Published on 16 April 2026
Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, with over 10,000 people diagnosed every year.
Now North West Cancer Research has launched a campaign to raise awareness of the signs of bladder cancer and when to contact your GP practice.
Blood in your wee, loss of appetite, and getting lots of urinary tract infections are just some of the signs to look out for, according to North West Cancer Research's latest campaign.
The "Spotted Something Different?" campaign highlights the most common symptom of bladder cancer, urging people to take notice and consult their doctor if they spot blood in their wee.
Bladder cancer is currently the 11th most common cancer in the UK, with people over the age of 60 facing the highest risk.
In the North West, rates of bladder cancer are 13% higher than the national average and the ninth most prevalent in the region, according to latest figures.
Among those backing the latest campaign from North West Cancer Research is Derek McStein, from Liverpool, who was diagnosed with bladder cancer in September 2025. Derek, 73, was encouraged by his wife to visit his GP after spotting blood in his wee.
Derek, a grandad of nine, said, “It was actually my wife who told me something might be wrong. It’s a funny story – she would always say to me, ‘If it’s yellow, let it mellow; if it’s brown, flush it down’. So, I followed her rules, and she noticed blood in the loo after I’d been.
“To begin with, I thought nothing of it and then eventually went to see the doctor. I really was not expecting to be told I had cancer. Even though you hear about people being diagnosed, you just never think it will happen to you.
“Straight away, though, I was told that it was treatable, not terminal. That phrase stuck with me and gave me hope.
"After six rounds of BCG treatment and one round of chemo, I’m through the worst and only now need to have check-ups every year. My message to anyone who spots something different is simple: just get it checked!”
The most common symptom of bladder cancer is blood in your wee. This may appear as streaks of blood or cause your wee to turn brown.
You might notice it only occasionally, and it can come and go. However, if you ever see blood in your wee, you should contact your GP practice for advice.
Other symptoms to look out for include:
- pain, burning, stinging or itching when you pee
- getting lots of urinary tract infections
- needing to pee more often or very suddenly
- losing your appetite and losing weight without trying to
- pain in your back and lower tummy
- aching, pain or tenderness in your bones
- feeling very tired for no reason and feeling generally unwell
Vishwanath Hanchanale, consultant urological and robotic surgeon at Royal Liverpool University Hospital, part of University Hospitals of Liverpool Group said: “Blood in the urine is the most common symptom of bladder cancer, but many people delay seeing their GP because the symptom can come and go or may not cause any pain.
“This blood may appear as pink, red, or brown urine, and even a single episode should never be ignored, even if you are on blood-thinning medication such as warfarin.
“In many cases, the cause will be something less serious, such as an infection or kidney stones, but it’s vital to have it checked so doctors can rule out cancer.
“If bladder cancer is detected early, treatment is often far more effective, which is why anyone who notices blood in their urine should contact their GP as soon as possible.”
Alastair Richards, CEO at North West Cancer Research, said: “Early-stage bladder cancer is almost always curable, so early detection is key. This is why our latest campaign is calling for people to look out for any differences in their body and speak to their GP as soon as they can if they notice blood in their wee. It’s probably nothing, but it’s best to get it checked.”
For further information about Spotted Something Different?, including signs and symptoms, visit: https://nwcr.org/spottedsomething