Can Recurrent UTIs Be a Sign of Cancer

Written By Ribbon Checkup

Published OnMarch 2, 2025

Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) do not directly cause bladder cancer, but chronic inflammation from recurrent urinary tract infections may contribute to an increased risk of a rare type of bladder cancer called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). However, this is uncommon in regions without prevalent parasitic infections, such as schistosomiasis. The most common type, urothelial carcinoma, is primarily linked to smoking and exposure to industrial chemicals. Since bladder cancer and UTIs share symptoms such as hematuria (blood in the urine) and frequent urination, persistent symptoms should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

UTI Symptoms

Common symptoms of a UTI include:

Burning sensation during urination (painful urination or dysuria)
Frequent urination
Strong and persistent urge to urinate
Hematuria (blood in the urine)
Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
Cloudy or strong-smelling urine (though this can also be influenced by dehydration or diet)

Important: Fever, chills, and lower back pain are not typical of an uncomplicated UTI and may indicate a kidney infection (pyelonephritis), which requires urgent medical attention.

Risk Factors for Recurrent UTIs in Women

Women are at higher risk for recurrent UTIs due to anatomical factors, but several other conditions increase susceptibility:

Menopause – Lower estrogen levels lead to changes in the vaginal flora and thinning of vaginal walls, making infections more likely.
Poor hygiene practices – Always wipe front to back to prevent E. coli bacteria from spreading from the rectum to the urethra.
Douching and harsh feminine products – These can disrupt the urinary system microbiome, increasing UTI risk.
Use of diaphragms and spermicide – Spermicides, particularly nonoxynol-9, disrupt vaginal flora and increase UTI risk, especially when used with diaphragms.
Sexual activity – Sexual intercourse can introduce bacteria into the urethra, leading to frequent UTIs.

Risk Factors for Bladder Cancer

The main risk factors for bladder cancer include:

Smoking – The leading cause of bladder cancer, responsible for nearly half of all cases.
Exposure to harmful chemicals – Workers in industries using arsenic, aniline dyes, benzidine, rubber, textiles, and leather processing have an increased risk.
Chronic bladder infections or irritation – Long-term irritation, often due to extended catheter use or recurrent UTIs, may contribute to squamous cell carcinoma.
Family history of bladder cancer – Genetic mutations and predisposition can increase the risk.

Symptoms of Bladder Cancer

Early symptoms of bladder cancer include:

Hematuria (blood in the urine) – the most common symptom
Frequent urination
Painful urination (burning sensation while urinating)
Pelvic pain

Note: Late-stage symptoms may include weight loss, fatigue, and bone pain if cancer cells have spread.

How Bladder Cancer Is Diagnosed

Cancer diagnosis involves multiple imaging tests and procedures, including:

Urine sample analysis and urine cytology – To check for abnormalities in the urine.
CT urogram, ultrasound, or MRI – Imaging tests to examine the bladder, ureters, and kidney stones.
Cystoscopy – A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the bladder to check for tumors.
Biopsy and pathology examination – A tissue sample is taken and analyzed to confirm the presence of cancer cells.

UTI Treatment and Prevention

Treatment Options

Antibiotics – Prescribed based on the type of bacteria causing the bladder infection.
Increased fluid intake – Helps flush out bacteria from the urinary system.
Avoid bladder irritants – Reducing caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods can help manage symptoms but does not directly prevent UTIs.
Consult a urologist – A healthcare provider specializing in urology can offer guidance for chronic or complex cases.

Prevention

Probiotics – Lactobacillus probiotics may support healthy vaginal and urinary tract flora.
Cranberry supplements – Some studies suggest they may help reduce bacterial adhesion in the bladder, but evidence is inconsistent.
Practice good hygiene – Urinate after sexual intercourse and wipe front to back to reduce bacterial transfer.
Avoid prolonged catheter use – Indwelling catheters increase the risk of bladder cancer and frequent UTIs.

Cancer Treatment and Survival Rate

Treatment for bladder cancer depends on the early stage and type of cancer:

Transitional cell carcinoma (urothelial carcinoma) – The most common type, often treated with surgery or immunotherapy.
Squamous cell carcinoma – A rare but aggressive form, requiring surgery.
Oncologist-guided treatment options – May include chemotherapy, radiation, or immune system-boosting therapies.

The survival rate for bladder cancer is higher when detected early:

Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (early stage): ~77% five-year survival rate.
Muscle-invasive bladder cancer: ~36% five-year survival rate.
Metastatic bladder cancer: ~6% five-year survival rate.

Early diagnosis through a urine sample, cystoscopy, and imaging tests significantly improves outcomes for cancer patients. By understanding these factors, individuals can take proactive steps to maintain urinary tract health, reduce the risk of bladder cancer, and seek timely care for persistent UTI symptoms.

References

Bladder cancer. (n.d.). American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/bladder-cancer.html

Bladder Infection (Urinary Tract Infection—UTI) in Adults - NIDDK. (n.d.). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-infection-uti-in-adults

Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis & treatment - Urology Care Foundation. (n.d.). https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/n/non-muscle-invasive-bladder-cancer

Urinary tract infection (UTI) - Symptoms and causes. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447

Urinary tract infections. (2025, March 19). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9135-urinary-tract-infections

What are the symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs)? (n.d.). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/uti-s y mptoms

What is bladder cancer? (2023, February 16). Cancer.gov. https://www.cancer.gov/types/bladder