Blood In Your Urine - Don't Just Ignore It

Date: Feb-04-2013Many people are still not seeking medical advice soon enough when they see blood in
their urine, even though almost 1 in 5 will have a urinary tract malignancy[1]. Action on
Bladder Cancer (ABC), the only UK charity dedicated purely to bladder cancer, calls for
urgent awareness - even one episode of visible blood in the urine is a warning sign that
should not be ignored[1].

Blood in the urine is a sign that you need to be seen by a GP
and a specialist. Many patients are either unaware or would feel embarrassed discussing
this. It may not be bladder cancer but if it is, the earlier it is caught the better the
chances of successful treatment.

Even though bladder cancer is the 4th most common cancer in men and the 11th most
common in women[5], findings from the ABC national survey[2] exposed how little people in
the UK know about bladder cancer. Forty-five% of the general public do not know that the
main warning sign for bladder cancer is blood in the urine and only 5% of the public
recognise that smoking is a main cause of bladder cancer.

ABC welcomes two reports[3],[4] that add to our understanding of the current
situation. The research highlights that people in the UK are more worried and embarrassed
about seeing their doctor with a symptom that might be serious compared to those in other
countries. The research also shows that cancer death rates in Britain are more than a
third higher in men than in women, possibly due to men developing hard-to-treat cancers
such as those affecting the bladder.

Bladder cancer is three times more common in men than
women, however women tend to present with more advanced disease and have worse
outcomes[1]. Bladder cancer is very treatable and can be curable if diagnosed at an early
stage and so any delay in a patient seeking medical advice can affect their chance of
survival.

Dr Alison Birtle, Consultant Oncologist and ABC Trustee, comments, "Over 10,000 people
are diagnosed with bladder cancer every year in the UK. Treatments have improved
significantly over the last five years. UK researchers have led practice changing research
in chemotherapy and radiotherapy techniques and surgical strategies. However, a lack of
public awareness about symptoms can lead to people being mis-diagnosed and/or diagnosed at
a later stage in the disease which can reduce the best treatment choices. It is vital that
awareness of the symptoms of bladder cancer is increased to improve understanding about
the disease so that people know when and where to go for help."

Action on Bladder Cancer is working with healthcare professionals, patients, their
carers and the general public, to help improve the treatment and prevention rates of
bladder cancer through raising awareness, education and research. Up to date information
on the disease and advice on how people can help raise awareness is available through the ABC Website.
Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.