Real bladder cancer patient stories illustrate their journey

Bladder Cancer is the 10^th most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world with 570,000 people diagnosed each year. Around the world, the 1.7 million people living with the condition have their own journeys and personal bladder cancer stories to share.

This year the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition (WBCPC) wants to spark conversations that drive awareness around bladder cancer by honing in on bladder cancer symptoms, such as blood in the urine, and the challenges they bring during Bladder Cancer Awareness Month. Early diagnosis and seeking medical advice and care without delay can increase the long-term survival. If caught in its early stages – the 5-year survival rate for bladder cancer can be up to 90%.

Below we are honoured to bring to you two real patient stories where they share their different personal journeys. These stories are a powerful reminder of the impact of bladder cancer. Bladder cancer patient stories also help raise awareness of bladder cancer and highlight the urgent need for new treatments and research, improved care and support for those living with bladder cancer.

Bladder cancer stories

Linda (Female) lives in the United States and was diagnosed in 2021 at the age of 62.

It has been a long journey. I completed my bladder removal in March 2022, and am still recuperating. Getting stronger every day but I’m not rushing myself. I am good with the ostomy bag but am trying to fix a hole in my incision and where a drainage tube was. It has been a struggle but I am doing my best. I also have breast cancer and have to get a new lump checked out. Pray for me.

You have to maintain positivity every single day. You can’t let yourself get down and depressed. Stay strong!

What advice would you give to others who may be newly diagnosed with bladder cancer?

Get a second opinion and your insurance should cover it. Make sure you know every option available before you have surgery. I postponed it for a month while I got my mind wrapped around it.

Domenic(male) lives in Canada and was diagnosed in 2021 at the age of 58.

It was traumatic at first but when I realized the tumour had to be removed I remained calm and looked forward to surgery and treatment. My wife and daughter helped me cope with bladder cancer.

I never felt any pain or discomfort, then one day I urinated blood and clots. I was in shock, I thought it was something I ate. The bleeding continued throughout the day. The next morning I went to the emergency and they detected a mass in my bladder. Two days later I had a cystoscopy.

What advice would you give to others who may be newly diagnosed with bladder cancer?

As soon as you notice blood in your urine, head to the emergency, the sooner it is diagnosed, the easier it will be to treat.

Read more bladder cancer patient stories from around the world

Are you or your loved one affected by bladder cancer? Your stories can help others facing a bladder cancer diagnosis and help bring awareness to the disease. Please share your journey and fill in this form. 

If you are looking to learn more about bladder cancer on our bladder cancer information pages or contact with our member organisations closest to you.

If you have any questions please get in touch with us at info@worldbladdercancer.org