Not just to see how hydrated you are (dark yellow? Drink some water), just to keep an eye for signs of cancer.
The new Be Clear on Cancer campaign from Public Health England urges everybody to check our pee for signs of bladder and kidney cancer, including visible blood and urine that’s red or dark brown.
Public Health England has released a handy video watch: metro.co.uk to show what blood in urine can look like, from cloudy urine to a slight tinge of pink.
They found that just 16% of those over 50 – the age group most at risk of bladder and kidney cancer check the colour of their urine every time they use the toilet, and 47% wouldn’t seek medical advice if they only saw blood in their pee once.
It’s important to note that blood might not appear every time you urinate, and even one splash of blood is worth a visit to your doctor. Every year around 19,100 new cases of bladder and kidney cancer are diagnosed in England; causing around 8,000 deaths, so it’s hugely important that those at risk are keeping an eye in their toilet bowl.
Factors that increase the risk of kidney and bladder cancer:
Smoking
Being overweight or obese
Some jobs, because of exposure to certain chemicals
Other medical conditions, such as kidney failure
A family history of cancer
Early diagnosis is critical; 84% of those diagnosed with kidney cancer and 77% of those diagnosed with bladder cancer at the earliest stage (stage 1) will live for at least five years. At a late stage (stage 4), this drops to 10% and 9% respectively.
Professor Julia Verne, from Public Health England said: ‘It is vital that people know that blood in pee could be a sign of cancer.
‘Our research shows only a small number of people check the colour of their pee every time they go to the toilet.
‘People need to get into the habit of looking before they flush to spot any signs of blood in their pee. And if there is blood, they shouldn’t hesitate about going to their GP.
Symptoms of bladder and kidney cancer:
Blood in the urine
Cystitis (a urinary tract infection) that is difficult to treat or comes back quickly after treatment
Pain when peeing
A pain that doesn’t go away, either in the tummy or in the side, below the ribs
Weight loss
‘This will help diagnose more people at the early stages, when cancer is more treatable – improving their chances of living longer.’
Dr Dawn Harper, TV Doctor and GP, said: ‘I’m urging people to be vigilant to changes in their body and to check their pee. I hear all too often about people who have delayed seeking medical advice if they have worrying symptoms – like blood in pee – because they are afraid of what the doctor might find or what the treatment might be.
‘If you do notice blood in your pee, it’s probably nothing serious, but it’s always worth checking with a health professional – you won’t be wasting their time. It’s vital that people don’t put off getting help; if it is cancer, early diagnosis saves lives.’
Culled from: Metro.co.uk
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