How chronic bladder infections may be putting you at risk

When you think of your bladder, you may think of urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones and maybe your experience getting a catheter. However, bladder cancer is top of mind for over 83,000 people who are diagnosed each year.

Do past infections increase your risk for bladder cancer?

“Over time, chronic catheters and bladder infections can cause bladder irritation which can increase your risk for bladder cancer,” explains Dr. Fahad Chaus, a urologist at Advocate Health Care. “It’s important to remember that just because you have had a UTI or a catheter, it doesn’t mean you will develop bladder cancer. It’s only when it becomes recurrent that health care providers worry about bladder irritation turning cancerous.”

Other factors that increase your risk include:

• Frequent exposure to smoke
• Chemotherapy or radiation treatments
• Frequent exposure to chemicals, such as dyes and solvents, without precautions
• A genetic predisposition to bladder cancer
• Bladder birth defects

How to reduce your risk for bladder cancer

Besides staying away from the risk factors, keeping your bladder healthy can ward off chronic bladder irritation.

“Staying well hydrated flushes toxins from the bladder which can specifically help prevent UTIs,” Dr. Chaus says. “Also, emptying your bladder regularly can reduce the likelihood of bladder infections and kidney stones. I also recommend drinking cranberry juice to prevent UTIs.”

It’s also important to eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight. People who are overweight are more likely to develop kidney cancer which makes it harder for the kidneys to flush out bladder-irritating toxins.

How do you know if you have bladder cancer?

Bladder cancer is often asymptomatic which is why it’s usually found during a urinalysis, a test that looks for blood in the urine.

“If blood is found in your urine, a workup is done,” Dr. Chaus explains. “This usually includes a CT scan or ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder. Your doctor may also recommend a cystoscopy, a procedure where a camera is used to look at the bladder.”

Your health care provider may recommend a urinalysis if you still experience urinary urgency and frequency even after taking antibiotics for a UTI.

“If you are receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatments, it’s important to monitor for bladder cancer since your kidneys excrete toxins from the body,” Dr. Chaus says.

If you have concerns about your bladder health, talk with your primary care provider.

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