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New U.S. Survey of Military Service Members and Veterans with Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Reveals 53% Were Diagnosed at Age 50 or Younger and Barriers to Care

IBRX
  • ImmunityBio conducted a national survey with The Harris Poll in October 2026 among 100 military service members & veterans with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).
  • 53% of respondents were diagnosed by age 50, while 28% were diagnosed by age 40, with a mean diagnosis age of 51.7 years.
  • Bladder cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer among U.S. veterans, affecting approximately 3,200 veterans annually.
  • 63% of respondents reported barriers to treatment, including long waits (35%), difficulty coordinating VA & non-VA care (27%), & challenges accessing recommended treatments (49%).
  • 93% of respondents who had not undergone a full cystectomy expressed a strong desire to try any option to avoid full bladder removal.
  • Despite access challenges, 90% of respondents trusted their care teams, & 85% believed they were receiving the best possible care through the VA.
  • 64% of respondents received NMIBC care at a VA hospital or clinic, though 77% preferred treatment at the VA.
  • 54% of respondents reported exposure to contaminated water, & 31% reported exposure to burn pits as potential environmental risk factors.
  • 61% of respondents wished they had received more information about NMIBC treatment options, & 76% wanted more resources to help navigate care.
  • Only 39% of respondents felt very confident understanding available treatment options, & 40% felt very confident making treatment decisions with providers.
  • 59% identified treatment availability as the primary barrier to receiving optimal care, compared to 47% who cited geographic location.