EAU25: The impact of cancer on mental health – key takeaways

At EAU25, the session “The Impact of Cancer on Mental Health” moderated by WBCPC Executive Director, Alex Filicevas, brought attention to the often-overlooked emotional challenges faced by people living with cancer. The conversation focused on how fear, anxiety, isolation, and uncertainty can affect every stage of the cancer journey and how healthcare systems must evolve to better support patients’ mental wellbeing.

Discussions highlighted that cancer is not just a physical diagnosis; it also brings significant psychological strain. Feelings of distress can impact treatment decisions, patient engagement, and overall quality of life. Despite this, emotional support is still not consistently offered as part of cancer care.

One of the key takeaways from the session was the importance of integrating mental health support into every step of the care pathway. This includes creating safe spaces for open dialogue, offering peer support programs, and ensuring that patients feel heard and respected. Resources such as trained support staff, community-led initiatives, and access to mental health professionals were highlighted as essential components of holistic care.

The session also explored how communication plays a critical role in building trust. Patients often face medical uncertainty, and the way information is delivered can either empower or isolate them. Clear, empathetic conversations and reinforcing a patient’s right to seek second opinions can help reduce feelings of fear and vulnerability.

Social isolation during treatment was another major topic. Many patients report feeling disconnected from their usual support networks, which can intensify emotional distress. Peer support and community-based programs were highlighted as effective ways to reduce this sense of isolation and help patients feel less alone.

The session closed with a shared understanding: supporting the mental health of people living with cancer is not optional, it’s essential. By acknowledging emotional needs and integrating psychosocial care into standard practice, healthcare providers and patient communities can work together to improve both wellbeing and outcomes for those affected by bladder cancer.

We invite you to explore our Start-up guide – a valuable resource for anyone with ambitions to start a bladder cancer patient group in their country.