Experts have issued a warning over the "red flag" bladder cancer symptoms that people should be aware of as some signs can be mistaken for other medical conditions.
Considered to be the 11th most common type of cancer in the UK, there are around 10,300 people diagnosed with bladder cancer every year, states Cancer Research UK. Public Health Scotland's most recent report saw some 1,460 patients diagnosed with bladder cancer in Scotland from April 2019 to March 2020.
In time for Bladder Cancer Awareness Month, medical negligence experts at Fletchers Group breaking down the key signs of bladder cancer, and what to do if you suspect that you may have the disease.
The NHS cites blood in your urine - or haematuria - as the most common sign of bladder cancer with research showing 80 per cent of Brits experiencing this symptom. However, there are a range of other signs people should be looking out for.
The experts add: "Other red flag symptoms that our clients have experienced can include needing to urinate frequently, urgently, or feeling a burning sensation when urinating.
"Patients suffering from advanced bladder cancer may experience symptoms such as pain in their pelvis or bones, swollen legs, or unexpected weight loss.
"It's important to note that all of these symptoms can be related to other medical conditions and may not result from bladder cancer. However, medical guidance is to consult your GP should any of these symptoms arise to determine whether cancer is the cause."
They add that smokers are four times more likely to develop bladder cancer than non-smokers, with other popular causes including exposure to chemicals and suffering from long-term or regular urinary tract infections (UTIs).
The medical negligence specialists have also outlined what the process should look like if you are displaying any of these red flag symptoms and want to get checked.
"We would expect your GP to refer you to a specialist should they believe that you are displaying symptoms that could be a sign of bladder cancer," explain the Fletchers Group experts.
"You should be referred to see a specialist in two weeks if it is suspected that you might have cancer. This specialist should then carry out a number of tests to determine whether your symptoms are an indication of bladder cancer", the experts add.
"These guidelines state that you should be referred urgently if you are 45 or older and have blood in your urine, either without an infection or with an infection that consistently returns even after treatment.”
"You should also receive an urgent referral if you are 60 and over and have either displayed blood in your urine, have experienced pain when urinating, or if you have a high white blood cell count."
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