Silent Symptoms: A Young Man’s Battle with Bladder Cancer
Trevor, a 35-year-old father, athlete, and bladder cancer survivor, shares his powerful story of resilience and advocacy. As a young Black man navigating a diagnosis often associated with older adults, Trevor opens up about the early symptoms he brushed off, the shock of diagnosis, and how being ACTIVATED helped him take control of his care.
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Transcript:
Being ACTIVATED can make all the difference in bladder cancer care, especially for patients like me.
I’m Trevor, a 35-year-old Black man, and both my age and race place me at the intersection of some serious disparities in bladder cancer outcomes. I’m sharing my story to raise awareness, in hopes that it encourages others not to ignore symptoms that may seem minor at first, but could be signaling something much more serious.
It started with feeling more tired than usual and a nagging lower back pain on one side. I brushed it off, thinking I was just recovering from a physically demanding vacation. Life was busy, so I didn’t dwell on it. But as my routine check-up approached, I kept the appointment, just to be safe. Then things changed. I began experiencing swelling in my feet and, at times, struggled to urinate. That’s when I knew something wasn’t right.
After an abnormal urine test, my doctor ordered more tests, a CT scan and a cystoscopy. The results confirmed what I never expected: bladder cancer.
I was lucky to be referred to a urologic oncologist who made me feel like a partner in my care. That mattered more than I can explain. Even though the diagnosis was a shock, I didn’t feel alone. We talked through my treatment options and decided on a combination of chemotherapy and radiation. I stuck to a regular scan schedule afterward, and thankfully, I remained cancer-free for two years.
Then, a new tumor appeared.
This time, I had questions. I wasn’t sure I wanted to go through chemo and radiation again. I asked my doctor about clinical trials, and she recommended an immunotherapy trial that would use my own immune cells to fight the cancer. I was blown away that this was even an option. After weighing the risks and benefits, I decided to go for it. And I’m so glad I did. Despite this rollercoaster, I am most grateful to know that other treatment options exist, thanks in part to people who’ve participated in clinical trials, just like I did.
Today, I’m cancer-free again and back to living fully. I’m playing recreational sports, chasing after my kids, and holding on tight to every moment.
Now, I’m committed to spreading the word about the disparities Black patients face in bladder cancer. We’re more likely to be diagnosed at later stages, and at higher risk for metastatic disease. That’s why we need to stay ACTIVATED.
Be mindful of symptoms: swelling in the feet, trouble urinating, one-sided lower back pain, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss. Don’t ignore them. Speak up. Ask questions. Get checked.
Because when it comes to bladder cancer, being informed and proactive isn’t just important, it can save your life.
