Feeling Unsure? This May is about getting checked!

Today marks the start of Bladder Cancer Awareness Month 2026 and the final chapter of the global campaign Feeling Unsure? Get Checked. This campaign focuses on a simple but often overlooked reality: many people delay seeking care because symptoms feel uncertain.

“I thought it was just a UTI.”
“Blood in my urine once. That was my warning sign.”
“I didn’t know it meant bladder cancer.”

These moments of hesitation are common, and they can delay diagnosis.

Why this matters

Each year, more than 610,000 people are diagnosed with bladder cancer worldwide, and over 1.9 million people are living with the disease. It is the 9th most common cancer globally, yet awareness remains low.

The most important warning sign is blood in the urine, even once, even without pain. Other symptoms can include frequent urination, urgency, pain while urinating, or repeated urinary tract infections.

When something feels unusual or keeps coming back, it is important to get checked. When detected early, survival rates can reach up to 90%.

This year’s focus: act on uncertainty

The goal of this final campaign year is clear: reduce delays and encourage earlier action.

Awareness alone is not enough. People need to recognise symptoms, trust their instincts, and feel confident seeking medical advice.

How you can take part

There are several simple ways to get involved this May. Even small actions can help raise awareness and encourage someone to seek care sooner.

🎯 Play and share Spot the Drop:
Test your reaction speed and share your score. Challenge friends, family, and colleagues to play and start conversations about early detection.

💬 Join the #GetChecked Challenge:
Complete the sentence: “If you’re feeling unsure…” Share your message as a post, selfie, or short video, tag @WorldBladderCancer, and invite others to continue the chain.

📖 Share your #UnsureStory:
Every diagnosis often starts with uncertainty. Sharing real experiences can help others recognise symptoms earlier and understand when to act.

📸 Use and share campaign materials:
Access ready-to-use visuals, videos, posters, and messages. Post them on social media, include them in newsletters, or display them in clinics, workplaces, and communities.

💬 Start conversations offline:
Talk to friends, family, colleagues, or patients about bladder cancer symptoms. A simple conversation can make a difference.

A global campaign, accessible to all

This year, campaign materials are available in 31 languages, making Bladder Cancer Awareness Month 2026 the most inclusive campaign to date.

A full set of resources is available, including social media visuals, animations, printable posters, newsletter templates, and campaign guidance. These tools are designed to make participation simple and accessible, wherever you are.

Whether you have one minute or more time to contribute, your voice can help raise awareness.

One action can make a difference

Bladder cancer often begins with a small doubt. Acting on that doubt can change outcomes.

One shared post, one conversation, or one decision to get checked sooner can make a real difference.

This May, the message is clear: If you are feeling unsure, get checked.