OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) before and 1 year after radical cystectomy in relation to age and gender. METHODS: This prospective study involves 112 men and 40 women with bladder cancer treated with radical cystectomy between 2015 and 2018. HRQoL was assessed preoperatively and 1 year post-surgery through Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale - General (FACT-G) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale - Vanderbilt Cystectomy Index (FACT-VCI) questionnaires. The median age of the 152 patients was 71.5 years. RESULTS: Preoperatively, emotional and functional well-being were negatively affected. Physical, emotional and functional well-being presented higher values 1 year after surgery compared to before radical cystectomy, that is, better HRQoL. Social well-being showed a reduction, especially regarding closeness to partner and support from family. Men and women were equally satisfied with their sex life before radical cystectomy, but less so 1 year after, where men were less satisfied compared to women. Additionally, one out of five patients reported that they had to limit their physical activities, were afraid of being far from a toilet and were dissatisfied with their body appearance after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Recovery regarding HRQoL was ongoing 1 year after radical cystectomy. Patients recovered in three out of four dimensions of HRQoL, but social well-being was still negatively affected 1 year after treatment. Sexual function after radical cystectomy was exceedingly limited for both men and women. An individual sexual rehabilitation plan involving the couple with special intention to encourage intimacy, might not only improve sexual life but also have a positive effect on social well-being as a consequence.