Campaign to cut kidney and bladder cancer deaths launched

About 1,110 people are dying from kidney and bladder cancer in the North West every year, according to figures released yesterday (15 October).

They were revealed as a new NHS Be Clear on Cancer campaign was launched to cut the number of deaths from the diseases.

The aim is to drive awareness of blood in wee as a key symptom and encourage people to visit their GP if they spot the symptom - even just the once.

One of the reasons people do not receive an early diagnosis is believed to be the public’s lack of awareness of key symptoms. Blood in wee – even if it appears just the once – could be a symptom of both bladder and kidney cancer. However, a recent survey shows that the public don’t recognise the seriousness of the sign – almost four in 10 (38 per cent) of people in the North West would wait and see if they spotted blood in their pee again before taking any action, which could delay their diagnosis.

Visible blood in wee is a key symptom in around eight in ten bladder cancer cases and over half of kidney cancer patients. However, when asked to name cancer signs and symptoms, only a third (33 per cent) of people mention unexplained bleeding.

Professor Kevin Fenton, Director of Health and Wellbeing at Public Health England,
said: “Receiving an early diagnosis increases the chance of survival for the 16,600 people who are diagnosed with bladder or kidney cancer every year in England.

“Our message is clear – as soon as you spot blood in your pee, visit the GP. It’s probably nothing serious but it could also be a sign of something else that needs treatment, so don’t ignore the symptoms or put off a trip to the doctor.”