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What color are bladder cancers?

In most cases, blood in the urine (called hematuria) is the first sign of bladder cancer. There may be enough blood to change the color of the urine to orange, pink, or, less often, dark red.

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Bladder Cancer Signs and Symptoms

Bladder cancer can often be found early because it causes blood in the urine or other urinary symptoms that cause a person to see a health care provider.

Blood in the urine

In most cases, blood in the urine (called hematuria) is the first sign of bladder cancer. There may be enough blood to change the color of the urine to orange, pink, or, less often, dark red. Sometimes, the color of the urine is normal but small amounts of blood are found when a urine test (urinalysis) is done because of other symptoms or as part of a general medical check-up. Blood may be present one day and absent the next, with the urine remaining clear for weeks or even months. But if a person has bladder cancer, at some point the blood reappears. Usually, the early stages of bladder cancer (when it's small and only in the bladder) cause bleeding but little or no pain or other symptoms. Blood in the urine doesn't always mean you have bladder cancer. More often it's caused by other things like an infection, benign (not cancer) tumors, stones in the kidney or bladder, or other benign kidney diseases. Still, it’s important to have it checked by a doctor so the cause can be found.

Changes in bladder habits or symptoms of irritation

Bladder cancer can sometimes cause changes in urination, such as:

Having to urinate more often than usual

Pain or burning during urination

Feeling as if you need to go right away, even when your bladder isn't full

Having trouble urinating or having a weak urine stream

Having to get up to urinate many times during the night

These symptoms are more likely to be caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI), bladder stones, an overactive bladder, or an enlarged prostate (in men). Still, it’s important to have them checked by a doctor so that the cause can be found and treated, if needed.

Symptoms of advanced bladder cancer

Bladder cancers that have grown large or have spread to other parts of the body can sometimes cause other symptoms, such as:

Being unable to urinate

Lower back pain on one side

Loss of appetite and weight loss

Feeling tired or weak

Swelling in the feet

Bone pain

Again, many of these symptoms are more likely to be caused by something other than bladder cancer, but it’s important to have them checked. If there's a reason to suspect you might have bladder cancer, the doctor will use one or more exams or tests to find out if it's cancer or something else.

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Do men wipe after they pee?

Should guys wipe after they pee? While most men are content with shaking after they pee, it's a good idea to make a small wipe or dab to ensure that there is no remaining urine. This will help keep your urethra and your undies clean!

Don’t Forget to Wash Your Hands!

Handwashing is a vital part of bathroom hygiene.

Always wash your hands after wiping. It reduces the risk of infection via harmful bacteria. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)1 recommends the following steps when it comes to washing your hands:

Wet your hands with clean, running water and apply soap.

your hands with clean, running water and apply soap. Lather by rubbing your hands together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails as well as your palms. by rubbing your hands together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails as well as your palms. Scrub for at least 20 seconds. An easy way to time this is to hum the "Happy Birthday" song twice from start to finish. for at least 20 seconds. An easy way to time this is to hum the "Happy Birthday" song twice from start to finish. Rinse your hands thoroughly under clean, running water. your hands thoroughly under clean, running water. Dry your hands using a clean towel or allow them to air-dry. Using a paper towel to turn off faucets or open doors is an extra preventative measure you can take to avoid transmission of germs and bacteria. Remember, when on the throne, take the time you need. Your bottom will thank you!

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