TODAY (February 16), Public Health England’s ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign returns to the South West, with the aim of raising awareness of a key symptom for both bladder and kidney cancers – blood in pee.

Latest figures show that in the South West, 2,128 people are diagnosed with bladder and kidney cancer each year, with 1,407 men and 721 women affected. Data also reveals that approximately 852 people in the South West die from these cancers annually.

Nationally, around 17,450 people in England are diagnosed with either bladder or kidney cancer every year and blood in pee is a symptom in over half (53%) of bladder cancers and almost a fifth of kidney cancers so being aware of this is crucial.

Early diagnosis of bladder and kidney cancer increases the chances of survival. For those diagnosed at the earliest stage (stage one) the likelihood of surviving five years or more can be as high as 84% for kidney cancer and 77% for bladder cancer. However, for those diagnosed at a late stage (stage 4), survival can be as low as only 10% for kidney cancer and 9% for bladder cancer.

The Be Clear on Cancer ‘blood in pee’ campaign ran nationally in 2013 and 2014.

Analysis of diagnoses during the 2013 campaign period shows a statistically significant increase in the number of bladder and kidney cancers diagnosed at pre-cancerous and early stage and a reduction in late stage diagnoses for bladder cancer. 

This early detection has been equated to the prevention of around 70 bladder cancer deaths and about 25 kidney cancer deaths. Whilst it is not possible to link these findings to the campaign in isolation, the findings suggest that it is highly likely that the campaign has made an impact.

Dr Jenny Harries, regional director for the South of England at Public Health England, said:

’Evidence shows that Be Clear on Cancer campaigns really do make a difference.  The rise in the number of bladder and kidney cancers being picked up early is important; it is this early detection that saves lives. 

’It’s vital that we all do our bit to raise awareness that blood in pee could be an early sign of bladder or kidney cancer, and encourage anyone with this symptom to go to their GP. We know that people don’t always immediately visit their doctor if they spot blood in pee, which can be for a number of reasons – some might ignore the symptoms, especially if it only happens once, or may pass the symptom off as cystitis. If you do notice blood in your pee, don’t wait for it to happen again before getting it checked out, visit your GP straight away.’

The campaign is aimed at men and women aged 50 and over, as between 90 - 97% of bladder and kidney cancer diagnoses are in people in this age group. It encourages anyone who notices blood in their pee, even if it’s ‘just the once’, to visit their GP to get it checked out. Given that people may not spot blood in their pee unless they check, this year’s campaign also promotes a ’look before you flush’ message.

Ian Lavender, actor and star of Dad’s Army who is a bladder cancer survivor, said: ’I’m supporting this year’s "Blood in pee" campaign as a survivor of bladder cancer. It’s a simple message “look before you flush” and make sure you go and see your GP if you notice blood in your pee. Spread the word, someone you know might have this symptom and reminding them to get it checked could save their life - it saved mine, and I’m 70 and still happy to be working.’

The nationwide Be Clear on Cancer ‘blood in pee’ campaign begins today (Tuesday) and run for six weeks.  For further information about the signs and symptoms of bladder and kidney cancer, please visit nhs.uk/bloodinpee