Bladder Cancer Awareness Month
Feeling Unsure? Get Checked!
May is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month 2026
This May, Beechwood is joining the global "Feeling Unsure? Get Checked" campaign. Bladder cancer is more common than many people realise, yet it is often diagnosed later than it should be because symptoms can be easy to overlook or dismissed as a minor infection.
When caught early, bladder cancer is highly treatable, with survival rates as high as 90%. That’s why we want every one of our patients to know the signs and feel confident coming to see us.
The Main Symptom: Blood in Your Pee
The most common sign of bladder cancer is blood in your urine (haematuria). It may not happen every time you go to the toilet, and it might not be painful.
You should contact the Practice if:
Your pee looks pink, red, or dark brown.
You see streaks or small clots of blood.
You’ve noticed blood just once—even if it goes away, it still needs to be checked.
Other Symptoms to look out for:
A sudden urge to pee that’s hard to ignore.
Needing to pee more often than usual.
A burning or stinging sensation when passing urine.
Unexplained lower back or abdominal pain.
A Note for Women: Bladder cancer symptoms can often be mistaken for a recurring Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) or menopause-related changes. If your "UTI" isn't clearing up with antibiotics, or if you see blood, please book a review.
Don’t wait for "next time." If you're feeling unsure, please call the Practice for advice.