May is Bladder Awareness Month 2026

Every year, over 610,000 people are diagnosed with bladder cancer globally, and more than 1.9 million people are living with and beyond the disease. While bladder cancer is the 9th most commonly diagnosed cancer, and the 6th most common among men, awareness remains low, and symptoms are too often ignored or misinterpreted.

Bladder Cancer Awareness Month is a time for those impacted by bladder cancer to stand together and raise awareness of the disease while working to better support its early detection and care.

How to Get Involved in Bladder Cancer Awareness Month

In Australia and New Zealand, BEAT Bladder Cancer lead efforts during May. BEAT aim to create awareness, connection and hope for everyone touched by bladder cancer, and work to promote disease awareness and bladder health in the community, while supporting and empowering patients. BEAT also focus on educating health professionals across the region, and play an important role advocating for improved health outcomes.

In May, BEAT run their programme of Anna’s Walk community events on the 17th. BEAT also host an extensive library of resources via their website.

In the United States, the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) advocate for everyone impacted by bladder cancer by focusing on four critical areas: education, support, research and policy. In line with this they provide patients and caregivers with critical information and community support.

In May BCAN play a key role coordinating fundraising events and educational initiatives. This includes their annual Walk to End Cancer, a national event bringing thousands together across the country to raise money for bladder cancer research and care. To complement events throughout the month, BCAN provide patients, caregivers and the medical community with a library of print and online resources designed to help navigate the bladder cancer journey.

At a global level the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition (WBCPC) supports activity in May, centered around their “Feeling Unsure? Get Checked” campaign. The campaign, now in its third and final year, aims to spark conversations that raise awareness of the disease by highlighting symptoms and overcoming barriers to seeking medical advice. In support of the campaign, WBCPC provide a range of shareable digital and print resources.

Ways to get involved in Bladder Cancer Awareness Month during May:

Follow BCAN, BEAT, and the WBCPC on social media

Help raise awareness. Engage with informative and supportive content. Create your own posts

Help spread the word by liking, commenting on, or sharing a campaign post, video or infographic on social media.
If you’re creating your own content, use a hashtag like #BCAM25, #BladderCancerMonth25, or #BladderCancerAwarenessMonth.

Take part in an event

If you’re based in Australasia, take part in our Anna’s Walk on the 17th May close to you.
If you’re based in the US, find and participate in a BCAN event.
Based in another country? Browse our list of global patient organisations below to find a local event, or search for a patient organisation or group in your region.

Show your support by wearing orange

Orange is the official color of Bladder Cancer Awareness Month.

Explore and share online resources

See our list of leading bladder cancer information platforms below. We also provide a number of articles for patients and caregivers on our blog.
Watch an expert video. BEAT Bladder Cancer and BCAN both provide an extensive library of expert videos, designed for those seeking health advice. Their YouTube channels are also great resources.

Watch a patient story

Watch a patient story. Again BEAT and BCAN provide a range of compelling patient video stories which provide both perspective and insight.

Join a bladder patient community

Join an online bladder cancer community, e.g. BCAN Inspire platform or Smart Patients. Facebook also has a number of dedicated communities for patients and caregivers.

Increasing Awareness of the Disease

Education is an important element of Bladder Cancer Awareness Month, both in respect to self-learning and in sharing information and resources with others.

To gain a greater awareness of the disease, including symptoms and its care, we recommend the following online resources:

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