What are the current guidelines for referring a patient with suspected bladder cancer to a urologist?

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Posted: 16 August 2025Updated: 16 August 2025 Guideline-Aligned (High Confidence) Clinically Reviewed
Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX

Refer a patient with suspected bladder cancer to a urologist using a suspected cancer pathway referral for an appointment within 2 weeks if they are aged 45 years and over with unexplained visible haematuria without urinary tract infection .

Additionally, refer if they are aged 45 years and over with visible haematuria that persists or recurs after successful treatment of urinary tract infection .

For patients aged 60 years and over with unexplained non-visible haematuria and either dysuria or a raised white cell count on a blood test, a suspected cancer pathway referral is also indicated .

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What are the current guidelines for referring a patient with suspected