Bladder cancer’s symptoms range from common to alarming, so it’s important that patients see their doctors when possible signs start to show. Bladder cancer diagnoses are becoming more common in U.S. men and women, but research has led to effective treatments that can be even more successful if administered at early stages. To increase the chances of early diagnosis, patients should be aware of all the potential indicators of the disease, including startling signs like blood in the urine, as well as more common symptoms, including frequent back and/or bone pain. Click here to learn more about bladder cancer, including risks, symptoms and treatment options at The Ohio State University. Bladder cancer is often caught at later stages because of the tendency of symptoms — even blood in the urine — to mimic other, often less serious conditions. “There are several health conditions that are also associated with blood,” says Kamal Pohar, MD, a urologist at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James). “These include infections of the urinary system, and having kidney or bladder stones.” People who experience any of these symptoms should quickly schedule appointments with their doctors to increase the chances of early detection of bladder cancer, or other underlying causes. Click here to schedule an appointment with bladder cancer specialists at the OSUCCC – James. Pohar and his Ohio State colleagues use a variety of methods to diagnose bladder cancer, including urinalysis, imaging and biopsy. For patients who are diagnosed, successful outcomes can be achieved through surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy, among other new and established methods. As a Comprehensive Cancer Center, the OSUCCC – James features a team of dedicated bladder cancer researchers working every day to develop new, innovative treatments. Ohio State patients can be among the first to utilize therapies developed during clinical research before they become treatment standards. “We're incredibly invested in clinical trials, which are certainly moving the future forward in every aspect of bladder cancer care,” Pohar says. “Plus, we already have good therapies and diagnostic tools — that’s why patients should choose The James.” Click here to learn more about cancer research at The Ohio State University.