Fewer than one in six older people check the colour of their urine, a survey has revealed.
Millions of adults are not properly checking for blood in their urine and could be missing early warning signs of cancer, according to health officials.
Only 16 per cent of over-50s, who are most at risk of the bladder and kidney cancers the symptom could point to, check every time they use the toilet.
Women are most guilty – with only 12 per cent regularly checking the colour of their urine – whereas only one in five men check theirs.
Public Health England today launches its ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign educating people about the signs of bladder and kidney cancer and encouraging them to check their urine every time.
They say it is ‘vital’ people recognise early symptoms so cancer can be diagnosed sooner when it is less serious and easier to treat.
Millions of adults could be at risk of missing early warning signs of cancer because they do not check for blood in their urine, says Public Health England
Every year around 19,100 new cases of bladder and kidney cancer are diagnosed in England, and around 8,000 people die of the diseases.
And early diagnosis is critical: 84 per cent of people diagnosed with kidney cancer and 77 per cent of those with bladder cancer at the earliest stage will live for at least five years.
At a late stage this drops to 10 per cent and nine per cent respectively.
Public Health England’s campaign urges people to ‘look before they flush’ and tell their doctor if they notice a reddish or pink hue – even once.
Red or pink urine could be harmless and can be caused by food like beetroot or a new medicine, but it can also be a sign of life-threatening disease.
‘It is vital people know blood in pee is a sign of cancer’
Professor Julia Verne, from Public Health England (PHE), said: ‘It is vital people know blood in pee could be a sign of cancer.
‘Our research shows only a small number of people check the colour of their pee every time they go to the toilet.
‘People need to get into the habit of looking before they flush to spot any signs of blood in their pee.
‘And if there is blood, they shouldn’t hesitate about going to their GP.
‘This will help diagnose more people at the early stages, when cancer is more treatable – improving their chances of living longer.’
Blood in urine a symptom in nearly two thirds of bladder cancers
The appearance of blood in urine can vary but will always be reddish – from very diluted and pale to bright red or even dark brown, like weak black tea.
Blood in urine is a symptom in almost two thirds of all bladder cancers and around a fifth of kidney cancers.
Blood might not appear every time so it’s important people seek medical help even if it only happens once, experts say.
But almost half of those questioned would not do so if this happened, according to PHE’s research, saying they would wait to see if it happened again.
When asked why they would not go to the GP straight away, one in five – 20 per cent – say they would be worried about wasting the GP’s time.
Nearly a quarter of people – 23 per cent – would only book an appointment sooner if they had other symptoms.
‘If it’s cancer, early diagnosis saves lives’
A new film featuring Dr Dawn Harper – presenter of Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies series – highlights what blood in pee looks like.
Dr Harper, who is a GP herself, said: ‘I’m urging people to be vigilant to changes in their body and to check their pee.
‘I hear all too often about people who have delayed seeking medical advice if they have worrying symptoms – like blood in pee – because they are afraid of what the doctor might find or what the treatment might be.
‘If you do notice blood in your pee, it’s probably nothing serious, but it’s always worth checking with a health professional – you won’t be wasting their time.
‘It’s vital people don’t put off getting help – if it’s cancer early diagnosis saves lives.’
The study of urine has been widely valued by doctors since ancient times.
Professor Chris Harrison, NHS England’s national clinical director for cancer, said: ‘The earlier people are diagnosed, the better their chances, which is why it is vital people understand what to look out for and when to visit the GP.
‘This campaign has the important aim of helping raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of bladder and kidney cancer and encouraging people to visit their GP after seeing blood in their pee.’