Does bladder cancer cause blood in urine?

Blood may be visible as pink, red, or tea-coloured urine, or it may be found only on a urine test. Bladder cancer can irritate the bladder lining and cause bleeding, sometimes without pain. A urinary infection, kidney stone, enlarged prostate, kidney disease, or recent strenuous activity can also cause haematuria. The appearance of the urine cannot identify the cause by itself.

Arrange a prompt medical appointment if you notice blood in your urine, even if it happens once or disappears. A clinician may ask about pain, clots, urinary changes, smoking history, medicines, and previous infections, then arrange urine testing and further checks when needed. Do not stop prescribed medicines without advice, and drink normally unless a clinician has given you a fluid restriction.

Seek urgent medical help if you cannot pass urine, are passing large clots, have severe side or abdominal pain, feel faint, or have heavy bleeding. Fever with painful urination or feeling very unwell can signal an infection that needs prompt treatment. Emergency symptoms such as collapse or confusion require immediate care.

Ask what tests may explain the bleeding, whether your medicines could contribute, and how quickly you should be reviewed. You can also ask whether you need a specialist assessment and which changes should prompt urgent help.