Approximately 21,000 patients are diagnosed with bladder cancer each year in the UK, yet it is a cancer that is rarely talked about and many are unsure what symptoms to look out for.
During May, which is Bladder Cancer Awareness month, we are highlighting what symptoms you should look out for and why getting these checked out as soon as possible is so important.
Kathleen MacKenzie, Senior Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialist (Urology) for NHS Highland said: “The majority of people diagnosed with bladder cancer are over the age of 60 but people of all ages can also be affected by this disease.
“The most common symptom is blood in your urine. How obvious the blood is can vary but having this even once is enough reason to speak to your GP. Other symptoms are related to bladder irritation such as going to the toilet more frequently than normal, having to get up a lot during the night or finding urination painful.”
Patients will be referred to the Highland Urology Centre for initial investigation. They will attend for a scan of their kidneys and then have an inspection of their bladder using a thin telescope under local anaesthetic.
Kathleen added: “Early diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer can improve your chances of being cured so it is important to speak to your GP if you have any concerns. Smoking is a significant risk factor for bladder cancer and so it is important to consider stopping if you already smoke to reduce the risks.
“We really want everyone to be aware of the symptoms. Any blood that is passed in the urine must be investigated, even if it is just one episode. Please contact your GP if you are experiencing this so it can be investigated further.
“The charity Fight Bladder Cancer will have a stand in the Eastgate Centre in Inverness on Saturday 3rd May from 10am until 4pm. It will be manned by patients and some of our urology team. We’ll be happy to share details on where you can get further information and answer any questions you may have.”
Ness Bridge in Inverness will also be lit up orange from 3rd to 5th May 2025 to help raise awareness during Bladder Cancer Awareness month.
Find out more about bladder cancer at: