Welcome to May Cancer Awareness Month
May is cancer awareness month for two organs: the skin and bladder. The skin is the largest organ in the body and has many functions, including being a physical barrier from harmful objects or microorganisms, keeping us warm with the fatty layer under the skin, protecting our bones by absorbing Vitamin D from the sun, and regulating temperature (thermoregulation).
It has two main layers: the epidermis (outside) and the dermis (beneath). There are several different types of skin cancer, which can be classified into melanoma and non-melanoma. Non-melanoma cancers arise in cells called melanocytes that produce a pigment called melanin. Overexposure to the sun where the epidermis is mainly at risk of damage, particularly in the ears, forearms, neck, and face. On the other hand, melanoma cancers are due to genetic and environmental factors besides sun exposure or burning.
On a global level, the World Health Organisation (2017) estimated there are between two and three million non-melanoma skin cancers and 132,000 melanoma cancers annually. The number of cases is also reportedly high in the United Kingdom. Cancer Research UK (2022) revealed that 156,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer occur annually. The number of cases could be substantially high, but it is easily curable.
In contrast, the number of cases for bladder cancer is significantly lower. The World Cancer Research Fund (2025) reported that it is the 9th most common cancer worldwide, and there were 614,298 new cases of bladder cancer in 2022. In the United Kingdom, there are 23,643 annual cases. The bladder is a muscular hollow organ situated in the pelvis behind the pubic bone that receives urine from the kidney and stores the urine before leaving the body via the urethra. It has doors called sphincters that open and close. The detrusor muscle contracts as urine leaves the body and can hold a maximal volume of 500 ml. The most common type of cancer is transitional cell carcinoma arising from the lining of the bladder, called the transitional epithelium. Environmental and lifestyle factors are linked with increased risk of bladder cancer, such as chemical exposure (arsenic), smoking, pollutants, and poor diet.
Our posters are designed by our team of volunteers whose aim is to help the general public understand about this particular cancer through interactive images, informative content and quizzes. It serves as an educational tool with referenced factual information to support your learning.
The posters are FREE for the general public to easily download, share across social media or to be used within teaching lessons.
If you experience any signs or symptoms, please contact your healthcare professional as they have your clinical history and are able to guide you further.
Here are recommended sites for further information:
Cancer Research UK (2022) What is skin cancer? Available at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/skin-cancer/about-skin-cancer (Accessed: 6th May 2025)
World Cancer Research Fund (2025) Bladder cancer statistics Available at: https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-statistics/bladder-cancer-statistics/ (Accessed: 6th May 2025)
World Health Organisation (2017) Radiation: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation and skin cancer. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-ultraviolet-(uv)-radiation-and-skin-cancer (Accessed: 6th May 2025)
The Farah Saeed Project