Urinary Bladder Cancer needs more attention – Expert recommendations for EU healthcare professionals and policymakers

The World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition (WBCPC), together with the European Association of Urology(EAU), co-authored a White Paper on Bladder Cancer in Europe, setting out clear recommendations to improve outcomes for patients. Building on this work, a new perspective article published in Nature Reviews Urology, co-authored by WBCPC, EAU and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) draws directly on the findings of the White Paper. The article highlights the urgent need for stronger attention to bladder cancer at both clinical and policy levels across Europe, reflecting the joint expertise of clinicians, researchers, nurses, and patient advocates, and reinforcing the White Paper’s recommendations.

Why action is needed

Bladder cancer is Europe’s 5th most common cancer, with more than 165,000 new diagnoses and 52,000 deaths annually. Despite its heavy burden and €4.9 billion annual cost to EU healthcare systems, it remains under-recognised and underfunded. Delays in recognising symptoms, particularly haematuria, significantly worsen patient outcomes, and gender disparities persist, with women experiencing longer diagnostic delays and poorer survival rates compared to men.

Top 10 Policy Recommendations

The article concludes with 10 priority actions for healthcare professionals and EU policymakers:

• Recognising bladder cancer as a European health priority
• Improving early referral and diagnostic pathways
• Addressing gender disparities
• Increasing funding for research and early detection
• Supporting innovative treatments and equitable access
• Raising public and professional awareness of symptoms
• Strengthening education and training for healthcare professionals
• Establishing patient-centred care pathways
• Integrating survivorship and quality of life into care planning
• Enhancing collaboration between policymakers, clinicians, researchers, and patient organisations

Towards change in policy and practice

The Nature Reviews Urology article, rooted in the evidence and recommendations of the White Paper, reinforces this roadmap for closing the cancer care gap in Europe. Together, WBCPC, EAU, and IARC show the urgent need for earlier diagnoses, better care and more equitable outcomes for patients across Europe.

Explore the top 10 policy recommendations for EU stakeholders.

Read the full article here.