“Blood in your wee? Get it checked,” urges North West cancer campaign

A new campaign is urging people across the North West to pay closer attention to changes in their body – with a clear message: if you spot blood in your wee, speak to your GP.

Launched this week by North West Cancer Research, the Spotted Something Different? campaign highlights the key signs of bladder cancer and the importance of early detection.

Bladder cancer is currently the 11th most common cancer in the UK, with people over 60 most at risk. But in the North West, rates are around 13% higher than the national average, making it one of the region’s more common cancers.

The campaign is focusing on its most recognisable symptom – blood in your urine – which can appear as pink, red or brown discolouration, and may come and go.

Other signs to look out for include pain or discomfort when urinating, frequent urinary tract infections, needing to go to the toilet more often, unexplained weight loss, fatigue and pain in the lower back or stomach.

Backing the campaign is Liverpool grandfather Derek McStein, who was diagnosed with bladder cancer in September 2025 after being encouraged by his wife to get checked.

He said: “At first I didn’t think anything of it, but I went to see my doctor and was shocked to be told I had cancer.

“I was told straight away it was treatable, and that gave me hope. After treatment, I’m now through the worst of it.

“My message is simple – if you spot something different, just get it checked.”

Medical experts say one of the biggest issues is people delaying a visit to their GP because symptoms can be painless or intermittent.

Consultant urological surgeon Vishwanath Hanchanale, based at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, said: “Blood in the urine is the most common symptom, but people often ignore it if it comes and goes.

“Even a single episode should never be overlooked. In many cases it won’t be cancer, but it’s vital to get checked so we can rule it out.

“If bladder cancer is caught early, treatment is often much more effective.”

North West Cancer Research says early-stage bladder cancer is highly treatable, which is why raising awareness of symptoms is key.

Chief Executive Alastair Richards said the campaign is about helping people take action sooner.

He said: “Cancer rates in the North West are higher than the national average, and early diagnosis can make a real difference to outcomes.

“Our message is simple – if something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. It’s probably nothing, but it’s always best to get it checked.”

More information about symptoms and the campaign is available online.

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