Burdett’s supports health campaign
Bladder cancer is in the top 10 cancers in Australia. Every year over 3000 people are diagnosed, and tragically over 1000 people die each year. It is not rare. Men over 60 are at the highest risk of bladder cancer, with men three times more likely to have bladder cancer than women.
Blood in your urine is the most common symptom of bladder cancer. This could be just a little trace, or a lot of blood. Other symptoms include changes in urinary pattern or recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs).
The important thing is to go and see your doctor as soon as possible. There may be other reasons for the blood, but do not discount bladder cancer. So, ask your doctor to refer you to a urologist to test for bladder cancer. If diagnosed early, the chances of survival are greatly increased.
Adam Lynch, President of BEAT Bladder Cancer Australia says “Us blokes are the worst at talking to others about our health, whether that be our family or the doctor. If you see blood, don’t be embarrassed or laugh it off. Please go and see your GP quickly. It may save your life”.
Andrew Burdett, Director of major trucking company Burdett Group found this out through personal experience. “One day I went to the toilet and passed lots of blood. Later in the day the blood had gone. But I knew something was wrong. I went to my doctor and I was diagnosed with bladder cancer”. Andrew has successfully completed his first year of treatment and now has regular check-ups. “I am so glad I acted quickly otherwise it may have been a very different story. You don’t get to have a second chance”.
Bulk haulage specialist, Burdett’s, has redesigned the livery on some of its trucks as part of a campaign to raise awareness for a new health initiative. The sides of these tippers now carry messaging to promote Beat Bladder Cancer Australia.
Men and women are being encouraged to actively do something about early detection through the slogan “Blood in your pee? See your GP.”
It’s a message that resonates personally with Burdetts Group Director Andrew Burdett who acted on an early warning sign himself. He is currently undergoing bladder cancer treatment.
“I have been very lucky that I picked up an early warning sign and did something about it, this has given me a second chance at getting a lot older than 54.”
Early detection has empowered Burdett to spread the word especially for men in their 50s and older, a susceptible age group that dominates the transport industry workforce with a majority of truck drivers considered middle aged.
“It is important to pass on some positive news to help the ageing work force of our commercial road transport industry,” he said. Burdett’s has two more tippers operating in the quarry sector aimed at a similar demographic of people the campaign is aimed at. The digital livery was provided by fleet graphic specialists Attard’s.
Beat Bladder Cancer offers support groups for patients and those who have undergone a recent diagnosis to talk to others who understand what bladder cancer will mean for them.
For a full range of bladder cancer information & support, please contact BEAT Bladder Cancer Australia www.beatbladdercanceraustralia.org.au.
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