Bladder Cancer Screening

Urine screening can detect cancer and other problems in both the kidneys and the bladder. It consists of a dipstick test for the presence of blood and other specific substances in the urine and is often performed at routine doctor visits. If the abnormality is confirmed by the examination of urine under the microscope, a thorough evaluation of the entire urinary tract is performed including X-rays, further urine tests and a special bladder examination by the urologist called cystoscopy.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of bladder cancer include:

  • Blood in the urine (making the urine slightly rusty to deep red),

  • Pain during urination, and

  • Frequent urination, or feeling the need to urinate without results.

These symptoms are not sure signs of bladder cancer. Infections, benign tumors, bladder stones, or other problems also can cause these symptoms. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor so that the doctor can diagnose and treat any problem as early as possible. People with symptoms like these may see their family doctor or a urologist, a doctor who specializes in diseases of the urinary system.

National Cancer Institute (NCI) booklet (NIH Publication No. 01-1559)
Posted July 2006