EAU26 session highlights the need to close diagnostic and care gaps for women with bladder cancer

At the European Association of Urology Congress 2026 (EAU26), the session “Closing the diagnostic and care gaps for women with urinary cancers and conditions” explored the persistent disparities affecting women with bladder cancer and the actions needed to address them.

During the session, Michelle Colero, our Vice President and Executive Director of Bladder Cancer Canada, presented the patient advocacy perspective and highlighted the gender inequalities that continue to affect women across the bladder cancer care pathway.

Bladder cancer is the ninth most common cancer globally and the fifth most common in Europe. Although men are three to four times more likely to develop the disease, women often experience worse outcomes and higher mortality rates.

One of the key reasons for this disparity is delayed diagnosis. Evidence presented during the session showed that many women initially receive another diagnosis before bladder cancer is correctly identified.

Key findings discussed included:

• 69% of women are initially diagnosed with another condition before bladder cancer is identified
• 39% of women are first diagnosed with a urinary tract infection (UTI) instead of bladder cancer
• 31% of women report their symptoms were not taken seriously
• Women are more likely to experience diagnostic delays of up to six months, often resulting in more advanced disease at diagnosis

These delays are often linked to how urinary symptoms in women are interpreted. Symptoms such as blood in the urine may be attributed to urinary tract infections or other conditions, meaning bladder cancer is not immediately suspected.

The discussion also highlighted broader systemic barriers that contribute to delayed diagnosis, including limited awareness of bladder cancer in women, gaps in healthcare professional education, language and cultural barriers, and stigma around discussing urinary symptoms.

Several priorities were highlighted to help close the gender gap in bladder cancer care:

1. Improving early detection of urinary symptoms in women
2. Strengthening education for healthcare professionals, particularly general practitioners who often see symptoms first
3. Developing gender-specific approaches to bladder cancer care
4. Improving diagnostic pathways and access to testing
5. Prioritising bladder cancer within women’s health policies and cancer strategies

As highlighted during the session, addressing these disparities requires collaboration across the healthcare system, including clinicians, policymakers and patient organisations. Strengthening awareness and encouraging open conversations about urinary symptoms are key steps in ensuring women receive timely diagnosis and appropriate care.

The session built on the findings of the Women Unseen: Tackling the Gender Care Gap in Bladder Cancer report, a global call-to-action developed with clinicians, researchers and patient advocates to highlight gender disparities in bladder cancer care and propose practical recommendations to improve outcomes for women.

Learn more and download the Women Unseen report.

You can also read our factsheet on bladder cancer in women, which explains the unique challenges women face in diagnosis and care.