Survey Highlights NMIBC Care Challenges Among US Military Service, Veterans

A national survey of military service members and veterans with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) found that nearly two-thirds of respondents experienced barriers to receiving treatment, with delays, limited treatment availability, and difficulties coordinating care among the most frequently reported challenges.¹

The survey, conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of ImmunityBio from October 9 to October 21, 2026, included 100 US adults with NMIBC who were active-duty military service members or veterans. Overall, 63% of participants experienced challenges accessing treatment, including delays in care, limited treatment availability, and difficulties coordinating services between Veterans Affairs (VA) and non-VA providers.

The findings also pointed to a relatively young age at diagnosis in this population. Participants were diagnosed at a mean age of 51.7 years (median, 49 years), and 28% received their diagnosis by age 40. The mean age at first symptoms was 48.8 years. Potential environmental exposures were also reported, including contaminated water (54%) and burn pits (31%).

“The survey findings demonstrate many issues we have observed in our experience from frequently seeing veterans with [NMIBC],” Jeffrey A. Jones, MD, professor of urology at Baylor College of Medicine, stated in a news release. “The results of the survey reveal several challenges that can affect a patient’s experience, and vary from facility to facility, but can include difficulties with appointments, care coordination, and gaining access to recommended treatment. There are established and distinct care pathways for most malignancies being treated in VA clinics and hospitals. Educational resources can clearly assist veterans in understanding their treatment options, and in navigating their course between VA and community providers, to better enable more informed discussions with their health care teams.”

Treatment Access and Care Coordination

Delays and difficulties obtaining recommended treatment emerged as prominent concerns. Nearly half (49%) reported difficulty accessing treatment recommended by their health care provider, while 35% experienced long waits for appointments or treatment. Additionally, 44% said a considerable amount of time passed between diagnosis and treatment initiation.

Coordination across health care settings presented another challenge, with 27% reporting difficulty managing care between VA and non-VA providers. Treatment availability and geographic location were identified as major barriers by 59% and 47% of respondents, respectively.

Despite these obstacles, most participants expressed confidence in their care. Ninety percent trusted their health care providers, and 85% believed they were receiving the best possible treatment through the VA. Seventy-seven percent also preferred receiving care through the VA.

Preserving bladder function appeared to be an important consideration in treatment decision-making. Among respondents who had not undergone cystectomy, 93% somewhat or strongly agreed that they would try anything to avoid complete bladder removal.

Patient Education and Treatment Awareness

The survey also identified opportunities to improve communication about NMIBC treatment. More than 6 in 10 respondents (61%) wished they had received additional information about their options after diagnosis, while 46% wanted to have been presented with more treatment choices.

Interest in additional support extended beyond the initial treatment discussion. Seventy-six percent wanted more resources to help veterans navigate NMIBC care, and 65% believed veterans should have access to more treatment options.

Although 57% described themselves as very confident in their understanding of their diagnosis, that confidence was lower when it came to evaluating treatment. Only 39% were very confident in their knowledge of treatment options for their specific cancer type and stage, and 40% expressed the same confidence in making treatment decisions with their providers.

Familiarity with available procedures and research opportunities was also limited. Although half of respondents felt very knowledgeable about bladder cancer, 32% reported that level of familiarity with available procedures and treatments, and just 14% felt very knowledgeable about clinical trial opportunities.

Implications for Care

Bladder cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer among US military veterans, with approximately 3200 veterans diagnosed annually, according to the US Department of Veterans Affairs.² The survey findings highlight opportunities to improve treatment access and continuity of care for this population, particularly when patients receive services through both VA and community-based facilities. Clearer communication between providers and more streamlined care coordination may help address delays in treatment initiation and difficulties accessing recommended therapies.

The findings also underscore the importance of patient education in NMIBC management. Although most respondents trusted their health care providers, fewer felt knowledgeable about available treatments, procedures, and clinical trial opportunities. Providing accessible, individualized information about treatment options, including bladder-preserving approaches when clinically appropriate, may help veterans better understand their care and participate in informed treatment decisions.

REFERENCES

1. 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. News release. ImmunityBio. November 11, 2026. Accessed November 13, 2026. https://tinyurl.com/96kc8a28

2. Bladder Cancer and Veterans: What You Need to Know. US Department of Veterans Affairs. Updated August 2, 2022. Accessed November 13, 2026. https://tinyurl.com/53vc5275