New global bladder cancer patient organisation is established

The World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition (WBCPC) was officially launched at the European Association of Urology Congress #EAU19 in Barcelona Spain on Monday 18 March 2019 at 16:00.

The need for an organisation like this is critical. Bladder cancer is the 10th most common cancer in the world, with more than half a million new cases reported every year.ⁱ

Three major bladder cancer organisations, the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (US), Fight Bladder Cancer (UK) and Bladder Cancer Canada worked together to create the organisation.

“Treatment, research and support for bladder cancer patients varies widely across the globe and even within countries,” said Ken Bagshaw, the current President of the WBCPC. “It’s critical that we mobilize bladder cancer patient organisations across the world to help ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.”

“The World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition unites patients around the world giving them a powerful voice in the fight against a lethal disease that significantly impacts not only their survival but also their quality of life,” adds Piyush Agarwal, of the Center for Cancer Research, (U.S.) National Cancer Institute.

“The World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition aims to create a global voice to help alleviate much of the pain and suffering associated with bladder cancer.”

The mission of the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition is to:

• Foster an international community of people affected by bladder cancer;
• Advocate for access to the best possible bladder cancer information, support, and care;
• Build alliances with health professionals, policy makers, academics, researchers, and industry.

The World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition is governed by a board of directors, composed of people diagnosed with bladder cancer, carers of bladder cancer patients and those engaged with bladder cancer organisations at the national level.

ⁱhttps://www.wcrf.org/dietandcancer/cancer-trends/bladder-cancer-statistics