What Are the 3 Warning Signs of Bladder Cancer You Need to Watch Out For?

Bladder cancer is a serious but often overlooked disease. Many people ask, “What are the 3 warning signs of bladder cancer?”

The answer is blood in the urine (hematuria), frequent or painful urination, and an urgent need to urinate even when the bladder is not full.

These three symptoms often appear in the earliest stages and may be dismissed as minor urinary problems. However, recognizing them quickly can make the difference between early treatment and late detection.

In the sections below, we’ll answer common questions about bladder cancer while emphasizing why knowing these three warning signs is so critical.

At Hong Kong DengYue Medicine, we emphasize the importance of understanding these warning signs to help healthcare professionals and patients identify bladder cancer early and choose the most effective treatments.

Bladder Cancer Treatments: Key Therapies You Should Know

Balversa (Erdafitinib)

BALVERSA is an oral targeted therapy for bladder cancer with FGFR gene changes. It provides a personalized option for metastatic bladder cancer patients. Side effects include eye issues, electrolyte imbalance, and skin problems.

Enfortumab Vedotin

Enfortumab Vedotin targets cancer cells in chemotherapy-resistant bladder cancer. It delivers a potent drug directly to tumors, showing significant tumor reduction. Common side effects are fatigue, neuropathy, and skin reactions.

Gemcitabine Hydrochloride Injection

Gemcitabine is a chemotherapy drug used for bladder cancer, slowing tumor growth. Often combined with cisplatin, it improves survival rates in patients with advanced bladder cancer. Side effects include low blood counts and fatigue, requiring close monitoring.

What Is the Survival Rate for Bladder Cancer?

When discussing bladder cancer outcomes, one of the most important questions is the survival rate. Patients often wonder, “What are the 3 warning signs of bladder cancer?” because catching the disease in time has a direct impact on prognosis.

The 5-year survival rate for people with bladder cancer varies greatly depending on the stage. For localized, non-muscle invasive cases, survival rates are relatively high, sometimes exceeding 70–80%.

Once the cancer spreads to surrounding tissues or distant organs, survival decreases. This is why noticing the early warning signs—blood in the urine, frequent urination, and painful urination—is so important.

Detecting cancer at its earliest stage can improve both treatment options and long-term survival.

Is Cancer of the Bladder Curable?

The answer depends on when the cancer is diagnosed. Many patients ask, “What are the 3 warning signs of bladder cancer?”, because they know that early detection can mean the difference between cure and long-term management.

In the earliest stages, bladder cancer can often be treated successfully with surgery, immunotherapy, or targeted therapies.

In some cases, patients achieve complete remission. However, advanced bladder cancer may be harder to cure, requiring continuous treatment to control the disease.

The best chance for a cure is recognizing symptoms such as blood in the urine, frequent urination, or urinary urgency before the cancer spreads. These signs should never be ignored, no matter how mild they may seem.

What Is the First Stage of Bladder Cancer?

The first stage of bladder cancer is usually referred to as non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). At this stage, the tumor is confined to the inner lining of the bladder and has not yet penetrated deeper layers.

Patients often wonder, “What are the 3 warning signs of bladder cancer?”, because these signs—blood in the urine, painful urination, and sudden urgency—are frequently the first indicators.

Stage 1 bladder cancer is considered highly treatable, with a strong chance of positive outcomes if addressed promptly.

Treatment may include surgical removal of the tumor (TURBT), intravesical therapy, or ongoing monitoring. Recognizing and acting on early symptoms is the most effective way to catch the disease before it progresses.

How Does Bladder Cancer Begin?

Bladder cancer often begins when urothelial cells in the bladder start to grow uncontrollably. These cells, which line the inside of the bladder, may undergo genetic changes due to smoking, chemical exposure, or inherited risk factors.

Many people ask, “What are the 3 warning signs of bladder cancer?”, because the earliest stages of this abnormal cell growth are typically detected through symptoms.

Blood in the urine, even if it comes and goes, is the most common sign. Painful or frequent urination can also indicate that something is wrong.

While other conditions can cause similar symptoms, it’s always safer to consult a doctor. Understanding how bladder cancer starts emphasizes the importance of paying attention to those early warning signs.

Who Is Most At Risk of Bladder Cancer?

Risk factors for bladder cancer include age, gender, smoking, and workplace exposure to certain chemicals.

Men are more likely than women to develop bladder cancer, and the risk increases with age, especially after 55. People frequently ask, “What are the 3 warning signs of bladder cancer?”, because regardless of risk factors, anyone can develop the disease.

Smokers are particularly vulnerable since harmful chemicals from tobacco concentrate in the urine, directly affecting the bladder lining.

Even if you are not in a high-risk group, recognizing blood in the urine, pain during urination, or sudden urgency should never be overlooked. Risk awareness combined with attention to symptoms helps ensure earlier detection and better treatment outcomes.

Who Is Most at Risk of Bladder Cancer?

Risk factors for bladder cancer include age, gender, smoking, and workplace exposure to certain chemicals. Men are more likely than women to develop bladder cancer, and the risk increases with age, especially after 55.

People frequently ask, “What are the 3 warning signs of bladder cancer?”, because regardless of risk factors, anyone can develop the disease.

Smokers are particularly vulnerable since harmful chemicals from tobacco concentrate in the urine, directly affecting the bladder lining.

Even if you are not in a high-risk group, recognizing blood in the urine, pain during urination, or sudden urgency should never be overlooked.

Risk awareness combined with attention to symptoms helps ensure earlier detection and better treatment outcomes.

FAQ about What Are the 3 Warning Signs of Bladder Cancer You Need to Watch Out For?