Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Why It’s Important to ‘Look Before You Flush’

By Dr Jyoti Sood 

A recent survey reveals that only 16 per cent of adults aged 50 and over in England say they check the colour of their urine every time they go to the toilet, with women being less likely to check every time (12 per cent vs 20 per cent of men).


Blood in urine is a key symptom of bladder and kidney cancer but you’ll only notice blood in your urine if you look before you flush the toilet.

People may not be familiar with these cancers but over 8,000 people are diagnosed with bladder cancer in England each year and over 10,000 people are diagnosed with kidney cancer. These cancers can affect people of all ages, but are most common in people over 50.

You should visit your doctor if you have blood in your urine, even if it’s just once. Don’t just ignore it or think it’s something you’ve eaten and will go away. The chances are it isn’t cancer, but it could be a sign of something else that needs treatment.  If it is cancer, the sooner it is diagnosed the greater the chances of successful treatment.  That’s why it’s important to pay attention to anything unusual happening to your body.

Women are less likely to look before they flush

Men are more likely to notice blood in their urine, as it isn’t the norm for women to check the toilet after they have urinated, but I would encourage women to look before they flush.

Some female patients have questioned how they can differentiate between menstrual blood and bleeding that could be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer. My advice would be that any woman who experiences bleeding that is unusual for them should see their doctor without delay.

South Asian communities need to seek help early

In my experience people from South Asian communities with possible symptoms of cancer tend to seek help late, potentially making the outcome much worse. There are often cultural, religious and language barriers preventing South Asian people from seeing their doctors early and this needs to change so that more lives can be saved.

Interestingly, this year over 250 places of worship in England have lent their support to the Be Clear on Cancer campaign by displaying posters in their toilets encouraging their members to “look before they flush.” I hope this will have an impact and that more people seek medical help if they notice blood in their urine- it could save their life.

Dr Jyoti Sood is the face of Public Health England’s latest ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign. She is a GP partner at Newbury Park Health Centre.

More For You

Obesity drug
Boxes of Wegovy are seen at a pharmacy in London. (Photo: Reuters)

GPhC tightens rules for online obesity drug prescriptions

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), which oversees UK pharmacies, has introduced stricter rules for online pharmacies prescribing obesity drugs. The regulator said the changes aim to prevent individuals from receiving medicines that could pose health risks.

The new guidance, updated for the first time in three years, follows concerns about how some online pharmacies dispense weight-loss drugs.

Keep ReadingShow less
12 tricks to stick to your New Year’s resolutions and achieve your goals

Building habits gradually can lead to sustainable, long-term change

12 tricks to stick to your New Year’s resolutions and achieve your goals

Anjali Mehta

WHETHER it’s eating healthier, exercising more, saving money, or any number of goals, millions of people around the world make ambitious New Year’s resolutions.

Yet, by February, most of these well-intentioned plans are abandoned. If that sounds familiar, don’t worry – remember that it’s never too late to turn things around or set new goals.

Keep ReadingShow less
Getting set for a fitness journey

Bijan Azarmi

Getting set for a fitness journey

Bijan Azarmi

THE pressure to get fitter often discourages people from starting or causes them to give up soon after beginning. However, there are simple steps that can help navigate this challenging path toward better health through exercise.

With that in mind, Eastern Eye asked London-based fitness expert and personal trainer Bijan Azarmi to share his top tips for starting a physical health journey and staying motivated.

Keep ReadingShow less
Helpful hints for sticking with new year health goals

Build strength and confidence with consistent effort and support

Helpful hints for sticking with new year health goals

Jayeeta Dutta and Nesreen G

MANY adults aim to achieve a fitter version of themselves by the end of each year, yet studies show that almost two-thirds abandon their resolutions within the first month.

Sticking to a fitness routine can be challenging, especially for beginners, as distractions, easy alternatives, and daily life often get in the way.

Keep ReadingShow less
Into the icy depths: Exploring Iceland’s Langjökull Ice Tunnel

Langjökull is Iceland’s second-largest glacier

Into the icy depths: Exploring Iceland’s Langjökull Ice Tunnel

Vibhuti Pathak

Nestled within Iceland’s majestic Langjökull Glacier, the man-made ice tunnel offers a breathtaking journey into the heart of one of nature’s most awe-inspiring creations. Opened in 2015, this unique attraction combines adventure, education, and engineering marvels, allowing visitors to explore the glacier’s blue-hued depths and witness its ancient icy layers. Whether you’re captivated by stunning natural beauty or curious about glacial history, this experience promises an unforgettable glimpse into Iceland’s frozen wonders.

History of Langjökull and the Ice Tunnel

Keep ReadingShow less