, visit www.actionbladdercanceruk.org or email info@bladdercanceruk.org.