Bladder Cancer Awareness Month Grants

The World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition launched the Bladder Cancer Awareness Month Grants (BCAM Grant) in May 2022 for the first time. They proved to be both impactful and successful, so we reintroduced them for 2023 and plan to do so again for 2024. The BCAM Grant aims to enable patient organisations, support or advocacy groups in low and middle-income countries to raise awareness of bladder cancer in their communities.

Greater awareness is the first step towards achieving health equity in bladder cancer care. Bladder Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to ensure that no bladder cancer patient is left behind and that communities are informed of symptoms and take action accordingly.

Our ambition is to support awareness campaigns by offsetting some of the costs associated with these activities.

For further information about our Bladder Cancer Awareness Month Grant, please get in touch with us at info@worldbladdercancer.org

Get inspired

Dive into the summaries of our 2022 and 2023 awardees below and let their innovative activities spark your inspiration. Their activities underscore the idea that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, and the potential for crafting unique awareness-raising initiatives is endless.

No matter where we are in the world, we can draw inspiration from one another. By sharing and learning from each other’s experiences, we can collectively strengthen our efforts and make a more significant impact in the fight against bladder cancer. Together, we can build a network of knowledge and action that benefits all.

Oncoguia, based in Brazil, aimed to spread vital information on preventing, early diagnosing, and treating bladder cancer. They launched a virtual patient education campaign, partnering with various Brazilian institutions. While Brazil observes Bladder Cancer Awareness Month in July, Oncoguia also promoted awareness in May, sharing WBCPC’s messages like the “Unsure Icon.”

In July, their “Ame Sua Bexiga” (Love your Bladder) campaign was introduced, focusing on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. Collaborating with uro-oncologist Fernando Korkes, they produced a playlist of 16 videos, receiving over 10,000 impressions, covering essential patient topics. Another 11-video playlist was crafted to debunk bladder cancer myths, also gaining nearly 10,000 impressions.

On July 26, 2023, a live talk titled “Bladder Cancer, we need to talk more about it” was hosted by Oncoguia’s founder, Luciana Holtz, and experts Dr. Korkes and Dr. Mauro Gomes. Broadcasted on multiple social media platforms, the archived talk has since received over 990 views and 12,336 impressions.

Oncoguia’s strategic bladder cancer awareness initiatives, combining educational campaigns, expert insights, and social media engagement, have effectively spread crucial information, showcasing their dedication to bladder cancer advocacy.

In May 2023, the Women’s Education and Economic Development Society (WEEDS) teamed up with the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition to enhance bladder cancer awareness in Kancheepuram district’s Mangadu, Anagaputhur, and Kundrathur areas. With contributions from Dr. Vikram, Dr. Vinodhi, and other experts from RMD Hospital, the initiative reached over 725 women, offering crucial insights.

The programme’s primary objective was to enlighten suburban and rural women, who often placed family health above their own. Post-initiative, a significant shift was observed as women became more informed about bladder cancer symptoms, leading to a proactive approach towards medical consultation.

Through a combination of community outreach and online sessions, the campaign engaged 180+ Self-Help Group members, distributing educational materials like pamphlets and videos. Notably, 24 women expressed interest in pre-consultation at RMD Hospital, highlighting the campaign’s emphasis on early detection.

In total, the initiative engaged over 930 women. Many sought clarity on symptoms during community interactions, showcasing the campaign’s impact. The combined efforts of WEEDS and the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition successfully raised awareness among women in Kancheepuram district. By addressing symptoms and promoting medical consultations, the campaign not only educated but also empowered women, serving as a testament to the effectiveness of community-driven health awareness.

Mansoura University Safety Society (MUSS) in Egypt launched awareness campaigns to assess and boost public knowledge of bladder cancer, gathering around 1,700 questionnaires. They distributed leaflets with translated infographics and symptoms in Arabic. Interactive events, such as a bladder cancer quiz and games like bingo and darts, were organised, with prizes for participants. Supportive messages for patients were also collected and showcased at the Urology and Nephrology Center’s clinics.

MUSS collaborated with Prof. Dr. Alaa A Moukhtar for an online orientation session and set up awareness booths at various locations in May. On May 24th, a symposium was held at Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, attended by renowned nephrology and urology experts. Additionally, a video with consultant urologist Dr. Mohamed M. Elsherbiny was created, highlighting essential bladder cancer information.

MUSS’s efforts have significantly advanced bladder cancer awareness through varied campaigns, interactive events, and expert collaborations, emphasizing early detection and proactive health actions.

In the Nkhata Bay district of Malawi, the Direct Impact Foundation for Youth (DIFY) spearheaded a bladder cancer awareness campaign. This initiative emphasized the symptoms of the disease and underscored the importance of seeking medical advice when in doubt. Recognizing bladder cancer’s significant impact in Malawi, as highlighted by the WHO, DIFY collaborated with local communities and youth to align with global awareness efforts.

With the support of BCAM Grants, DIFY directly engaged with 500 individuals in Nkhata Bay using various methods. They utilized outdoor sports events for awareness, conducted youth focus group discussions to deepen understanding of bladder cancer, and held health talks and interviews to educate communities. These sessions covered global trends, local impact, symptoms, risk factors, and responses to uncertainties. Collaborations with organizations, such as EN MARRIAM FOUNDATION, further amplified the campaign’s message. Additionally, sporting activities like football and netball were employed to engage the youth, with football alone drawing significant rural audiences and reaching over 2000 people.

By actively involving local communities and youth in a range of initiatives, DIFY successfully heightened awareness about bladder cancer symptoms and the critical nature of timely medical consultation. With the campaign reaching over 2000 individuals, DIFY’s efforts stand as a commendable example of effective community-driven health awareness.

Campaigning For Cancer developed an educational poster in both English and isiZulu to raise awareness about bladder cancer in South Africa. This helpful resource summarises the main sign and symptoms of bladder cancer and advanced bladder cancer.

The President of Europa Donna Albania developed a social media campaign and aimed at informing and educating people about bladder cancer in Albania.

Weeds India developed an awareness programme to raise awareness about this condition among over 500 women in two different blocks. Women who participated in the program wanted to create awareness among people from their community as most people are not aware of bladder cancer.

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