Baggies support Be Clear on Cancer ‘Blood in Pee’ campaign
Around 1,770 people from the West Midlands are diagnosed with either bladder or kidney cancer every year.
More than 9 in 10 people in England survive bladder or kidney cancer for at least a year if diagnosed at the earliest stage, but this drops to just 1 in 3 if diagnosed at a late stage.
This is why West Bromwich Albion is supporting Public Health England’s Be Clear on Cancer campaign, and encouraging fans to visit their GP straight away if they spot a key symptom of bladder or kidney cancer – blood in pee.
The earlier these cancers are diagnosed, the higher the chance of survival, so being aware of the symptoms is crucial.
West Bromwich Albion defender, Jason Davidson has stepped in with teammates, forward Georgios Samaras and defender Cristian Gamboa, to urge Baggies fans to be aware of the symptoms.
As part of West Brom’s support and to directly reach out to fans, a Be Clear on Cancer ‘blood in pee’ advert will be shown during the home game against Crystal Palace on the 25 October and an advert will be featured in their match day programme.
This is the second time West Bromwich Albion has supported the Be Clear on Cancer ‘Blood in Pee’ campaign.
In 2013, Youssouf Mulumbu fronted the campaign and helped to increase symptom awareness amongst men, who are most at risk of developing these cancers. This year the Baggies are hoping to further improve awareness of both cancers through their renewed support.
Head Coach, Alan Irvine at West Bromwich Albion said: “West Bromwich Albion is proud to support the Be Clear on Cancer campaign. We hope that our involvement in the Blood in Pee campaign will help to increase symptom awareness amongst our fans and the general public.”
West Bromwich Albion player, Jason Davidson, an ambassador for the Blood in Pee campaign comments: “On behalf of West Bromwich Albion, I am proud to be the Ambassador for the Be Clear on Cancer, Blood in Pee campaign. Together with the rest of the team, I hope that our work to support the campaign will help to raise awareness of the symptoms of bladder and kidney cancers within and outside of our fan base.”
Mark Gillett, Club Doctor at West Bromwich Albion comments: “It’s important to visit your GP if you notice blood in your pee – it could be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer. Finding these cancers early makes them more treatable. That’s why we’re committed to raising awareness of the symptoms and helping to tackle cancer head on.”
Professor Kevin Fenton, National Director of Health and Wellbeing at Public Health England, thanks West Bromwich Albion for their involvement: “We’re delighted to receive such high profile support from the club and are confident that together we can increase awareness of the symptoms of bladder and kidney cancers.”
Premier League football clubs Liverpool FC, Southampton FC and West Ham United are also supporting the Be Clear on Cancer campaign in similar ways to help keep the message at the front of people’s minds.
For further information about the signs and symptoms of bladder and kidney cancer, please visit nhs.uk/bloodinpee