Stories

“It is our hope that the My Bladder Cancer Story campaign will be an avenue for those affected by bladder cancer to share their stories to be a voice for those who, for far too long, have felt alone in this fight against this disease.”

Andrea Maddox-Smith, BCAN CEO
Share Your Story
  • Kristen’s Story: I Was 22 Years Old When I Was Diagnosed

    At the age of 22, I was diagnosed with bladder cancer. For eight months, I had been experiencing bloating, burning during urination and abdominal pain. Initially, I thought it might be hormonal due to stopping my birth control. This prompted me to see my gynecologist, who told me I was… Read More
  • Glenn’s Story: Sharing My Journey to Help Others

    April 1, 2023 will be the two-year anniversary of my bladder cancer diagnosis and a few months short of my 75th birthday. I am glad to have this opportunity to relate my bladder cancer story to this point because, based on my experiences, my story will hopefully reduce some anxiety… Read More
  • Sue’s Story: Four Different Cancer Diagnoses, Including Bladder Cancer

    I was no stranger to hearing the words “you have cancer” because bladder cancer was my third cancer and fourth cancer diagnosis. Many people would think that learning of my diagnosis, I would be scared and shocked, but it was the opposite. Despite my illnesses, I have always maintained a… Read More
  • A Cautionary Tale – Victoria’s Story

    Victoria offers a caregiver’s perspective in the hopes that others can learn from her dear friend’s tragic story. Mentor, Business Partner, Father Figure I’ve always been interested in health care, from my background in pre-med and public health, to my decades of experience in helping to grow medical and dental… Read More
  • Rick’s Story: Bladder Cancer Was a New Beginning

    Rick was diagnosed with bladder cancer on June 24, 2022, at age 55.  Here is his first-person account of his journey. For the majority of my life, I maintained a healthy and active lifestyle. One Saturday morning, I woke up to use the restroom and discovered blood in my urine. Read More
  • Steve’s Journey: From Agent Orange to a Radical Cystectomy

    My journey with bladder cancer began in October 2017 at the age of 70. Being a Vietnam War veteran exposed to Agent Orange, I cannot help but think that may have played a role in my diagnosis. Before finding out that I had bladder cancer, I had mild symptoms. There… Read More
  • Ron’s Story: “It was shocking, surprising and disturbing”

    It was nine years ago when I was diagnosed with bladder cancer. The first symptom I noticed was shocking, surprising, and disturbing: blood – in my urine. I contacted a urologist at my hospital, Morristown (NJ) Medical Center. At our first meeting, he performed a TURBT (trans urethral resection… Read More
  • Scott’s Story: Bladder Cancer Didn’t Stop Me

    For the majority of my life, I have always been fit. As I got older, I adjusted my diet and my approach to continue being active in sports and fitness. I even started competing in Masters Track and Field in my 50s, winning a number of national championships. I was… Read More
  • John’s Bladder Cancer Story: “When is this Going to be Over?”

    John is a 74-year-old bladder cancer survivor who was diagnosed in 2005. Over the years, John had quite a journey and now shares his story. Hard to wrap my head around the news Being diagnosed with cancer is a hard pill to swallow and can catch you off guard. Before… Read More