National Cancer Survivors Month 

June 18, 2026

Every June, National Cancer Survivors Month celebrates the millions of people who are living with, through, and beyond cancer. For those impacted by bladder cancer, survivorship is a journey that looks different for everyone. Some are newly diagnosed and beginning treatment. Others are years beyond their diagnosis and adjusting to a new normal. 

No matter where you are in your journey, survivorship is about more than completing treatment. It includes managing physical and emotional challenges, finding reliable information, and connecting with others who understand what you are going through. 

What are survivorship resources for bladder cancer patients? 

Survivorship resources help bladder cancer patients navigate life during and after treatment. These resources include educational information, peer support, survivorship care guidance, emotional wellness tools and practical advice for managing long-term effects. BCAN offers trusted survivorship resources and support programs that help patients and families feel informed, connected and less alone. 

What Does Cancer Survivorship Mean? 

Many people are surprised to learn that cancer survivorship begins at diagnosis. Whether you are actively receiving treatment, living with no evidence of disease, participating in a clinical trial, or managing long-term side effects, you are a survivor. 

For bladder cancer patients, survivorship often includes: 

• Managing ongoing surveillance and follow-up appointments 

• Adjusting to life after treatment or cystectomy 

• Coping with uncertainty and fear of recurrence 

• Navigating work, family, and daily routines 

• Maintaining physical and emotional well-being 

Every survivorship journey is unique, and no two experiences are exactly alike. 

Why Survivorship Resources Matter for People Surviving Bladder Cancer 

The transition from treatment to everyday life can feel overwhelming. Survivorship resources provide reliable information and practical guidance that help patients make informed decisions and feel more confident moving forward. 

Patients often seek support around: 

• Managing treatment side effects 

• Living with an ostomy or urinary diversion 

• Nutrition and wellness 

• Insurance and financial concerns 

• Emotional health and relationships 

Just as important, many survivors find comfort in learning from people who have walked a similar path. 

The Power of Connecting with Someone Who Understands 

One of the most meaningful ways BCAN supports survivors is through its Survivor to Survivor program, which connects patients with trained volunteers who have faced similar experiences. 

Recently, Anne connected with Kathy through the program. What started as a support call quickly revealed a remarkable number of similarities. Both women grew up in New England. They discovered they were close in age, shared many interests and had both faced the rare challenge of sarcomatoid bladder cancer. 

Kathy recently underwent a cystectomy and is currently participating in a clinical trial. During their conversation, Anne shared practical tips she had learned from her own experience, including advice about transitioning to Medicare, finding ostomy suppliers, using night drainage systems and adapting to everyday life after surgery. 

More importantly, Kathy found reassurance in speaking with someone who truly understood. Their conversation created an immediate connection and the beginning of what they hope will be an ongoing friendship. Kathy even participated in a BCAN Walk to End Bladder Cancer for the first time. 

Stories like Anne and Kathy’s demonstrate why peer support can be such a powerful part of survivorship. Sometimes the most valuable resource is simply knowing you are not alone. 

Read more about Anne’s bladder cancer story. 

Survivors sometimes find comfort in reading about others’ journeys and we have more than 100 patient and caregiver stories on our web site. 

Survivorship Resources Available Through BCAN 

BCAN offers a variety of resources designed specifically for bladder cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and families. 

Top BCAN Survivorship Resources 

• Bladder cancer survivorship page 

• Survivor to Survivor peer support program 

• Support groups and community connections 

• Educational webinars and virtual events 

• Patient stories and shared experiences 

• Resources for caregivers and family members 

Whether you are newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or years into survivorship, support is available every step of the way. 

Five Ways to Thrive During Cancer Survivorship 

1. Keep up with recommended follow-up care and surveillance. 

2. Stay physically active within your abilities. 

3. Build a strong support network of family, friends and fellow survivors. 

4. Prioritize your emotional well-being and seek help when needed. 

5. Stay connected to the bladder cancer community through education, advocacy and support programs. 

Small steps can make a meaningful difference in quality of life and overall well-being. 

No One Should Navigate Survivorship Alone 

National Cancer Survivors Month is a time to celebrate resilience, strength, and hope. It is also a reminder that survivorship is an ongoing journey, and that support matters. 

At BCAN, we are committed to helping bladder cancer patients and their loved ones find trusted information, meaningful connections, and practical resources every step of the way. 

If you are looking for support, explore BCAN’s survivorship resources, connect with another survivor through Survivor to Survivor, or visit our support community. No one should have to navigate bladder cancer survivorship alone. 

FAQ  

What are survivorship resources? 
Survivorship resources help cancer patients manage life during and after treatment through education, peer support, emotional wellness programs, practical guidance, and community connections. 

When does cancer survivorship begin? 
Cancer survivorship begins at diagnosis and continues throughout a person’s life, regardless of treatment status or outcome. 

How can I connect with another bladder cancer survivor? 
BCAN’s Survivor to Survivor program connects patients and caregivers with trained volunteers who have experienced bladder cancer firsthand.  In her patient story, Sandy talks about how grateful she is to have been paired with someone. 

What support is available after bladder cancer treatment? 
Support may include survivorship education, peer mentoring, support groups, webinars, patient stories and caregiver resources. 

Can talking to another survivor help me cope? 
Many patients find that peer support reduces feelings of isolation, provides practical advice and offers reassurance from someone who understands their experience. 

What should I do if I feel overwhelmed after treatment? 
Talk with your healthcare team and consider connecting with support groups, mental health professionals, or peer support programs such as those offered through BCAN.