Bladder Cancer Awareness Month 2024

What is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month?

Bladder Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM), observed every May, is a dedicated time to increase public awareness about bladder cancer, one of the most common cancers in the United States. This month is important because it focuses on raising knowledge about the risk factors, symptoms, and the latest treatment options for bladder cancer, aiming to promote early detection and support individuals impacted by this disease.

By bringing attention to this, the month helps to break down stigmas associated with bladder cancer, fosters a supportive community for patients and their families, and underscores the importance of regular medical check-ups for early diagnosis.

Throughout May, we also focused on educating and raising awareness about different types of bladder cancer. During the month, we delved into a specific disease state, providing valuable information on treatment options, and we also offered patient stories, videos, podcasts, webinars, and much more. Click on the links below to dive deeper into each topic:

• Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (May 1-12)
• Muscle invasive bladder cancer (May 13-19)
• Advanced or metastatic bladder cancer (May 20-26)
• Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (May 27-31)

How did we celebrate BCAM?

May was full of activities in observance of Bladder Cancer Awareness Month. Those included:

• Walks to End Bladder Cancer: Participating in a Walk to End Bladder Cancer is important for raising awareness and funds to support bladder cancer advocacy, patient support, and research. These signature Walk events helped to increase public understanding of bladder cancer and enabled BCAN continue to provide critical resources for patients and their families.
• Ask the Experts: This unique, interactive Zoom session offered members of the BCAN community an exclusive opportunity to engage directly with two of the United States’ foremost bladder cancer specialists, and previous BCAN Young Investigator Award recipients, Dr. Brendan Guercio, a medical oncologist at the University of Rochester, and Dr. Matthew Mossanen, a urologist at Harvard Medical Center. Watch the broadcast here.
• Art As Therapy: During May, BCAN featured works of art from members of our community who have expressed that producing the art has helped them deal with their own bladder cancer diagnosis or that of a loved one. Peruse these amazing works of art.
• Beacon of Hope: Each year, we extend an invitation to nominate those extraordinary individuals who have illuminated someone’s path through a bladder cancer journey. This year’s award winner was Lydia Saravis. Read more about Lydia here.