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

summer cold vs Covid

Protect yourself and others during the warmer months

iStock

What to know about Covid 19 new variant symptoms and summer colds

Colds and respiratory viruses are usually associated with winter, as colder weather drives people indoors and lowers the body’s natural defences. However, illnesses are still affecting people during the warmer months — and this summer, it could be down to a common virus or a new strain of Covid-19 now being monitored in the UK.

So, what’s behind that runny nose or sore throat, and how can you tell the difference?

Keep ReadingShow less
Bryan Johnson

Known for creating the “Don’t Die” project, Johnson has turned his body into a human laboratory

Getty Images

No pizza, no alcohol, no late nights: Bryan Johnson’s strict routine to defy ageing

Bryan Johnson, a 47-year-old tech entrepreneur from California, has become a prominent figure in the global longevity movement, attracting both fascination and criticism for his intense health regime. Known for creating the “Don’t Die” project, Johnson has turned his body into a human laboratory, experimenting with extreme methods to delay ageing and boost long-term health.

From tech success to health obsession

Johnson made headlines in 2013 after selling his company, Braintree, to PayPal for $800 million. Following years of depression and personal upheaval, including leaving the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and divorcing his wife, Johnson redirected his focus to health and longevity.

Keep ReadingShow less
Studio Bakery Matilda Cake Tesco

The Matilda chocolate cake has gained popularity over the years

Metro

Studio Bakery’s Matild Cake now available at Tesco, but £16 price sparks debate

A new chocolate cake inspired by the famous scene in Matilda has launched in Tesco stores across the UK, capturing attention from chocolate fans nationwide. Developed by Studio Bakery, the indulgent cake pays tribute to the iconic moment when Bruce Bogtrotter was forced to eat a large chocolate cake by Miss Trunchbull in Roald Dahl’s beloved story.

24-layer chocolate cake now in Tesco

The Studio Bakery Matilda cake, now available in Tesco branches and online, is described as a rich, decadent dessert featuring 24 layers of chocolate sponge and ganache. The cake is made with an all-butter dark chocolate sponge and is finished with a luscious chocolate ganache, offering a fudgy and gooey texture.

Keep ReadingShow less
mango distribution for the poor

The festival was warmly received by recipients and appreciated by local residents

SGVP

Madhavipriyadas Swami leads mango distribution for the poor and needy

Madhavipriyadas Swami of SGVP Holistic Hospital in Ahmedabad led a mango distribution drive in 2025, providing free mangoes to poor and needy families as part of the SGVP Mango Festival.

The event was held at the SGVP campus and aimed to support underprivileged communities by distributing fresh seasonal fruit during the summer. Thousands of mangoes were handed out to individuals from economically weaker backgrounds.

Keep ReadingShow less
2025’s Strawberry Moon: Rare Low-Height Full Moon Over the UK

The lowest-hanging full moon visible from the UK since 2006

Getty Images

Strawberry Moon 2025: Ancient moonlight, rare low-rise spectacle returns to UK skies

A full Strawberry Moon is set to light up UK skies tonight, and while the name might sound whimsical, it harks back to ancient survival. This year’s version is even more special, astronomers say it will be the lowest-hanging full moon visible from the UK since 2006, thanks to a rare celestial rhythm called a major lunar standstill.

This striking phenomenon won’t return until 2043, giving tonight's event a once-in-a-generation status.

Keep ReadingShow less