Bladder Cancer Awareness Month is recognized each May to increase awareness of bladder cancer, encourage people to recognize possible symptoms, support people affected by the disease and highlight the importance of research, education and patient support.
Across Canada, organizations including Bladder Cancer Canada and the Canadian Cancer Society provide information, support and resources for people diagnosed with bladder cancer and their families.
What Is Bladder Cancer?
Bladder cancer begins when cells in the bladder grow abnormally and form a tumour. The bladder is part of the urinary system and stores urine before it leaves the body.
Bladder cancer is one of the more commonly diagnosed cancers in Canada. Canadian Cancer Statistics estimated approximately 12,600 new cases of bladder cancer in Canada in 2025, including about 9,500 cases among males and 3,100 among females.
What Is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month?
Bladder Cancer Awareness Month takes place every May and brings attention to the signs and symptoms of bladder cancer, the experiences of patients and caregivers, and the need for continued research and improved treatment.
Awareness activities may include educational campaigns, patient stories, community events, fundraising initiatives and information about bladder cancer symptoms and risk factors.
Bladder Cancer Canada also encourages Canadians to help raise awareness of one of the disease's most important warning signs: blood in the urine.
Signs and Symptoms of Bladder Cancer
The most common sign of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, also known as hematuria. Blood may cause urine to appear pink, orange or red, although in some cases the blood is only detected through a urine test.
Other possible symptoms can include:
- needing to urinate more frequently than usual
- feeling an urgent need to urinate
- burning or pain while urinating
- difficulty urinating or a weak urine stream
- pain in the lower back or pelvis
These symptoms can have causes other than cancer. Anyone experiencing new or unexplained urinary symptoms should speak with a healthcare professional.
Bladder Cancer Events in Canada
Canadians can also support bladder cancer awareness by participating in educational programs, community activities and fundraising events held throughout the year.
Canada Walks for Bladder Cancer 2026
Canada Walks for Bladder Cancer is Bladder Cancer Canada's national fundraising walk bringing patients, survivors, caregivers, families and supporters together in communities across Canada.
The 16th annual Canada Walks for Bladder Cancer takes place on September 19 and September 20, 2026, with participating communities holding local walks in support of bladder cancer patients, research and awareness.
Canada Walks for Bladder Cancer Toronto
The Toronto walk takes place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Wilket Creek Park Picnic Area #2.
Participants can register individually or join a team while raising funds and awareness for Bladder Cancer Canada.
Canada Walks for Bladder Cancer Calgary
Calgary residents can take part in the 2026 Canada Walks for Bladder Cancer and join patients, families, caregivers and supporters raising funds for bladder cancer programs and research.
Canada Walks for Bladder Cancer Edmonton
The Edmonton walk brings the local bladder cancer community together as part of the national Canada Walks for Bladder Cancer campaign.
Canada Walks for Bladder Cancer Halifax
Participants in Halifax can join the national walk campaign and help support people affected by bladder cancer while raising awareness in their community.
Canada Walks for Bladder Cancer Montreal
Participants in Montreal can join the national walk campaign and help support people affected by bladder cancer while raising awareness in their community.
Bladder Cancer Education Events
Bladder Cancer Canada also hosts educational events that connect patients and caregivers with healthcare professionals and bladder cancer experts.
Topics may include diagnosis, treatment options, survivorship, research developments and navigating life with bladder cancer. The organization also provides webinars and recorded educational presentations for Canadians who cannot attend events in person.
Bladder Cancer Canada
Bladder Cancer Canada is a national organization dedicated to supporting Canadians affected by bladder cancer. It is the first and only Canadian charity dedicated exclusively to bladder cancer.
Its programs include patient and caregiver support, peer connections, support groups, educational resources, webinars, community events and funding for bladder cancer research.
The organization also coordinates Canada Walks for Bladder Cancer, one of Canada's largest national community initiatives focused specifically on bladder cancer.
Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society provides information and support for Canadians affected by many types of cancer, including bladder cancer.
Its bladder cancer resources provide information about symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, supportive care and living with cancer. The organization also supports cancer research and provides support services for patients, caregivers and families across Canada.
How to Support Bladder Cancer Awareness
There are many ways Canadians can participate in bladder cancer awareness throughout the year.
You can:
- learn and share the signs and symptoms of bladder cancer
- participate in Canada Walks for Bladder Cancer
- support bladder cancer research
- attend educational events or webinars
- share reliable bladder cancer information
- support organizations serving patients and caregivers
- encourage someone experiencing unexplained blood in their urine to speak with a healthcare professional
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month?
Bladder Cancer Awareness Month is observed every May.
What colour represents bladder cancer awareness?
Bladder cancer awareness is commonly represented by a blue, yellow and purple awareness ribbon.
What is the most common symptom of bladder cancer?
The most common sign of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, also called hematuria.
Are there bladder cancer walks in Canada?
Yes. Canada Walks for Bladder Cancer is a national fundraising event organized by Bladder Cancer Canada. Community walks are held in cities across Canada, including Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton and Halifax.
What organizations support people with bladder cancer in Canada?
Bladder Cancer Canada provides specialized bladder cancer education, patient support, peer programs and research funding. The Canadian Cancer Society also provides cancer information, support services and resources for people affected by bladder cancer.
Learn More and Get Involved
Bladder Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to learn the warning signs of bladder cancer, support people living with the disease and connect with organizations working to improve patient outcomes.
Explore bladder cancer organizations, educational resources and upcoming charity events across Canada to find ways to learn, participate and support the bladder cancer community.
