Research

Encouraging and supporting research into bladder cancer is one of our core aims as a charity.

Despite the rate of incidence and the high levels of recurrence and mortality, bladder cancer has long been overlooked in terms of research spending. Unlike for many other cancers, there have been few advances in new treatments or improvements in survival rates over the past thirty years. Other, less common cancers, have received support and resources and consequently have demonstrated a significant improvement in outcomes for patients.  We want the same for bladder cancer patients.

As well as participating in and supporting research, we also actively encourage and fund research.

Bladder Cancer Audit Pilot (BCAP) 

Sole-funded by ABC UK, BCAP is an 18-month bladder cancer audit pilot to address the critical lack of a national audit for bladder cancer. By analysing anonymised NHS patient data, the project aims to identify variations in care, establish evidence for best practice, and demonstrate the urgent need for a permanent, nationwide clinical audit to improve patient outcomes across the UK.

ABC UK Grants

We run an annual small grants programmes, which will open again for applications in autumn 2026. 

Further information, guidelines and application forms for the ABC UK Improving Patient Outcomes Programme and ABC UK Nursing Grants Programme, can be found on the ABC UK Grants page.

Both programmes support high-quality, stand-alone projects that deliver clear outcomes, whether data-led, clinical, or laboratory based. Projects may explore new approaches, share best practice, or serve as catalysts for further research, but must always focus on improving outcomes and experiences for people with bladder cancer.

Find out more. 

Action Bladder Cancer UK is a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) non-commercial partner. This means the studies that we fund may be eligible to access NIHR Clinical Research Network support.  You can find more details on the ABC UK Grants page. 
 

Clinical Trials

There are various clinical trials into bladder cancer in the UK. You can find out more about trials and how to find a trial here - Clinical Trials 

We need to raise funding to support bladder cancer research: see how you can help.