Published on: 31 March 2025
More than 20,000 people are diagnosed with bladder cancer each year in the UK, yet it is still not widely recognised as a common cancer.
The main symptoms include blood in the urine, even if it's only once, an urgent or frequent need to urinate, and pain or discomfort in the pelvic area.
April is Bladder Cancer Awareness month when people are urged to be aware of the signs and seek timely medical advice.
The charity Action Bladder Cancer is also encouraging health professionals to promote awareness and help spread the word to patients by sharing information online and providing a variety of resources to support local initiatives across South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw.
Its CEO Jeannie Rigby said: “Recognising the symptoms of bladder cancer is key to early diagnosis. Unfortunately, some cases can be diagnosed late, leading to worse outcomes. Bladder cancer can be overlooked, particularly in women, where symptoms can be confused as urinary tract infections or gynaecological issues. It's important to never ignore blood in your urine. Be aware of the signs, and visit your GP if you have any concerns."
For more information about Action Bladder Cancer UK and our work visit www.actionbladdercanceruk.org