Be clear on Cancer

This month our pharmacies are supporting the NHS England Be Clear on Cancer campaign. It focuses on spotting bladder and kidney cancers early. This post tells you more about the symptoms that you should look out for.

About bladder and kidney cancer.

Around 19,100 people in England are diagnosed with bladder or kidney cancer each year. Both cancers affect men and women, although they are more common in men. Bladder and kidney cancers can affect people of all ages but are most common in people over 50.

Things that increase the risk of bladder and/or kidney cancer include:

• Smoking
• Being overweight or obese
• Some jobs, because of exposure to certain chemicals
• Other medical conditions such as kidney failure
• A family history of cancer

In England, around 8,000 people die from bladder or kidney cancer each year, but this needn’t be the case. Knowing what to look out for saves lives. If you notice any blood in your pee, even if it is just once, tell your doctor straight away. The chances are it’s nothing serious, but these cancers are more treatable if they are found early.

Look before you flush

If you don’t check you may not notice blood in your pee. So remember to look before you flush the toilet.

Reducing your risk of cancer

Around 300,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in England each year, but about 4 in 10 cases could be prevented by life-style changes including:

• Stop smoking: Smoking increases the risk of many cancers. If you want to quit there’s plenty of help and support available form the NHS. Visit nhs.uk/smokefree or call 0300 123 1044.
• Eat healthily and stay active: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of some cancers. Try to maintain a healthy weight and keep active. Swimming, cycling, dancing, walking – the more you can do the better. Try to eat a healthy, balanced diet too.
• Cut down on alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can lead to a number of health problems and is linked with some cancers. By drinking less, you’ll reduce your health risks.

Come in and see us

For more information and a Be Clear on Cancer leaflet, as well as for advice on your medicines and healthy life-style call into one of our pharmacies.