8 March 2023 .Brussels , Belgium
NEWS

International Women’s Day – #EmbraceEquity

The theme of International Women’s Day (IWD) this year is #EmbraceEquity. The campaign aims to encourage important conversations on why equal opportunities aren’t enough and why equal is not always fair. People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action.

This is an opportunity to stand and advocate to embrace equity for women affected by bladder cancer around the world. Although bladder cancer is often considered a disease of men of older age, bladder cancer also affects women. Around 1 in 4 cases of bladder cancer will be diagnosed in women with over 130,000 women diagnosed with bladder cancer every year.

These women face many challenges when it comes to their diagnosis, care, and support. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced bladder cancer due to societal barriers and a lack of awareness about the symptoms. The symptoms are often attributed to other health issues such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) or menopause.

The World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition invited women affected by bladder cancer to share their experiences. Watch the videos below to hear Amy’s (Senegal) and Krysta’s (Canada) stories, their hopes for change, and advice for other women facing bladder cancer today.

Share your story with us here, or on social media and help empower the community of women affected by bladder cancer, raise awareness, and inspire change for the better.

«Embracing equity means: women know the symptoms of cancer, doctors trust women when they say something is wrong, women have access to timely and accurate diagnosis, and women can access effective treatment options and clinical trials close to them.

Lydia Makaroff, President, World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition

Raising awareness and moving the conversation forward will allow female bladder cancer patients to receive equitable care and create a positive change in the healthcare setting worldwide.

A fair and equal access to information, care, and diagnosis is essential. One of our core missions is to help establish bladder cancer patient groups across the world. If you want to connect with other bladder cancer patients and survivors, and if you are looking to start a patient support group for people affected by bladder cancer in your country or region, please get in touch with us at info@worldbladdercancer.org

For more information about International Women’s Day Day, please visit: https://www.internationalwomensday.com

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