Blood in the urine and prostate cancer

Blood may be visible, or it may be found only on a urine test. Irritation, infection, stones, medicines and problems affecting the bladder, kidneys or prostate can all be considered. Prostate cancer can present with blood in urine, but blood in urine does not establish that prostate cancer is the cause. Assessment may include a urine sample, blood tests, an examination and imaging; the exact tests depend on your symptoms and history.

Tell the clinician whether the urine is pink, red or brown, whether clots are present, and whether you have pain, burning, fever or difficulty passing urine. These details help guide the urgency and choice of tests.

Arrange a medical appointment even if the bleeding stops. Take a list of medicines, including blood thinners, and mention recent procedures, strenuous activity or urinary symptoms. Do not stop prescribed medicine without advice. Your clinician may treat an infection, investigate another urinary cause, or arrange review for prostate cancer when the wider findings support that concern.

Seek urgent help for heavy or persistent bleeding, clots, inability to pass urine, severe side or back pain, faintness, fever or shaking chills. A blocked urine flow can damage the urinary system and may need prompt treatment. If you are already receiving cancer care, contact your oncology team using its urgent advice route.

Ask what might explain the bleeding, which urine and imaging tests are needed, whether medicines could contribute, and what symptoms should trigger emergency care. If prostate cancer is already diagnosed, ask whether the bleeding could relate to the cancer or to treatment, and how it will be monitored.