Approximately 54,300 new cases of bladder cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. every year, and over 12,000 people die of the disease. It is the sixth most common cancer in the country. And though the five-year survival rate sits at an impressive 81 percent, the chances for full recovery are dramatically improved if the disease is caught early.

That's the reason recognizing and diagnosing bladder cancer symptoms is crucial. So, if you're interested in learning more about the signs of bladder cancer and potential causes of the disease, read on.

Evidences and Signs Associated with Bladder Cancer

Bloody Urine: The primary symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine. While bloody urine can often be an indicator of other bladder problems (kidney cancer, kidney stones, bladder infections), it's almost always exhibited in patients diagnosed with bladder cancer.

Urination Patterns: Most people diagnosed with bladder cancer complain of a frequent urge to pee, possible urinary incontinence and difficulty making it through the night without having to use the bathroom multiple times. Unfortunately, most patients with bladder cancer are older and don't recognize this symptom as a potential indicator of a more serious problem.

Causes and Risk Factors Associated with Bladder Cancer

Smoking: Smokers are more than twice as likely to develop bladder cancer than nonsmokers. Smoking causes about half of the deaths from bladder cancer among men and over 30% of bladder cancer deaths among women.

The carcinogens in cigarettes make their way into the blood stream and finally through the bladder and into the urine, which is why they're such a major cause of bladder cancer.

Exposure at the Work Place: Aromatic amines, types of industrial chemicals which are often used in the dye industry, are considered a major cause of bladder cancer.

Other organic chemicals, like those used in rubber plants, leather manufacturers, fabrics and textiles and printing firms, are also a higher risk factor for the disease.

Race: Bladder cancer is typically more common in Caucasians than other races.

Age: The risk for developing bladder cancer increases with age. The average age for those diagnosed with the disease is around 68 years. Meanwhile, less than 1% of bladder cancer patients are age 39 and under.

Chronic Bladder Problems: Patients who have a long-term history of kidney stones, urinary infections, bladder stones or other forms of chronic bladder irritation may be at an increased risk for developing bladder cancer.

If the risk factors listed above apply to you, it's important that you be able to not only recognize bladder cancer symptoms (bloody urine, changing urination habits), but that you also act on them and seek the advice of a physician.

When confronted with symptoms of any form of cancer, you are much better off taking precautionary steps to ensure your health than to assume no problem while allowing something dangerous to spread through your body unchecked.