Health. Recurrent cystitis: when should you see a specialist?

Each year, bladder cancer affects 14,000 people in France. With nearly 5,000 deaths per year, the prognosis is poor when diagnosed at an advanced stage but very good if detected early.

May is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month. On this occasion, the French Association of Urology is alerting people to the very first symptom that should lead to a consultation: the presence of visible blood in the urine .

Although it is 4 times more common in men than in women, bladder cancer is generally more serious in women.

Why? "It is often diagnosed at a more advanced stage because the symptoms associated with bladder cancer are unfortunately reminiscent of those of cystitis, a fairly common and common infection in women," explained urologist Dr. Benjamin Pradère at a press conference organized Tuesday, April 29, by the French Association of Urology.

Indeed, one in two women will experience at least one episode of cystitis during their lifetime. Each year in France, one in ten women suffers from cystitis, and 20% of them will have a recurrence, according to figures from Ameli.fr. This localized bladder infection is also much more common in women due to the short length of their urethra.

The first symptom that should suggest bladder cancer is the presence of blood in the urine (hematuria), a symptom that is also found in cystitis. As is burning or pain when urinating, or the frequent need to urinate.

In this context, how can you tell the difference between bladder cancer and cystitis? "There's no way to do it other than being examined by your doctor. If necessary, they can request additional tests or refer the patient to a urologist," continues Benjamin Pradère.

In the case of simple cystitis , pharmacists are now authorized, without a prescription, to dispense the appropriate antibiotic, but the presence of blood in the urine is a strong warning signal.

"When you have blood in your urine , you shouldn't ask any questions and at least go see your doctor. In most cases, it is of course a bladder infection."

Likewise, if the woman is at risk of bladder cancer – if she has smoked or smokes or has been professionally exposed to certain substances, and she suffers from repeated cystitis – or cystitis that cannot be cured, it is necessary to see a urologist