Watching your wee could be a life saver

LOOK before you flush – that’s the message from doctors as part of the latest Be Clear on Cancer campaign.

They have urged people to contact their GPs if they notice blood in their urine when they go to the loo – even if it’s only the once.

The campaign is being backed by NHS North Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), NHS Greater Huddersfield CCG and Kirklees Council.

Blood in your pee is a key symptom for both bladder and kidney cancers.

Other bladder cancer symptoms include pain when peeing and recurring cystitis – an inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by a bladder infection.

Kidney cancer symptoms include a persistent pain either in the tummy or in the side below the ribs and weight loss.

Around 17,450 people in England are diagnosed with bladder or kidney cancer each year.

Both cancers affect men and women, although they are more common in men.

Dr David Kelly, who is chairman at NHS North Kirklees CCG, said: “Some symptoms may be caused by an infection or bladder or kidney stones, all of which may need treatment.

“But don’t try and diagnose yourself. Go and see your doctor to find out for sure.”

Dr Steve Ollerton, chairman at NHS Greater Huddersfield CCG, added: “A healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of bladder cancer.

“Some ways to stay healthy are to stay active, eat healthily, cut down on alcohol and stop smoking.”

For more information on how Dr Steve Ollerton advises cutting down on alcohol. Dr David Kelly (inset) said some symptoms may be caused by an infection. Right: A scanner to look for kidney cancer to reduce your risk of cancer, visit nhs.uk/reduce-your-risk.

If you would like to find out more information about the campaign, go to www.nhs.uk/ be-clear-on-cancer/symptoms/ blood-in-pee