Urology Week 2024: Advocating for Continence Care

Urology Week 2024 is a European initiative by the European Association of Urology (EAU), running from September 23-29, 2024, and focusing on the important issue for our bladder cancer patient community – continence care.

Incontinence affects millions worldwide, including a significant number of people with bladder cancer, and remains a challenging and often stigmatised condition. The EAU campaign aims to break the taboo around incontinence and urges communities to foster open conversations, promote understanding, and advocate for better care and support.

Our Global Bladder Cancer Patient & Carer Experience Survey highlights that 91% of respondents experienced symptoms of bladder cancer, with many facing issues related to urinary incontinence.

Incontinence is a common problem for patients with bladder cancer, with patients experiencing symptoms such as accidental urine leakage, urgency, frequent urination, and discomfort. These symptoms are often side effects of cancer treatment or caused by the presence of bladder cancer tumours. Despite the prevalence of urinary issues in older populations, it is important that healthcare professionals thoroughly examine changes in urinary habits to ensure timely and appropriate care.

This year’s Urology Week campaign encourages everyone to take an active role in raising awareness and initiating conversations within their communities about bladder cancer and urological health.

To further explore the invisible impact of stigma on bladder cancer patients, take a look at our advocacy infographic “Stigma: The Invisible Side of Bladder Cancer.”

More information about Urology Week here

We invite you to visit our Bladder Cancer information pages to know more about bladder cancer