Shining a Light on Bladder Cancer: Awareness, Prevention, and Hope

Article contributed by Audra Stewart-Gordon, Community Health and Communications Coordinator

May is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about one of the most common—but often overlooked—cancers in the United States. Each year, more than 80,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with bladder cancer, and yet it rarely makes headlines (American Cancer Society [ACS], 2024). That’s why this month matters—it’s about education, early detection, advocacy, and hope.

Why Awareness Matters

Bladder cancer affects both men and women, though men are about four times more likely to be diagnosed (ACS, 2024). It's the sixth most common cancer in the U.S. overall (National Cancer Institute [NCI], 2023), but many people don’t know the signs or understand their risks. Raising awareness can help individuals recognize early symptoms, seek medical advice promptly, and push for more research and funding.

Know the Signs

The most common early symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine (hematuria) even if it happens just once. Other signs may include:

  • Frequent urination

  • Pain or burning during urination

  • Feeling the need to urinate but not being able to

  • Lower back pain on one side
    (Mayo Clinic, 2024)

These symptoms can be mistaken for urinary tract infections or other conditions, so they’re often overlooked. If symptoms persist, it’s important to advocate for testing.

Risk Factors

While bladder cancer can affect anyone, certain factors increase risk:

  • Smoking: Smokers are up to three times more likely to develop bladder cancer (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023).

  • Chemical exposure: Especially in industries like manufacturing, painting, and hairdressing (NCI, 2023).

  • Chronic bladder inflammation or infections

  • Age and gender: Most diagnoses occur after age 55; men are more commonly affected (ACS, 2024).

  • Family or personal history of bladder cancer

Prevention and Early Detection

Although not all cases can be prevented, reducing your risk is possible:

  • Quit smoking

  • Limit exposure to harmful chemicals

  • Stay hydrated

  • Get regular checkups if you have risk factors
    (Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network [BCAN], 2024)

For those with a personal or family history of bladder cancer, regular screening and urine cytology tests can help detect changes early.

How You Can Help

Bladder Cancer Awareness Month is also a chance to support patients, caregivers, and survivors. Here’s how you can make a difference:

  • Wear orange to show support.

  • Share information on social media.

  • Donate to organizations funding research, such as the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN).

  • Encourage loved ones to speak up if they notice symptoms.

  • Attend or organize a walk or fundraising event.

Hope and Progress

Research is ongoing, and new treatments are being developed, including immunotherapy and targeted therapies. Early detection dramatically improves outcomes—when found early, the 5-year survival rate is around 77% (ACS, 2024).

This May, let’s shine a light on bladder cancer. The more we talk about it, the more lives we can help save.

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POSTTracey CarlsonHPM, bladder cancer