Bladder Cancer Awareness Month is observed in May each year. Bladder cancer is a common type of cancer in the United States.

Bladder Cancer Awareness Month is a time to educate the population about bladder cancer. According to The National Cancer Institute, there are three types of bladder cancer. These cancers are named for the type of cells that become malignant: transitional cell carcinoma, that begin in cells in the innermost tissue layer of the bladder; squamous cell carcinoma, that begin in the squamous cells, and may form after long-term infection or irritation; and adenocarcinoma, that begin in glandular cells that are found in the lining of the bladder.

Cancer that is in the lining of the bladder is called superficial. According to federal statistics, about three out of four people survived five years or more after being diagnosed with bladder cancer between 2006 and 2012.