PEOPLE in the district who notice blood in their urine, even if it’s just once, are being urged to tell their GP.

In support of the national Be Clear on Cancer campaign which began on October 13, GPs and healthcare staff from Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group are raising awareness of kidney and bladder cancer.

In 2011, 33 people died from bladder cancer and 37 people died from kidney cancer in Bradford and Airedale – numbers which could be decreased if the common symptoms were widely known.

Each year, around 8,900 people are diagnosed with bladder cancer and 8,100 people are diagnosed with kidney cancer, in England. More than 7,500 people die from these diseases.

Latest figures show only one in three people survive bladder or kidney cancer beyond a year, if diagnosed at a late stage, compared with nine in ten people surviving when it is diagnosed early.

Dr Ian Fenwick said: “It’s so important that people act quickly if they notice blood in their urine. Recognising the symptoms and early diagnosis is vital as both these cancers are more treatable if caught early. We are keen to raise awareness of both cancers and encourage those with symptoms to see their GP without delay. Don’t ignore it by thinking it will go away; this simple step could save your life.”