Bladder cancer awareness month

Bladder Cancer. These two words deliver a devastating impact. Every year, over 610,000 people are diagnosed with bladder cancer, and 1.9m people find themselves living with the condition. It is the 9^th most commonly diagnosed cancer and the 13^th cause of death from cancer globally. But, a timely diagnosis significantly increases the chance of long-term survival and quality of life.

Blood in the urine is the most important warning sign of bladder cancer to watch out for.

Yet bladder cancer is the forgotten cancer and what many don’t know is early diagnosis offers people a higher chance of successful treatment and long-term survival. We need to get people talking about this important statistic and we need them to share this fact. World Bladder Cancer Awareness month in May 2024 is a chance for us to do exactly that.

Explore the impact of bladder cancer in different countries in an interactive global map by visiting the Bladder Cancer Digital World Tour. 

Bladder Cancer Awareness Month Grants

For the fourth consecutive year, the Bladder Cancer Awareness Month Grants (BCAM Grants) are available to empower organisations in low- and middle-income countries to raise awareness in their communities. These grants have already supported impactful campaigns in countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Argentina, Malawi, and South Africa, among others. By funding community-based activities, these grants ensure that awareness efforts reach underserved populations, fostering education, early detection, and support for patients and families affected by bladder cancer. Apply for the Grants here.

Introducing the 2025 Campaign

Bladder Cancer Awareness Month in May 2025 marks a renewed commitment to raising awareness, breaking barriers, and supporting communities worldwide. Building on past successes, the 2025 campaign highlights the importance of early detection and timely diagnosis, aiming to empower people  and communities with the knowledge they need.

Campaign Theme – Challenging uncertainty around symptoms

One of the major obstacles to bladder cancer diagnosis is symptom recognition. Symptoms such as blood in the urine, painful urination, or irregular urination are often mistaken for other conditions, leading to delayed diagnoses. This year’s campaign continues to focus on Challenging Uncertainty, encouraging people to take symptoms seriously and seek medical advice without delay.

The campaign also highlights the Unsure Icon, introduced in 2023, which reflects the varied and often uncertain nature of bladder cancer symptoms. By sparking conversations and raising awareness, this tool helps reduce the stigma and confusion around seeking timely medical attention. Learn more about The Unsure Icon here.

Engaging Initiatives – Spot the Drop!

This year, the interactive online game “Spot the Drop!” remains a central feature of the campaign. Connecting the discovery of blood in the urine to taking action, the game challenges players’ reaction times while reinforcing the importance of early detection. We invite you to play the game, share it with your community, and help spread awareness about the importance of early detection.

Join the Conversation

Bladder Cancer Awareness Month 2025 is a call to action for people and communities to unite, share knowledge, and challenge misconceptions. Together, we can ensure that no one facing bladder cancer is forgotten.

Watch this space, as we will soon be sharing toolkits, resources, and other materials to help you get involved and make an impact in your community.