Cartwright and Rogers Introduce Legislation to Designate May as National Bladder Cancer Awareness Month

Washington – Today, U.S. Congressmen Matt Cartwright (D-PA) and bladder cancer survivor, Mike Rogers (R-MI), introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate the month of May as National Bladder Cancer Awareness Month. 

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 72,000 new cases of bladder cancer were diagnosed in 2013 alone.  This past year, 15,000 people died from the disease.

“I am honored to join Representative Rogers in introducing this resolution.  Despite bladder cancer being the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the country, the disease ranks a distant twenty-second on the list of cancers for which the federal government funds research,” said Cartwright.  “Unfortunately, public awareness of the disease, in addition to federal research, is woefully inadequate.  That’s why I am committed to work with my colleagues to raise awareness of this disease.”

When diagnosed and treated early, bladder cancer has a relative five-year survival rate of 98 percent.  If the diagnosis and treatment of the disease are delayed, that survival rate can drop as low as 15 percent. 

“I am pleased to join Representative Cartwright in introducing a resolution to raise awareness of bladder cancer and the need for early diagnosis and treatment.  As a cancer survivor myself, we must take an active role in the early detection and fight to end bladder cancer and I believe this resolution is a positive step in that direction,” said Rogers.

“We are grateful to Rep. Cartwright and Rep. Rogers for their leadership on this issue.  Bladder cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the U.S. yet it is largely overlooked in the public.  We hope that the establishment of Bladder Cancer Awareness Month with be the first step towards empowering the public with information,” said Monica Smith, Executive Director of the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network.

"We strongly support efforts to increase awareness of bladder cancer.  Bladder cancer is fourth among the most common cancers diagnosed in men but does not receive as much attention as many other cancers.  It is critically important that men and women understand the symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of this disease,” said Brandon Leonard, Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Men's Health Network

The Veterans Health Council of Vietnam Veterans of America also voiced their support, "Bladder cancer is one the leading causes of death amongst America's Vietnam veterans and so we strongly support Representative Cartwright's resolution for Bladder Cancer Awareness Month.”