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

What nobody tells you: An opinion piece on bladder cancer, continence and the care that is missing

During World Continence Week 2026, Prof Bente Thoft Jensen, Prof Shingai Mutambirwa and patient advocate Alessandro Boni call on health systems worldwide to make continence a routine, not an afterthought, in bladder cancer care.

Learn more

Men’s Health Week 2026: Raising Awareness and Supporting Early Diagnosis

WBCPC marks Men’s Health Week 2026 by raising awareness of bladder cancer’s disproportionate impact on men and encouraging early diagnosis.

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World Continence Week 2026

As World Continence Week 2026 runs from 15 to 21 June, we highlight the urinary symptoms that commonly affect people living with bladder cancer, share resources to support patients, survivors and carers, and join a global call to break the stigma around incontinence.

Learn more