ONE in 10 A&E patients who complain of a common bladder cancer symptom die within just three months, concerning research suggests.
Bladder cancer is one of the most common in the UK, with over 20,500 Brits diagnosed each year.
Blood in urine is the most common sign of bladder cancerCredit: Getty – Contributor
The in older adults, with most new cases diagnosed in people aged 60 and above.
Because the around a quarter of all cases are diagnosed at a late stage, particularly in women.
Now, research presented at the European Association of Urology Congress in London, has found patients who have blood in their urine are at far higher risk of dying within three months of the A&E visit.
However, those offered scans and investigations within 48 hours of arrival in hospital had far better chances of survival, the scientists said.
These included a CT scan or cystoscopy to look inside the bladder.
They also found that about a quarter patients who arrived at A&E with visible blood in their urine were found to have an underlying cancer, with being the most common diagnosis.
Lead researcher Nikita Bhatt, a consultant urologist at St Vincent’s University Hospital in , said: “This is the largest study exploring how we should treat people who present at A&E with blood in their urine.
“It’s a common problem affecting thousands of people around the world and these patients are usually very unwell.
“But too often they fall through the gaps because it isn’t obviously tied to a specific disease.”
She added: “Our findings show how important it is that doctors take the necessary steps to identify the cause of the problem.
“For patients, the message is clear: if you have visible blood in your urine, don’t ignore it.
Patients with blood in their urine should be offered CT scans within 48 hours of arriving at A&E, scientists saidCredit: Getty – Contributor
“See your doctor as soon as you can. If it doesn’t clear up, keep pushing until you find an answer.”
Jacqueline Emkes, a patient advocate on the study, was diagnosed with a kidney infection and after arriving at A&E with visible blood in her urine.
She said: “These findings highlight that blood in the urine should trigger immediate action.
“For patients, this should mean quicker triage, earlier investigations and faster treatment, translating into safer care, fewer delays, and a better chance of avoiding severe illness or long-term harm.”
Roughly 25,000 people visit A&E departments in the UK each year because they have blood in their urine but care can vary widely because there are no established guidelines for doctors to follow.
Based on global figures only around half of patients receive a scan, while just over a third undergo surgery.
Others are discharged home or admitted to hospital wards for observation.
The signs of bladder cancer you should know
There are around 10,500 new bladder cancer cases in the UK every year, according to Cancer Research.
That’s 29 every day, making it the 11th most common form of cancer in the UK.
Smoking is the single biggest risk factor for bladder cancer, causing 45 per cent of cases in the UK.
But exposure to other chemicals, including industrial, is also known to be a cause. Sometimes the cause of bladder cancer is not known.
Around six in 10 cases are in people aged 75 or over, with a steep rise in risk from age 50.
The signs of bladder cancer
- Blood in urine: This is the most common sign. It might not be obvious and may come and go. It might look like streaks of blood, or brown urine.
- A need to urinate more
- A burning sensation when passing urine
- Pelvic pain
- Bone pain
- Unintentional weight loss
- Swelling of the legs
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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