Bladder Cancer Awareness Month 2025: Feeling Unsure? Get Checked.

This May, the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition (WBCPC) is launching Bladder Cancer Awareness Month 2025 under the theme “Feeling Unsure? Get Checked”. The campaign highlights the importance of recognising blood in urine as a symptom of bladder cancer and acting quickly to seek medical advice.

Addressing delays in bladder cancer diagnosis

One of the greatest challenges in diagnosing bladder cancer is hesitation. Many people delay seeking medical attention when they notice symptoms like blood in their urine, often due to uncertainty or fear. This delay can significantly impact treatment success and survival rates.

Bladder cancer is the 9th most common cancer globally, with over 610,000 new cases diagnosed each year and more than 1.9 million people living with the disease. Despite these numbers, bladder cancer remains underrepresented in awareness campaigns and research funding.

“By working together, we can change the story of bladder cancer. No one should feel unsure about their symptoms; we want everyone to feel empowered to get checked”. Says Alex Filicevas, Executive Director of WBCPC

Spot the Drop: test your reactions and act fast

To involve the public in a engaging way, this year’s campaign features the interactive ‘Spot the Drop’ game, designed to encourage people to act quickly when spotting symptoms. The game challenges players to react fast when a symbolic blood drop appears, mimicking the urgency of noticing symptoms and seeking medical advice.

In 2024, over 52,000 people played Spot the Drop, increasing conversations around early detection and bladder cancer symptoms. This year, the campaign aims to reach even more people and reinforce the message that acting fast could save lives.

Play now: spot.worldbladdercancer.org

The Unsure Icon: a symbol of awareness

Central to the campaign is the Unsure Icon, a unique visual designed to reflect the uncertainty surrounding bladder cancer symptoms. What you see depends on your perspective – just like symptoms can be misinterpreted. The icon serves as a reminder to trust your instincts and seek medical advice if you experience blood in your urine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xY1k4DCBY_Q

How to get involved

Everyone can take part in Bladder Cancer Awareness Month 2025:

• Play ‘Spot the Drop’ and challenge friends and family.
• Share our campaign materials and spread awareness on social media using #GetChecked.
• Encourage conversations about bladder cancer symptoms and early diagnosis.
• Support patient organisations and help advocate for better bladder cancer care.

Breaking the silence on bladder cancer

Despite being the 9th most common cancer worldwide, bladder cancer receives less than 1% of cancer research funding. This lack of investment limits progress in treatment and patient support.

Bladder cancer is one of the most complex and costly cancers to diagnose and treat, with a high recurrence rate and often life-altering treatment pathways. Blood in the urine is the most common symptom, yet nearly 64% of patients were unaware of this before diagnosis. Women and younger people are more likely to experience delays and misdiagnosis: 69% of women and 66% of those under 55 were diagnosed with another condition, such as a urinary tract infection, before receiving a correct diagnosis. The emotional and financial impact is also considerable: 58% of patients reported not receiving enough emotional support, and 49% experienced financial strain.

The World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition (WBCPC) calls on policymakers and healthcare professionals to prioritise bladder cancer research, early detection, and awareness.

To learn more about Bladder Cancer Awareness Month 2025 and get involved, visit: https://worldbladdercancer.org/awareness-month