When it comes to cancer awareness, conditions such as breast, lung, and colorectal cancer often receive the most attention. Yet cancers of the urinary tract and male reproductive system—collectively known as urological or genitourinary cancers—affect hundreds of thousands of Americans each year.
These cancers include bladder, prostate, kidney, testicular, penile, and upper urinary tract cancers. Together, they account for a substantial share of all cancer diagnoses and can have a significant impact on urinary function, continence, sexual health, and quality of life. Early detection and awareness of symptoms can make a meaningful difference in outcomes.
What Are Urological Cancers?
Urological cancers develop in organs that are part of the urinary tract or male reproductive system. The most common include:
- Prostate cancer – the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men in the United States.
- Bladder cancer – a cancer that begins in the tissues lining the bladder.
- Kidney cancer – cancer that develops in one or both kidneys.
- Testicular cancer – a less common but highly treatable cancer that primarily affects younger men.
- Penile and upper urinary tract cancers – rarer forms of urological cancer.
Research suggests that genitourinary cancers account for nearly one-quarter of all cancer diagnoses worldwide, highlighting their significant public health impact.
The Most Common Warning Sign: Blood in the Urine
One of the most important symptoms to recognize is blood in the urine (hematuria).
While blood in the urine can have many causes—including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or an enlarged prostate—it should never be ignored. The American Cancer Society notes that blood in the urine is often the first sign of bladder cancer. In some cases, the blood is visible; in others, it may only be detected during laboratory testing.
Other symptoms that may warrant medical evaluation include:
- Frequent urination
- Urgency or difficulty urinating
- Pain or burning during urination
- Pelvic, abdominal, or flank pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fatigue
Many of these symptoms overlap with non-cancerous urological conditions, which is why proper evaluation by a healthcare provider is essential.
Understanding Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is one of the most common urological cancers. The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 84,000 Americans will be diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2026, and nearly 18,000 will die from the disease. Men are significantly more likely than women to develop bladder cancer.
Risk factors include:
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Exposure to certain industrial chemicals
- Increasing age
- Family history of bladder cancer
- Chronic bladder irritation or inflammation
Smoking remains the single most important modifiable risk factor, accounting for a substantial proportion of bladder cancer cases.
Prostate Cancer: The Most Common Cancer in Men
Prostate cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American men. More than 330,000 new cases are expected in 2026. While many prostate cancers grow slowly, others can be aggressive, making discussions about screening and risk factors important.
Age is one of the strongest risk factors. As men get older, the likelihood of developing prostate-related conditions—including prostate cancer—increases significantly.
Cancer Treatment and Continence
For many individuals, the effects of urological cancer extend beyond diagnosis and treatment.
Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and other cancer treatments can affect bladder and bowel function. Urinary incontinence, urgency, frequency, and changes in sexual function are common concerns among survivors of bladder and prostate cancer.
At NAFC, we hear from many individuals who are surprised to learn that leakage following prostate surgery or bladder cancer treatment is not uncommon—and that treatment options are available. Pelvic floor therapy, behavioral strategies, medications, devices, and surgical interventions can all play a role in improving quality of life after cancer treatment.
The good news is that no one should have to navigate these challenges alone.
When to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider
Schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional if you experience:
- Blood in the urine—even once
- Persistent urinary symptoms that do not improve
- New urinary leakage
- Difficulty emptying your bladder
- Unexplained pelvic or back pain
Early evaluation can help identify the cause and, when cancer is present, improve opportunities for successful treatment.
Knowledge Saves Lives
Awareness is one of the most powerful tools we have in the fight against cancer. Understanding the symptoms, risk factors, and potential impact of urological cancers can help individuals seek care sooner and make informed decisions about their health.
This Urological Cancer Awareness Month, take a moment to learn the signs, have important conversations with loved ones, and remember: when it comes to urinary symptoms, it’s always better to ask questions than to ignore them.
If you’re living with bladder, bowel, or pelvic health challenges related to cancer or cancer treatment, NAFC offers educational resources, patient stories, and support to help you navigate your journey with confidence.
