When it comes to life-threatening illnesses like cancer, the experts always say that catching it early can make the world of difference – which is why everyone should be paying attention to the following warning.
Cancer experts in England have urged men and women to check their urine for blood before they flush, every time they use the toilet.
The presence of blood in the urine is a common symptom of cancer of the bladder and kidneys, and keeping a watchful eye could alert you to the early signs of these illnesses.
The advice has been issued this week by Public Health England (PHE), who have urged people who inexplicably find blood in their urine to go to their doctor immediately – even if it has only happened once.
If PHE’s previous campaigns are anything to go by, no doubt this latest one will save lives – a 2013 campaign is said to have helped in preventing 70 deaths from bladder cancer as well as 25 deaths from cancer of the kidneys.
While PHE is emphasising the danger of finding blood in your urine, it’s also important to be aware of the other symptoms of these two serious conditions. They include:
Bladder cancer:
- Pain while urinating
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Frequent development of urinary tract infections
- Lower back pain
Cancer of the kidneys:
- Lower back pain
- Extreme tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fever
- Masses or lumps on the side or lower back
If you have any or all of these symptoms, and you are concerned, pay a visit to your GP.
