Driving progress through collaboration and patient voices

The Public Day of the World Bladder Cancer Patient Forum 2025 opened in Brussels with a powerful and forward-looking session titled Our vision for global bladder cancer advocacy. Led by Lori Funk-Cirefice (President, World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition & President, Cancer Vessie France), Michelle Colero (Vice-President, World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition & Executive Director, Bladder Cancer Canada), and Alex Filicevas (Executive Director, World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition), the session set the tone for a day dedicated to collaboration, innovation, and progress.

Together, they reflected on how the Coalition has evolved over the past five years, from a small network of patient advocates to a truly global community uniting voices across more than 50 countries. The speakers discussed the lessons learned, milestones achieved, and the vision guiding the next phase of the Coalition’s work through its Strategy 2030.

Michelle Colero introduced the strategy, describing it as a roadmap shaped by members and partners worldwide. It outlines how the Coalition will continue strengthening patient organisations, building advocacy capacity, improving early detection and awareness, and ensuring every person affected by bladder cancer has access to clear, trustworthy information and support.

Alex Filicevas presented insights from the Global Patient and Carer Survey, which gathered the experiences of nearly 1,200 respondents from 45 countries. He highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by patients, from lack of awareness of symptoms to diagnostic delays and emotional strain, stressing that evidence-based advocacy is essential to shape healthcare systems that reflect the realities of those living with bladder cancer.

Lori Funk-Cirefice reminded participants that progress depends on collective effort: “When we come together as a global community, we can achieve real change, from improving access to care to influencing national policies.” She emphasised the importance of ensuring patient voices are heard in every decision that affects them, both at national and international levels.

The discussion concluded with a shared call to action: to continue building on the Coalition’s foundation of unity, collaboration, and trust. The World Bladder Cancer Patient Forum 2025 opened with a clear message, that the future of bladder cancer advocacy lies in partnership, shared purpose, and the unwavering commitment to make the patient voice central to every conversation about care.