10. Frequent Urinary Tract Infections: The Unexpected Link
Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) might not be the first symptom that comes to mind when thinking about colorectal cancer, but there’s an undeniable connection. When a tumor grows near the bladder or invades it, the risk for UTIs increases, causing symptoms like painful urination and cloudy urine.
You may find it peculiar to relate a urinary issue with colorectal cancer. But think of the proximity between the bladder and the lower parts of the colon and rectum. A growing tumor can press against the bladder or even grow into it, leading to these recurrent infections. It’s an unlikely but significant pathway to diagnosis, often when other symptoms have yet to appear.
What’s especially intriguing is the gender divide. Women are generally more prone to UTIs, making it easy to dismiss frequent infections as a “female issue.” However, in the context of colorectal cancer, men are not exempt. The recurrence of UTIs in men might be an even louder alarm bell, given their rarity in the male population.
On the flip side, frequent UTIs can add another layer of emotional and physical distress to an already complex situation. UTIs are uncomfortable and can significantly impair quality of life, making it an agonizing clue to a potentially life-changing diagnosis.(10)
