Bladders age poorly, with urinary urgency and incontinence affecting a significant number of people over 50. But determining whether a more serious cause is at play is essential at this stage of life.
After crunching the numbers, health brand Jude revealed a staggering disparity in funding for UK charities, with bladder cancer receiving only £94 per case.
With early detection offering the best chances of improving treatment outcomes, here are five key warning signs never to ignore.
Dr Masarat Jilani, a medical doctor at Jude, explained how identifying the signs could prove life-saving.
Urinary issues can be indicative of cancer
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Blood in urine is by far the most common early sign of bladder cancer, according to medical experts. It may appear as pink, red, or rusty-coloured urine.
Even if blood in urine occurs just once, it should always be investigated by a doctor.
Another warning sign is needing to urinate more frequently than usual. A sudden change in urination patterns, especially if it disrupts daily life or sleep, could indicate a bladder issue and shouldn't be dismissed as simply a sign of ageing.
Pain or burning during urination is another symptom that warrants attention. While this is often caused by an infection, discomfort that persists despite antibiotic treatment should be properly investigated.
Many patients also report feeling the need to urinate even when their bladder is empty.
This sensation of urgency or incompleteness when passing urine could indicate bladder irritation and, while commonly associated with infections, deserves medical assessment to determine the underlying cause.
The fifth symptom to be aware of is persistent pelvic pain or lower back discomfort, particularly when accompanied by other urinary symptoms.
"The early warning signs of bladder cancer can easily be mistaken for a simple urinary tract infection, or even ignored by those who assume it's just the aches and pains of getting older - but spotting the signs early really matters," explained Dr Jilani.
"Blood in the urine, even if it only happens once and even if it's only a small amount, is never something to ignore and should be fully investigated."
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A lack of cancer funding can lead to low awareness of symptoms
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Dr Jilani further emphasised that "If you notice any change in your urinary habits, from urgency to going more often OR persistent pain in your lower back or pelvic region, it's time to speak to your GP.
"Most of the time, it won't be cancer, but if it is, early diagnosis can save your life."
A major consequence of bladder cancer's underfunding is that symptoms aren't widely recognised by the public.
Experts stress that knowing these warning signs and seeking prompt medical attention could significantly improve outcomes.
