Every May, Bladder Cancer Awareness Month is recognized around the world. This month is an opportunity to shine a light on this often underrepresented form of cancer, and the many ways it touches the lives of Canadians. Bladder cancer is the 5th most common cancer in Canada, yet research remains underfunded and public awareness is lacking compared to many other cancers. Advocating for patients and creating a supportive community around those affected by this disease are key to ensuring that no one faces a bladder cancer diagnosis alone.
Know the Facts. Hear the Stories. Get Support.
Know the Facts
Recognizing the need to seek medical attention when experiencing the symptoms of bladder cancer can make all the difference in treatment and prognosis. Early detection can change everything and is crucial to producing the best possible patient outcomes. This is why it is so important for every Canadian to know the signs and symptoms of bladder cancer, such as hematuria and frequent urination. Our Symptoms and Diagnosis page is a great resource to learn more about these common symptoms.
Based on projections from Canadian Cancer Statistics 2023.
Hear the Stories
Bladder Cancer Awareness Month is also an opportunity to amplify the lived experiences of bladder cancer patients and survivors. Their stories bring hope and comfort to those currently navigating a bladder cancer diagnosis. This month, we will be spotlighting the inspirational stories of Bruce, Herrie, Jessica, Melinda, Ron & Steven. Stay tuned as well for our videos featuring Robert Jakes and Jacques Spilka, which will be posted later this month.
Get Support
Finding information about your diagnosis shouldnât be a challenge. Every Canadian diagnosed with bladder cancer should have access to the support they need. This month is an opportunity for us to connect patients and caregivers with invaluable resources, like our Support Groups, One2One Peer Support, and Patient Guidebooks. Spreading awareness about bladder cancer gives patients a greater chance of finding community and provides them with tools to better understand their diagnosis and treatment.
Meet our BCAM Ambassadors
Bruce
After undergoing a urostomy surgery, Bruce was determined to learn all he could about this ‘new normal.â He now enjoys an active lifestyle and shares his story to show others that life can go on âas good as or better than beforeâ after a bladder cancer diagnosis.
Herrie
When Herrie spotted blood in his urine, he suspected kidney stones were the cause. A few weeks later, he was diagnosed with bladder cancer. Herrie wants to share his experience to highlight the importance of seeking medical attention when you see red.
Jessica
Jessicaâs life turned upside down when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 bladder cancer. Despite a complex course of treatment, Jessica found support from her medical care team, loved ones, and from the BCC community. Now 1 year cancer-free, she wants others navigating a bladder cancer diagnosis to know that they are not alone!
Melinda
Melinda assumed her bladder cancer symptoms were a normal part of the aging process. In sharing her experience, she wants everyone to know that blood in the urine should never be ignored and that early detection can make all the difference.
Ron
Ron faced both non-muscle invasive and muscle invasive bladder cancer, undergoing several rounds of treatments and bladder removal with a urostomy. Learn more about Ronâs story by listening to his podcast episode on our website.
Steven
Stevenâs life-altering bladder cancer diagnosis led to bladder removal and a challenging recovery process. Today, he is 2 years cancer free and hopes that his story shows others that âthere is life after seeing red.â
Rob
Rob was shocked to learn he had bladder cancer and had questions about how this diagnosis would impact his lifestyle. 11 years post-diagnosis, he is back to pursuing his passions, like skiing, and says he is more active than ever!
Jacques
When Jacques learned that he had bladder cancer 16 years ago, he found support and reassurance through the BCC community. He hopes that sharing his story will help others recognize the importance of self-advocacy and question-asking in interactions with medical professionals.
Stay tuned for our BCAM ambassadorsâ full stories, which will be posted throughout the month of May!
This Month
Patient Perspectives: Candid Conversations & Real Experiences
On-demand webinar | Available to watch from May 21, 2026 on our website!
Submit your questions for our patient panel & sign up to receive the recording by email.
Volunteer Callout: BCAM Blast
Want to help raise awareness about bladder cancer during May?  BCC is looking for volunteers to distribute our guidebooks, brochures, and pamphlets in their community. In participating, youâll be helping us make sure that Canadians with questions about bladder  cancer have access to the information they need.
If you’re interested in being a part of this yearâs BCAM Blast, reach out to theresab@bladdercancercanada.org to get involved!
Make Double the Difference this BCAM
During the month of May, all donations to Bladder Cancer Canada will be matched up to a total of $50,000! Make a donation between May 1 and May 31 at midnight to double your impact.
Shining a Light on Bladder Cancer Across Canada
This month, Canada will be lit up in red and yellow from coast-to-coast to spread awareness for Bladder Cancer. Â Thanks to the work of our volunteers, we have illuminations in 20 cities this year. Below youâll find the dates and locations of these events. We encourage all to visit the illuminations, snap a pic, and tag us on Facebook or Instagram, @bladdercancercanada, so that we can share your amazing photos with our community!
April 30, 2026
- Esplanade Riel & Winnipeg Sign â Winnipeg, MB
May 1, 2026
- Telus Spark â Calgary, AB
- Port Coquitlam City Hall â Port Coquitlam, BC
- Edmundston City Hall â Edmundston, NB (until May 2)
- Grand Prairie Sundial â Grand Prairie, AB
May 2, 2026
- Selkirk Water Tower â Selkirk, MB
- Guelph Market Square â Guelph, ON
- CN Tower â Toronto, ON
May 3, 2025
- Reconciliation Bridge â Calgary, AB
- Red Deer City Hall â Red Deer, AB
- City Hall and Guideway â Burnaby, BC
May 4, 2025
- Oakville Town Hall âOakville, ON
- Calgary Tower âCalgary, AB
May 6, 2025
- Sails of Light âVancouver, BC
- Nanaimo Bastion âNanaimo, BC
(until May 7)
May 9, 2025
- Clock Tower â Brampton, ON
May 14, 2025
- Province House â Halifax NS
May 20, 2025
- BC Place & Vancouver Convention Centre âVancouver, BC
- Science World â Vancouver, BC
*Additional locations will be added as they are confirmed, so check back often.
If You Have Bladder Cancer, Youâre Not Alone.
Bladder Cancer Canada is here to support you as you navigate your diagnosis. We offer free support programs, educational guidebooks, One2One Peer Support, and more!
Visit our âGet Supportâ web page to learn more.