A HEALTH roadshow highlighting the need to see a doctor if you find blood in your urine is travelling around County Durham.

The County Durham and Darlington Health Improvement services' Talking About Cancer Team is promoting this important health message over the next few weeks.

Blood in your pee could be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer. It could be something much less serious but it's important you get it checked out.

Fiona McQuiston, from County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, said, "Every year around a thousand people are diagnosed with bladder and kidney cancer in the North of England and nearly half of those die due to the disease. In County Durham and Darlington that's an average of 198 cases and 93 deaths every year. But it doesn't have to be this way.

"Both cancers affect men and women, although they are more common in men. Most people diagnosed with these cancers are over 50. If you notice any blood in your pee, even if it is just once, tell your doctor straight away. The chances are it's nothing serious, but these cancers are more treatable if they are found early."

Other kidney cancer symptoms include: A pain below the ribs that doesn't go away or a lump in your stomach.

Other bladder cancer symptoms include: Needing to pee very often or very suddenly or pain while peeing.

If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible. The Talking about Cancer Team will be visiting the following venues during March: St Patricks Church, Consett (March 11), Lanchester Social Club (March 13) Stanley Medical Centre (March 14), Matalan at Consett (March 20), Asda at Stanley (March 21), Dipton Pharmacy (March 22) Louisa Centre, Stanley (March 26) and Stanley Medical Centre (March 28).