New ACS Projections Show Bladder Cancer’s Persistent Human Toll

January 13, 2026

Today, the American Cancer Society (ACS) released its annual Cancer Facts and Figures report, projecting that 84,530 Americans will be diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2026, and 17,870 will die from the disease. Those numbers place bladder cancer among the most common cancers in the country, ranking seventh overall and fourth among men.

While the projections show little change from last year, stability should not be mistaken for progress.

“Flat numbers don’t mean progress,” said Meri-Margaret Deoudes, CEO of the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN). “They mean tens of thousands of people—parents, grandparents, spouses, siblings—will have their lives permanently altered by a bladder cancer diagnosis in 2026.”

Bladder cancer is one of the most expensive to treat over a patient’s lifetime. Many patients continue to face delayed diagnoses, limited awareness of symptoms and significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens.

BCAN works to ensure that no one faces bladder cancer alone by providing free educational resources, patient and caregiver support programs, clinical trial navigation, and funding for innovative medical research. The organization also offers state-by-state bladder cancer statistics and resources to help inform patients, providers, and policymakers.

“As long as bladder cancer continues to impact even one person in this country, BCAN will continue to push for better awareness, better treatments, and better tomorrows,” said Deoudes.

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The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, or BCAN, was founded in 2005 and provides patients with the critical information and community support they need to thrive today – and champions innovative research and responsive national policy to inspire hope for tomorrow.

Contact:
Mark Story, Vice President of Communications and Marketing
[email protected]