Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer

“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
  • Damon’s Story: I Did Not Fit the Profile of Your Typical Bladder Cancer Patient

    I was diagnosed with bladder cancer in October 2020 at the age of 58 but experienced symptoms two years before the diagnosis. On New Year’s Day in 2018, I noticed that I was passing what looked like blood clots. I just thought maybe I had too much champagne, or I… Read More
  • Kristi’s Story: Being an Advocate for Yourself is the Most Important Thing

    Before my diagnosis, I associated my symptoms with going through menopause; I was 55 when diagnosed. I had bleeding (hematuria) once before and decided to see my nurse practitioner. While there, they did a urinalysis and said everything was fine. The doctor confirmed my thinking that this was related… Read More
  • Diana’s Story: Be Positive, Informed and Realistic

    My journey with cancer started 14 years ago when I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer. I had a hysterectomy, and no further treatment was necessary. But after I healed, I experienced intermittent spotting a few times a year. I had it checked out thoroughly, and my oncologist assured me… Read More
  • Shelby Got Bladder Cancer at 21 Years of Age

    I was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2021 at the age of 21. One day I decided to make an appointment to see my OB/GYN because I was having what I thought were painful periods. The doctor did the usual pap smear, which was painful. I have a family history… Read More
  • Michael’s Cancer Journey(s)

    Bladder cancer is an insidious disease and has a high rate of recurrence.  Michael Morigi of Staten Island, NY, has had bladder cancer.  And prostate cancer.  Bladder cancer was his first bout with the “Big C.” In 2009, Michael was feeling off.  He described it as a strange, “itchy” feeling… Read More
  • Barbara’s Story: “You Have Cancer” is Something No One Wants to Hear

    My first indication that something was wrong was that I began having heavy bleeding, which was very scary.  As a female, I wasn’t even sure where it was coming from.  I called my doctor, and the nurse practitioner told me to come in for a urine test.  I was… Read More
  • Carlos’s Story: Bladder Cancer Didn’t Stop Me

    Carlos and his wife, Angie, on vacation in British Columbia. It was in the fall of 2016 when I noticed that sometimes my urine would have a slight discoloration. It was very subtle, just a light pink tinge that would only happen occasionally. I really did not think anything of… Read More
  • Glenn’s Story: My Mother Had Bladder Cancer, I Had Bladder Cancer

    Glenn H., his wife and his mother, who also had bladder cancer. In the summer of 2009, I began having trouble urinating and voiding. At the time I was 54 and thought “Well, maybe it’s the prostate or something,” but it eventually went away. My family and I took a… Read More
  • Dave’s Story: My Journey With Bladder Cancer

    This article is for those who are about to embark on this journey, or those working with patients dealing with bladder cancer. Why read it? Simple. Knowledge is power. In this case, knowing what may lie ahead when your body has become the home for cancer cells is important. Hopefully,… Read More