Getting diagnosed with bladder cancer

You usually start by seeing your GP if you have symptoms that could be due to bladder cancer. They will ask you about your general health and may also examine you.

Your doctor will then decide whether to do tests or refer you to a specialist.

Seeing your GP about bladder cancer

See your GP if you notice a change that isn't normal for you. Or if you have any of the possible signs and symptoms of bladder cancer.

Referral to a bladder cancer specialist

Your GP should arrange for you to see a bladder cancer specialist if you have symptoms that could be due to bladder cancer. 

Screening for bladder cancer

Screening means testing people for early stages of an illness before they have any symptoms.

Tests for bladder cancer

You usually have a number of tests to find out if the symptoms you have could be due to bladder cancer. If you have bladder cancer, you then need more tests to find out how far it has grown.

Last reviewed: 
29 Apr 2025
Next review due: 
29 Apr 2028