William Brudi, Bladder Cancer, Diagnosed at 60, Stage 2, West Islip, New York
I felt fine. But during a routine cancer screening my Fire Department sponsored, they found a 2.6 cm tumor in my bladder. I’ll never forget—it was January 2022, and I almost didn’t go. My wife encouraged me, and thank God I listened. That screening may have saved my life—and it’s part of the toolkit that DetecTogether teaches in firehouses to save more lives through their early cancer detection program.
The Risk to Firefighters
Bladder cancer can be linked to smoke inhalation, and for firefighters like me, that risk is real. Firefighters don’t just battle flames—we take in chemicals, toxins, and smoke every single shift. The truth is, cancer is the leading cause of firefighter line-of-duty deaths, and I became one of those statistics waiting to happen. But taking action allowed me to return to the life I love.
The Diagnosis and Treatment
After my diagnosis, I went through two surgeries and three years of BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin therapy) treatments. At my 3.5-year check-up in August 2025, I heard the words I had been waiting for: “All clear. No new tumors.”
A New Awareness
Since then, I’ve started paying closer attention to my body—my energy, sleep, weight, skin color, bathroom habits. I’ve changed my diet, cut back on sugar, and added daily routines like drinking 16 ounces of celery juice.
Looking back, I realize how important it is to know your own body. DetecTogether’s 3 Steps Detect® program teaches exactly that.
The biggest lesson I now share with people is simple: If you notice persistent health changes—such as red in your urine —share them with a doctor immediately. Even if you feel 100% fine, it’s still a good idea to get checked regularly.
Don’t wait. I wasn’t going to go to that screening—but I did—and it saved my life.
Symptoms
- Blood in urine
