Raising awareness

Elevating the global conversation about bladder cancer

Raising awareness about bladder cancer is one of the most important things that we do. We work across the globe and put a particular focus on under-represented countries – where there is an urgent need for improved patient care. 

We focus on bringing attention to bladder cancer risks, signs and symptoms, and treatment and care options; with the aim of improving bladder cancer patient outcomes.

The importance of raising awareness about bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is the 10th most common cancer in the world, with more than half a million new cases reported each year. Despite widespread pervasiveness, awareness can be poor among the general public and many people only hear about bladder cancer for the first time at their diagnosis. We want to change this; and bring greater attention to the disease.

Largely, the success of bladder cancer treatment and thus, survival is significantly impacted by a timely diagnosis. Raising awareness about bladder cancer amongst the general population and primary care physicians is a key step to improving the lives of people affected by the disease, and to help ensure a timely diagnosis, better treatment outcomes and quality of life for all patients affected by bladder cancer.

Moreover, awareness raising activities can also support advocacy efforts by strengthening the patient voice around policy discussions.

We work with our members and affiliates to empower them to raise awareness and reach people in their countries with important facts about bladder cancer that everyone should know. We partner with our members, external partners, key stakeholders and the industry to reach the widest audiences.

A core part of our advocacy efforts each year is hosting the World Bladder Cancer Awareness Month in May, to highlight the facts about bladder cancer, promote awareness of the disease and call for more investment in research.

Our awareness-raising work is key to improving the lives of people affected by the disease; and to bring greater attention to patient needs. By working together, and raising our global collective voice, we can have a great impact on patient outcomes. We hope you will join us in our efforts!
Alex Filicevas

Executive Director of the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition

Resources

Facthseet - What is bladder cancer? Download
Facthseet - What is TURBT? Download
Factsheet - Understanding treatment for Non Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Download
Factsheet - Understanding treatment for Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Download
Factsheet - Understanding the risk factors of bladder cancer Download
Factsheet - Recognising the symptoms of bladder cancer Download

Other focus areas

Related news & events

New factsheet on Bladder Cancer in Women Launched for International Women’s Day

On International Women’s Day 2026, the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition launches a new factsheet to raise awareness of the specific challenges women face in bladder cancer diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.

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The cost of being unseen: An opinion piece on what bladder cancer reveals about gender bias in care

An International Women’s Day opinion piece bringing together two patient advocates and one healthcare professional to address gender bias in bladder cancer care.

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Rare Disease Day: Standing together for people affected by rare bladder cancers

On Rare Disease Day, we highlight rare forms of bladder cancer and the need for greater awareness, research and equitable care.

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