SAINTS players are teaming up with health chiefs to join the fight against cancer.

Southampton Football Club is supporting Public Health England’s Be Clear on Cancer campaign raising awareness of kidney and bladder cancer.

Today, as the team take on Sunderland at home, the club will put special campaign posters inside the urinals at St Mary’s Stadium.

The unique posters will appear black until they are urinated on and the campaign’s key message about blood in the urine is revealed.

Striker Jay Rodriguez is urging people to know the symptoms.

He said: “As a footballer I am always keeping an eye on my health and we want our fans and their loved ones to do the same.

“If you notice something unusual, like blood in your pee, you should always go straight to your doctor.

“That’s why I’m supporting the Be Clear on Cancer campaign, to raise awareness amongst fans of the signs of bladder and kidney cancer.”

 Dr Steve Baynes, Southampton FC club doctor, added: “Blood in pee can be a symptom of bladder or kidney cancer so it is vital that you visit your GP as soon as possible if you notice it.

“It’s so easy to brush health niggles under the carpet but finding cancer early makes it more treatable – that’s why we’re committed to raising awareness of the symptoms and helping to tackle cancer head on.”

Only one in three people survive bladder and kidney cancers when diagnosed at a late stage, compared to nine in ten when it is discovered early.

Dr Bob Coates, consultant in public health for Southampton City Council, added: “We welcome the move for Southampton Football Club to be supporting the ‘blood in pee’ campaign.

“It’s important for the signs and symptoms of bladder and kidney cancer to be out there and understood.”