THE Be Clear on Cancer campaign is coming to the intu Lakeside shopping centre in order to increase awareness that blood in pee is a key symptom for both bladder and kidney cancers
First of its kind ‘flushable’ poster will be installed in five locations to remind shoppers to look before they flush
Around 590 people die every year from bladder or kidney cancer in Anglia and Essex
Early diagnosis of bladder and kidney cancers increases the chance of survival, so being aware of symptoms is vital
Public Health England has launched one of the first flushable posters in Lakeside Shopping Centre to raise awareness of a key symptom for both bladder and kidney cancers – blood in pee.
The interactive posters are the first of their kind and will remind individuals in Thurrock to always look before they flush. The poster features a call to action, which is hidden behind water, and will be revealed once passers-by ‘flush’ the poster.
Latest figures show that in the Thurrock around 52 people are diagnosed with bladder and kidney cancers each year. Data also reveals that approximately 22 people in Thurrock die from these cancers annually.1
Early diagnosis of bladder and kidney cancers increases the chances of survival, so being aware of the symptoms is crucial. For those diagnosed at the earliest stage (stage 1) 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 is as low as 10% for kidney cancer and 9% for bladder cancer.1
Doctor Jenny Harries, Regional Director, for South of England, Public Health England said:
“People may be reluctant to visit their doctor if they notice blood in their pee, but the new ‘flushable’ poster is a great way to share a serious message in a fun way. If you notice blood in pee, even if it’s ‘just the once’, you should visit your doctor. Chances are it’s probably nothing serious, but it could be a sign of something else that needs treatment, so don’t ignore the symptoms or put off a trip your GP.”
Dr Dawn Harper GP, who is championing the Blood in Pee campaign, says:
“If you notice blood in your pee, even if it’s ‘just the once’, you must see your doctor to get it checked out. We want to see you. Blood in your pee isn’t always serious but it can be an early sign of bladder or kidney cancer, so it’s really important that you remember to always look before you flush. These brand new interactive posters are a great way of helping to raise awareness of this key symptom, because catching bladder or kidney cancer early makes it more treatable and can save lives.”
For further information about the signs and symptoms of bladder and kidney cancers, please visit nhs.uk/bloodinpee
