Facing bladder cancer: Rebekka shares the story of her father, Peter Noll

Bladder cancer affects nearly 1.9 million people worldwide, each with their own story. Today, we share the perspective of Rebekka, whose father, the Swiss author and professor Peter Noll, was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 1981. What followed was a deeply personal journey marked by choice, dignity, and one daughter’s quiet support.

Peter was 55 years old when he received his diagnosis. A respected legal scholar and public figure in Switzerland, he was known for his intellectual rigor and independent spirit, qualities that shaped the way he approached the disease.

From the very beginning, Peter made a decision: he would not pursue treatment. He refused surgery, chemotherapy, or any medical interventions. “He was afraid of being disabled,” Rebekka tells us. “He valued his independence above all else.”

At just 18 years old, Rebekka watched as her father navigated the next eleven months on his own terms. Despite the seriousness of his illness, Peter remained active for most of that time,driving himself, skiing, even travelling to Egypt. He did not want to be seen as a patient, nor treated like one.

For Rebekka, this period was filled with quiet presence. There were no long conversations about illness or fear. But there were small, meaningful acts of care, preparing breakfast, running errands, being near. She recalls how her father remained calm, almost stoic, until the very end.

One of the most touching memories came just days before he passed away. That morning, Peter asked for something unusual: lobster and a small bottle of champagne for breakfast. Rebekka found the lobster at a local delicatessen, set the table, and shared that meal with him. They ate quietly, with classical music playing in the background. It was a grey morning, but the moment felt peaceful, even celebratory.

“He looked at me, raised his finger as the music changed,” Rebekka says. “Only later did I realise, at his funeral, the very same piece was played. That gesture was him showing me his farewell.”

Peter Noll died in October 1982. During his final year, he documented his experience in writing. His reflections, later published, resonated with many and continue to offer insight into facing death with clarity and intention.

Rebekka’s story is a moving reminder that there is no one way to face cancer. Her father’s journey was not defined by treatment or statistics, but by his choices, values, and the quiet strength of his family.

Read more bladder cancer patient stories.