Bladder cancer frequently misdiagnosed as UTIs in women

Bladder cancer is often misdiagnosed as urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women, resulting in delayed diagnoses. According to experts, women frequently experience diagnostic delays due to symptoms that are easily mistaken for UTIs or perimenopause. Andrea Harris, a bladder cancer survivor, faced multiple delays over four years before receiving a diagnosis in March 2024, by which time her cancer had reached stage three.

In Australia, three out of four bladder cancer diagnoses are men, yet women have a lower five-year survival rate of around 50%, compared to men's almost 60%. Alison Zhang, a medical oncologist, explains that bladder cancer symptoms are similar in both sexes but are more likely to be misdiagnosed as UTIs or perimenopause in women.

Dr. Magdalena Simonis, a GP and women's health expert, highlights that women often present with symptoms similar to UTIs, such as burning during urination or blood in the urine. Christine La Rose, a bladder cancer survivor, emphasizes the need for increased awareness and urgency in addressing these symptoms, stressing that blood in the urine should never be ignored.

Other common symptoms include changes in urine color, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Experts recommend raising community awareness and encouraging further testing for women experiencing recurrent UTIs. Dr. Simonis advises GPs to consider risk factors like smoking and age when treating women presenting with UTI-like symptoms.

Despite being perceived as an older man's disease, bladder cancer can affect women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Margaret Blake, another survivor, had to see three GPs within six months and finally received a diagnosis after her third doctor took her symptoms seriously. Survivors like Ms. La Rose and Ms. Blake face ongoing consequences of treatment but appreciate the value of advocating for themselves and seeking second opinions.