Men’s Health Week – Raising awareness and supporting early diagnosis

Each year in June, Men’s Health Week brings global attention to the health challenges men face, while encouraging action and awareness for better well-being. In 2025, the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition joins this important initiative to shine a light on bladder cancer – a disease that disproportionately affects men, but remains under-recognised.

Bladder cancer is the sixth most common cancer among men worldwide. Men are four times more likely than women to be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime. Despite this, awareness of bladder cancer and its symptoms remains low – contributing to delays in diagnosis and care.

One of the earliest and most common symptoms of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, yet many men may ignore or dismiss it as a minor issue. This lack of awareness can lead to later-stage diagnoses when the cancer is more difficult to treat. Early detection, on the other hand, significantly improves outcomes – bladder cancer has a 90% survival rate when caught early.

At the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition, we are committed to changing this through education and awareness. Our Global Patient and Carer Survey revealed that:

• 66% of patients completely understood their diagnosis when it was explained to them;

• 87% said they received enough support from nurses and other healthcare providers;

• and 81% felt supported by their doctors.

These figures underline the importance of informed, accessible communication and early support from the healthcare team. But before any of this can happen, awareness must lead the way.

This Men’s Health Week, we highlight the story of Oscar – a bladder cancer survivor who turned fear into strength. By sharing his experience, Oscar helps others understand the importance of recognising symptoms early and speaking with a healthcare provider. Stories like his are powerful tools to raise awareness and encourage early action.

To support this effort, we have developed a set of social media resources that can be used by our members and partners across the world. These include key facts, patient stories, and links to useful materials, such as our multilingual bladder cancer factsheets.

By joining the conversation this Men’s Health Week, you can help:

• Spread awareness about the early signs of bladder cancer

• Encourage men to take charge of their health

• Support earlier diagnoses and better outcomes for all

Explore and share our awareness resources
📄 Download our bladder cancer factsheet
🎥 Read Oscar’s story

Together, we can help more men recognise the signs, get the care they need, and live healthier, longer lives.