Advocating for patient rights in Latin America

At the World Bladder Cancer Patient Forum 2024, a fireside chat featuring Fiorella Gagliardi, President of VICARE GU organisation in Argentina, and Marie Magenhann Cueto, Community Engagement Coordinator at WBCPC, shed light on the need to improve cancer patient rights in Latin America. The conversation focused on the challenges facing bladder cancer patients in the region and how advocacy efforts can improve care and access to essential resources.

The discussion highlighted the unequal access to healthcare services that many patients in Latin America encounter, particularly in early detection and timely access to treatment. Advocacy was seen as an essential element in addressing these gaps, with efforts aimed at improving health policies and helping ensure patients diagnosed with bladder cancer receive the care they need, deserve and have the right to receive.

International collaboration was emphasised as a key strategy advocating for patient rights, allowing for the sharing of knowledge, resources, and best practices. Among these rights discussed were access to diagnostics, clear communication about treatment options to support shared decision-making, and protection against discrimination and stigma patients often face.

The discussion also highlighted the need to overcome regions broader challenges, such as bureaucratic barriers, limited resources, and the lack of awareness about bladder cancer. Strategies to overcome these obstacles should include increasing education and awareness, establishment and support of patient support groups, and advocating for stronger public health policies to ensure fairer access to care.

The session concluded with a call to action: strengthen patient advocacy across Latin America by building partnerships and ensuring patients’ voices are heard in healthcare decisions at all levels.

Watch the full recording of the session, Advocating for Patient Rights in Latin America, on the WBCPC YouTube Channel.