Survey: Service members and veterans with NMIBC report barriers to treatment access

Nearly two-thirds of military service members and veterans with non–muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) reported barriers to receiving treatment, and just over half said they were diagnosed at age 50 or younger, according to new survey data shared by ImmunityBio.¹

The findings also highlighted gaps in patients’ understanding of available treatment options and clinical trials, despite generally high levels of trust in their health care team. The survey included 100 active-duty military service members and veterans with NMIBC and was conducted by The Harris Poll between October 9 and 21, 2026.

“The survey findings demonstrate many issues we have observed in our experience from frequently seeing veterans with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer,” said Jeffrey A. Jones, MD, professor of urology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, in the news release.¹ “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.”

Survey design and findings

The Harris Poll ran the survey online in the US from October 9 to 21, 2026. Respondents were 100 adults who were active-duty service members or veterans and who reported a diagnosis of NMIBC. The data were unweighted and represent only the individuals surveyed. The reported Bayesian credible interval was ±9.6 percentage points at a 95% confidence level, and it is wider for subgroups.

Respondents reported a mean age at diagnosis of 51.7 years (median, 49 years). Among all respondents, 28% said they were diagnosed by age 40, and 53% by age 50. The mean reported age at first symptoms was 48.8 years. Respondents also reported possible environmental exposures, including burn pits (31%) and contaminated water (54%).

Nearly half (49%) reported difficulty accessing treatment recommended by their health care provider, while 35% cited long waits for appointments or treatment and 27% reported difficulty coordinating care between VA and non-VA providers. Additionally, 44% said they experienced a lengthy interval between diagnosis and treatment initiation.

Fifty-nine percent named treatment availability as the biggest barrier to the best possible care, compared with 47% who named geographic location. Most respondents (77%) preferred to be treated at the VA, and 64% saw their treating physician at a VA hospital or clinic. Ninety percent said they trusted their care team, and 85% believed they were receiving the best possible treatment.

Self-reported confidence was lower for treatment decision-making than for understanding the diagnosis. Fifty-seven percent were very confident they understood their diagnosis, whereas 39% were very confident they understood available treatment options and 40% were very confident making treatment decisions with their treating physician. Only 14% felt very knowledgeable about clinical trial opportunities and 32% felt very knowledgeable about available procedures and treatments. Sixty-one percent wished they had received more information on treatment options after diagnosis and 46% wished they had been presented more treatment options. Additionally, 76% wanted resources designed specifically for veterans navigating NMIBC care, while 65% wanted greater access to bladder cancer treatment options for veterans.

Among respondents who had not undergone cystectomy, 93% strongly or somewhat agreed they would “try anything” to avoid full bladder removal.

“A cancer diagnosis can be difficult to navigate, and these findings show that understanding the diagnosis does not always mean patients feel equally prepared to weigh treatment options or make decisions,” said Patrick Soon-Shiong, MD, Founder, Executive Chairman, and Global Chief Medical and Scientific Officer of ImmunityBio, in the news release.¹ “We believe patients and their care teams need clear, accessible information about available treatments and resources so they can have informed conversations about care.”

Jones also added, “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.”

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REFERENCE

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 11, 2026. https://immunitybio.com/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/