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Health experts urge people over 50 to be clear on cancer

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Local health experts are backing a national campaign urging people over the age of 50 to speak to their doctor if they notice blood in their urine.

NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG are supporting the Be Clear on Cancer ‘Blood in Pee’ campaign which runs from 9th July until Sept 23rd 2018.

The campaign urges people aged over 50 to tell their doctor straight away if they notice blood in their pee, even if it’s just once. The chances are it’s nothing serious, but blood in pee is a key symptom for both bladder and kidney cancers and these cancers are more treatable if they are found early.

In Sefton, the average number of bladder and kidney cases registered in 2012-2016 per year was 131 and in the same timeframe the average number of bladder and cancer related deaths were 57.*

Dr Debbie Harvey, clinical lead for cancer at NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “It is really important to let your GP know if you notice blood in your urine. It’s something that you can easily miss so as the campaign recommends check before you flush.”

Dr Graeme Allan, clinical lead for cancer at NHS Southport and Formby CCG said: “It may be nothing, but the earlier kidney or bladder cancer is diagnosed, the better the outlook. If you see blood, get it checked out.”

For more information, visit www.nhs.uk/bloodinpee

* NCRAS, CancerStats June 2018

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