'Silent cancer' symptom often mistaken for common infection

'Silent cancer' symptom often mistaken for common infection It is the 11th most common cancer in the UK A "silent" cancer may display similar symptoms to those of other, less serious health conditions. It is the 11th most common cancer in the UK, with around 10,900 new cases every year, or 30 every day. This equates to more than one diagnosis every single hour, according to Cancer Research figures. Bladder cancer is often dubbed "silent" because it frequently shows no symptoms until it has advanced. It occurs when a growth of abnormal tissue, known as a tumour, develops in the lining of the bladder. The most widespread symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, which can also indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI). Several other warning signs also overlap with the symptoms of a UTI. The desperate and persistent urge to use the toilet, coupled with an intense, lingering pain, is something many people will recognise. More than half of women and 10% of men will experience a UTI at some point in their lives. This makes it all too easy to dismiss this potentially critical warning sign of bladder cancer, mistaking the discomfort for an infection, while the more serious underlying issue goes undetected, as reported by Surrey Live. Sadly, bladder cancer claims the lives of around half of those affected, according to charity Action Bladder Cancer UK. However, identifying the symptoms early and securing a prompt diagnosis can prove life-saving, with an 80% survival rate if the disease is caught in time. Other symptoms include needing to urinate more frequently, experiencing sudden or more urgent urges to use the toilet, and/or a burning sensation when passing urine - all of which can also be indicators of a UTI. Should bladder cancer progress to an advanced stage and spread, symptoms may include: - pelvic pain - bone pain - swelling of the legs - unintentional weight loss NHS guidance advises that you should request an urgent GP appointment or seek assistance from NHS 111 if you notice blood in your urine, even if you have no other symptoms, it's the first time it has occurred, there's only a small amount of blood, or you're unsure whether it is blood. Blood may appear bright pink, red, or dark brown. In most cases it isn't caused by anything serious, and could be down to - as mentioned above - a UTI, or other factors such as kidney stones or an enlarged prostate, but it is vital to get yourself checked over.