A NEW campaign has been launched to try and get people to recognise the symptoms of bladder and kidney cancer.

About 860 people in Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire are diagnosed with either bladder or kidney cancer every year, with about 380 people dying from these diseases annually.

More than nine in 10 people in England survive bladder or kidney cancer for at least a year if diagnosed at the earliest stage, but this drops to just one in three when it is diagnosed at a late stage.

The earlier bladder and kidney cancers are diagnosed, the higher the chance of survival, so being aware of the symptoms is crucial.

Visible blood in pee is a key symptom in many bladder and kidney cancers and those who notice it, even if it’s just the once, should see their doctor without delay.

Yet research has found that 43 per cent of people would wait until they saw blood in their pee at least a second time before they contacted their GP.

Dr Shona Arora, centre director for the Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Public Health England Centre said:

“This campaign encourages those who notice blood in their pee to go to their doctor straight away – bladder and kidney cancers are more treatable if they are found early.

“We are confident that together, we can increase awareness of the symptoms of these cancers and encourage those with symptoms to visit their doctor without delay.”

Sean Duffy, national clinical director for cancer at NHS England, said:

“Knowing the signs and seeing your GP as early as possible can make a real difference and significantly improve the chances of surviving bladder and kidney cancer. That is why the blood in pee campaign is so important.”

For further information about the signs and symptoms of bladder and kidney cancer, visit nhs.uk/bloodinpee.