Torbay’s Public Health Team is supporting the NHS campaign, Be Clear on Cancer, by encouraging people to check your pee for blood and to speak to your doctor even if you only notice it once.
The campaign wants people to become more aware of potential symptoms of kidney and bladder cancer.
Around 17,450 people in England are diagnosed with bladder or kidney cancer each year. These cancers can affect people of all ages but are most common in those over 50.
Deputy Mayor and Executive Lead for Health and Wellbeing and Corporate Services, Councillor Derek Mills, said: “Health campaigns like this are so important for our community. Recognising the symptoms of cancer early gives a better chance of survival and this is a really easy way to stay aware of your personal health.”
Blood in your pee is a key symptom for both bladder and kidney cancer.
Other bladder cancer symptoms include:
• Cystitis (a urinary tract infection) that is difficult to treat or comes back quickly after treatment
• Pain when peeing.
Other kidney cancer symptoms include:
• A pain in the side, below the ribs, that doesn’t go away
• Weight loss.
You’re not wasting anyone’s time by getting your symptoms checked out. If you’ve been to the doctor but your symptoms haven’t gone away, go back – they’ll want to know.
For more information visit nhs.uk/bloodinpee
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