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Researchers have warned that recurrent urinary tract infections may mask symptoms of bladder or kidney cancer.
Doctors may badume that a patient is still suffering from another urinary tract infection rather than looking for a potential cancer, they said.
A study presented at Cancer Research UK's early diagnosis conference in Birmingham examined data from 24 studies of more than 100,000 people in eight high-income countries.
It turns out that nearly two-thirds of people with blood in the urine – a symptom of urinary tract infection and possible sign of cancer – have undergone no further examinations within six months of their first visit at the doctor.
The researchers found that repeated urinary tract infections were badociated with a "diagnostic delay" in detecting cancer, and that women were more likely than men to experience this delayed diagnosis.
Dr. Yin Zhou, lead author of the University of Cambridge, said, "Early detection of cancer is essential to give patients the best treatment options and improve their survival.
"This research is an important step in improving our understanding of why some people are diagnosed later than others.
"While urinary tract infections are the second most common condition for which doctors prescribe antibiotics, in some people the symptoms of a UTI can mask the symptoms of bladder or kidney cancer.
"Only a small number of patients with persistent symptoms and recurrent urinary tract infections will develop cancer, but it is important that we do not miss them.
"The next step will be to find a way to detect these patients sooner."
The study suggests that patients with persistent symptoms could be reported electronically on a system of general practice.
Every year in England, more than 10,500 people are diagnosed with kidney cancer, while about 8,500 people are diagnosed with bladder cancer.
Of these, about 3,400 were diagnosed with advanced kidney cancer and 1,800 were advanced bladder cancer, which reduces the chances of survival.
The NHS website says that urinary tract infections, which affect more women than men, can often be treated with long-term antibiotic treatment if they keep coming back.
Sara Hiom, director of early diagnosis at Cancer Research UK, said: "Early-stage cancers do not always have obvious symptoms, but this research highlights the importance of detecting persistent symptoms and ensuring that problems with courses are not ignored.
"We continue to use the latest evidence to find new ways to support general practitioners and practices so that all patients receive an accurate diagnosis as quickly as possible – it can make all the difference to their experience and results."
Dr. Richard Roope, an expert in general practice at Cancer Research UK, said: "Doctors treat many patients with symptoms suggestive of urinary tract infection – fortunately, the vast majority will never develop kidney or bladder cancer .
"But this research highlights the importance of taking a step back to look at what might cause a recurrence of symptoms, rather than baduming that the diagnosis is the same as it was before.
"There is no easy way to know which patients should be referred or reviewed.
"All GPs want the best for their patients. Therefore, research of this type, highlighting the improvements to be made, such as the organization of a balance sheet, are very useful. "
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