WBCPC joins educational bladder cancer event in Qatar

Bladder cancer remains one of the most under-recognised cancers, yet early detection is critical to improving patient outcomes. On 30 January 2025, World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition (WBCPC) Executive Director Alex Filicevas joined the Cancer Prevention Webinar Series, hosted by the University of Doha for Science and Technology and the Qatar Cancer Society, to discuss key risk factors, national guidelines, and the role of patient advocacy and support in improving outcomes for people affected by bladder cancer.

The webinar, titled Bladder Cancer Uncovered: Key Risk Factors, National Guidelines, and Empowering Patient Advocacy, brought together healthcare professionals, academia, and advocates to discuss critical challenges in awareness, diagnosis, and patient support. Discussions highlighted the need for faster diagnosis, tackling gender disparities in care, and strengthening patient advocacy worldwide, with positive examples of national referral pathways and guidelines in Qatar.

Addressing Delays in Bladder Cancer Diagnosis

Bladder cancer symptoms, particularly blood in the urine (haematuria), are often misdiagnosed or overlooked, leading to significant delays in diagnosis and treatment. Data from the Global Bladder Cancer Patient & Carer Survey revealed that 1 in 10 patients had to visit a doctor five or more times before referral for investigation.

Early detection remains one of the most effective ways to improve bladder cancer outcomes, but it requires increased awareness among both patients and primary care providers. Reducing referral delays, ensuring faster specialist consultations, and implementing clear diagnostic pathways are key priorities in addressing this challenge.

Gender Disparities in Bladder Cancer Care

Women with bladder cancer are often diagnosed at a more advanced stage than men, as their symptoms are frequently misattributed to urinary tract infections (UTIs). The survey found that women were twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with UTI, resulting in delayed treatment and fewer available treatment options.

“Bladder cancer is too often seen as a disease that primarily affects men, leading to delayed recognition of symptoms in female patients. Improving early detection requires tackling unconscious biases in healthcare, ensuring equitable access to diagnostic testing, and increasing awareness of bladder cancer symptoms across genders,” said Alex Filicevas, Executive Director of WBCPC.

The Role of Patient Advocacy in Improving Care and Support

Beyond medical treatment, bladder cancer has a lasting impact on patients’ quality of life, including psychosocial challenges, body image concerns, and the need for long-term surveillance. However, nearly three-quarters of patients surveyed had never been informed about patient organisations that could support them.

Patient organisations play a vital role in connecting patients with information, peer support, and advocacy opportunities, helping to bridge critical gaps in care. Strengthening collaboration between healthcare professionals, patient advocates, and policymakers can ensure that every person affected by bladder cancer has access to the support they need.

Collaboration for better bladder cancer outcomes

During the session, WBCPC highlighted its commitment to empowering patient organisations worldwide through initiatives such as:

• Bladder Cancer Awareness Month, a global effort to promote early detection and awareness.
• The WBCPC Start-Up Guide for Patient Groups, supporting the development of new bladder cancer patient organisations worldwide.
• The World Bladder Cancer Patient Forum, bringing together advocates, researchers, and policymakers to strengthen global advocacy efforts.

By working together across disciplines and borders, the bladder cancer community can drive meaningful improvements in awareness, early diagnosis, and patient-centred bladder cancer care.