Bladder Cancer Awareness Month 2026

What is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month?

Bladder Cancer Awareness Month, observed each May, is a time to bring greater attention to a disease that impacts more than 725,000 people across the country. It’s an opportunity to share important information about symptoms, risk factors and emerging treatments while underscoring how critical early detection can be.

Throughout the month, increased awareness helps break down stigmas, spark meaningful conversations and connect patients, families and caregivers with a wonderful and supportive community. It also serves as a reminder that paying attention to changes in your health and staying current with recommended screenings can make a life-saving difference.

How do we celebrate BCAM?

May is full of activities in observance of Bladder Cancer Awareness Month. These include:

• Walks to End Bladder Cancer: Taking part in a Walk to End Bladder Cancer is a meaningful way to turn support into action. These Walks, held in 21 cities and virtually, bring people together to raise awareness and generate funding that advances research, strengthens advocacy and sustains free educational and support programs for patients and families. Every step helps BCAN reach more people and deliver critical support when and where it’s needed most.
• Art As Therapy: Throughout May, BCAN will showcase artwork created by members of the bladder cancer community. Many artists share that creating these pieces has been a powerful outlet while navigating a diagnosis – either their own or a loved one’s.
• Beacon of Hope: Now in its sixth year, the Beacon of Hope program honors individuals who have made a lasting impact during someone’s bladder cancer journey. BCAN community members are encouraged to nominate someone who has offered strength, compassion and support when it mattered most—and help us recognize those who truly make a difference. Read about last year’s Beacon of Hope awardee.
• The One Thing. For Bladder Cancer Awareness Month 2026, we asked the BCAN community one question: What do you want people to know about bladder cancer? In our digital flipbook, patients, survivors, caregivers and supporters share honest reflections, hope and personal experiences to help raise awareness and inspire others.