Lydia Makaroff
Chief Executive, Fight Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer affects over 21,000 individuals every year and is the fifth most common cancer in the UK.
Despite these high numbers, only 1% of cancer research funding is devoted to bladder cancer. Awareness remains crucial to empower individuals in their fight against bladder cancer.
Lifting the taboo around bladder cancer symptoms
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to lift the taboo surrounding bladder cancer as it often remains shrouded in silence and stigma. We, at Fight Bladder Cancer UK and our team of dedicated patient advocates, are working with the World Bladder Cancer Coalition to spark conversations that drive awareness around bladder cancer by focusing on one of bladder cancer’s most common symptoms — blood in urine.
Over half of people diagnosed with bladder
cancer will succumb to the disease.
Seeing bladder cancer symptoms
What you see might be different to what others see. The image is called the ‘Unsure Icon,’ and it has been specially designed to be seen in different ways — just like the symptoms of bladder cancer.
You may notice that it contains imagery of blood in urine, the shape of the human bladder, the passing of time, self-examination and being examined. By openly discussing the disease, sharing personal stories and raising awareness, we not only empower those living with bladder cancer but also break down barriers to education, early detection and support.
Patient journey of raising awareness
After battling bladder cancer last year, which could only be treated with life-changing surgery, Colin O’Sullivan was left with two stomas. He now wants to help make a difference for other patients and break the stigma behind topics perceived by many as embarrassing.
Colin has helped raise vital awareness and funds for bladder cancer. Colin’s passion for raising awareness for bladder cancer comes from his own “sheer lack of knowledge and the ignorance that comes from people’s reluctance to discuss subjects like ‘wee’ and ‘poo’ when it’s something everyone does every day … My ignorance and naivety amaze me even now,” he admits.
Recognising early symptoms improves outcomes
Over half of people diagnosed with bladder cancer will succumb to the disease. However, recognising the early signs — such as blood in urine, frequent urination or pain during urination — can lead to an earlier diagnosis, which significantly improves outcomes.
Bladder cancer has a 90% survival rate if diagnosed early. Education and awareness campaigns play a pivotal role in fostering early detection and effective management of bladder cancer.
