Skip to main content

What are the symptoms of bladder cancer?

The most common symptoms of bladder cancer include blood in the urine, frequent urination, pain during urination, and pain in the pelvis, lower abdomen, or lower back.

The most common symptoms of bladder cancer are: 

  • blood in the urine (haematuria) or a sudden change [21] in urine colour – slightly rusty to bright red [22]
  • feeling the need to urinate immediately or passing urine frequently  
  • pain or a burning feeling during urination 
  • loss of appetite and weight loss 
  • pain in the pelvis, lower abdomen or lower back – this is less common [23]. 

Many conditions can cause these symptoms, not just bladder cancer. If you have any of these symptoms, it is important that they are discussed with a doctor. Blood in the urine should never be ignored. 

Cancer Australia

Cancer Australia was established by the Australian Government in 2006 to benefit all Australians affected by cancer, and their families and carers. Cancer Australia aims to reduce the impact of cancer, address disparities and improve outcomes for people affected by cancer by leading and coordinating national, evidence-based interventions across the continuum of care.

If you would like an interpreter to help you understand any information on this website, please call TIS National on 131 450 and ask them to call Cancer Australia on 02 9357 9400. Our business hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

© 2025 Cancer Australia. All rights reserved.