IN AN effort to raise awareness of the symptoms of kidney and bladder cancer, a campaign has been launched advising anyone in Worcestershire who notices blood in their urine to speak to a doctor as soon as possible.

In support of the Be Clear on Cancer campaign run by Public Health England and Cancer Research UK, which will run from Monday, October 13 until Sunday, November 23, health bosses in Worcestershire are working to raise awareness of the potential risks associated with blood in urine.

As part of the campaign South Worcestershire NHS Clinical Commissioning Group is developing a strategy giving clear guidelines to healthcare workers on how to deal with patients presenting the symptoms.

Evesham GP Dr David Farmer is leading the development of the pathway and urged anyone spotting blood in their urine to visit their doctor immediately.

“You’re not wasting anyone’s time by getting your symptoms checked out and, if it’s not serious, your mind will be put at rest,” he said.

“But if it’s a condition such as kidney or bladder cancer, early detection makes it easier to treat so seeing your doctor early could save your life.

“It’s important that patients get the right care in the right place at the right time and the work we’re doing locally will make sure this happens.”

Each year about 170,000 people in England are diagnosed with bladder or kidney cancer and approximately 7,500 die as a result.

It is estimated that 1,000 of these deaths could have been avoided if they were detected earlier.

For more information on the campaign visit www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-info/spotcancerearly/naedi.