AN NHS campaign to raise awareness of the symptoms of bladder and kidney cancers takes to the road in the North-East from next week.

The Be Clear on Cancer 'Blood in Pee' campaign pilot was launched last month and the roadshow aims to raise awareness of the key symptoms of these two cancers - particularly blood in pee.

Around 1,250 people in the North East and Cumbria region are diagnosed with bladder or kidney cancer each year and around 550 people die from these cancers annually in the area .

Bladder and kidney cancers are more treatable when diagnosed early which is why it is vital for people to be aware of the symptoms and visit their doctor early if they experience them.

One of the key signs of both kidney and bladder cancer is 'blood in pee'. A recent online survey revealed only 24 per cent of people in the North East said they would visit their GP after seeing blood in their urine just once.

At each of the Be Clear on Cancer 'Blood in Pee' shopping centre stands, a nurse will be on hand to talk in more depth with anyone who is worried about bladder and kidney cancer symptoms and give advice on visiting their GP.

A Be Clear on Cancer team will be at football and rugby clubs, as well as community centres.

The roadshow will call at: • 4 - 5 February - Castle Dene Shopping Centre, Peterlee • 6 - 7 February - Dundas Arcade, Middlesbrough • 8 - 9 February - Newgate Centre, Bishop Auckland • 11 - 12 February - Parkway Shopping Centre, Middlesbrough • 13 - 14 February - The Gate, Durham • 15 - 16 February - Galleries Shopping Centre, Washington • 18 - 19 February- Newgate Shopping Centre, Newcastle