Every year, over 610,000 people are diagnosed with bladder cancer around the world, and more than 1.9 million people are living with and beyond bladder cancer1. Bladder cancer is the 9th most commonly diagnosed cancer, and the 6th most common among men.

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

How to Get Involved in Bladder Cancer Awareness Month

In the United States, the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) plays a leading 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.

Globally, the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition (WBCPC) help to drive activity in May, centered around their “Feeling Unsure? Get Checked” campaign which 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. 

Our Message to Surveillance Patients in May: Stay on Track

Patients that have been treated for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) have unique monitoring needs to protect against the threat of recurrence which can be as high as 70-80%2. After assessing a patient’s risk profile, doctors will recommend a regular ongoing schedule of cystoscopies to examine the inside of the bladder and urethra.

To reduce the risk of an undetected spread of disease, we're urging NMIBC patients being monitored for recurrent disease to stay on track and keep up with scheduled surveillance check-ups. 

Recent American Urological Association (AUA) Registry Data suggests that the average length of follow-up monitoring among NMIBC patients is 1.8 years3. This contrasts with the 5 year AUA guideline recommendation for low risk patients and the ongoing surveillance recommendation for those that are considered mid and high risk. 

While the reasons for discontinuing surveillance or choosing to avoid scheduled checks may vary by individual, we know from recent patient survey data4 that invasive cystoscopies are a source of significant discomfort, pain, embarrassment and anxiety for many. It's likely that this is impacting compliance.

To help ease the burden of invasive testing, we provide Cxbladder Monitor, a genomic urine test that can safely reduce the frequency of cystoscopy required in patients being monitored for recurrent non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

With this in mind, our “Stay on track” campaign speaks to NMIBC surveillance patients and suggests they consider Cxbladder Monitor as a non-invasive test alternative to help them keep up with their scheduled checks.
Learn more

Stay on track with Cxbladder Monitor

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 promote greater awareness of the disease, our website provides a selection of resources for patients and caregivers including:

If You're Concerned About Bladder Cancer, Ask Your Doctor About Cxbladder

Cxbladder is a suite of easy-to-use and non-invasive tests designed to help rule out urothelial bladder cancer in patients experiencing blood in urine (hematuria) and to monitor for recurrent disease in those who have been treated for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

Cxbladder tests deliver exceptional performance and clinically actionable results, reducing the need for further invasive procedures, when you're at a low risk of disease.
Learn more about Cxbladder     Contact us for more information    

Online Resources & Key Organisations

Bladder cancer information across leading online portals:


 Useful bladder cancer statistics:


Key patient organisations:

References

  1. https://worldbladdercancer.org/news_events/bladder-cancer-awareness-month-in-may-and-why-it-is-important/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9599984/
  3. AUA AQUA Registry Data (via AUA Facebook link)
  4. BCAN Patient Survey 2018 - Videoinfographic

Last Updated: 22 Oct 2024 06:44 am