Healthcare staff are asking people in Bolton to keep an eye out for blood in their pee – with the aim of helping people spot possible signs of cancer earlier.  

Whilst many people know to be vigilant for cancer symptoms such as lumps, persistent coughs, fatigue and unexplained weight loss, not everyone realises that blood in your pee can be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer. Both of these cancers can affect men or women, and are usually more treatable if they’re found early.

Blood in pee can turn it red, pink or brown, or can show as streaks of blood – which is why the people of Bolton and Greater Manchester are being asked to take notice of what colour their wee is and to see their GP if they notice anything unusual.

(Image: The Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance)

The campaign, which features a brightly coloured cartoon character of a toilet, and uses memorable rhymes, is being shown on buses throughout Greater Manchester, on posters and on social media. A radio advert is also playing will also be heard on stations across the region. It aims to make sure that everyone in the region knows it’s important to seek help if they spot blood in their pee, even if it only happens once.

Amar Mohee, a surgeon at the Manchester Royal Infirmary, said: “We have produced this campaign as we wanted to make sure that everyone in Greater Manchester knows that blood in pee can be a sign of kidney and bladder cancer.

“There are many other, less serious conditions that can cause blood in pee, and chances are it’s nothing serious. However, if it is cancer, and we spot it early, they’re more treatable and often curable. If you see blood in your pee, even just once, your GP wants to see you.”

(Image: The Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance)

The campaign is being run by the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance – part of the NHS in Greater Manchester. The Alliance is working hard to help more people than ever to reduce their risk of developing cancer and improve survival outcomes through early diagnosis, better treatment and supporting people to live well with and beyond cancer.

If you have blood in your pee, book an appointment to see your GP.

For more information about bladder or kidney cancer, visit the NHS website.