WBCPC poster wins 3rd Prize at EAU Patient Day 2026

The World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition (WBCPC) is attending the European Association of Urology Congress 2026, one of the world’s leading events in urology, where patient advocacy and patient perspectives are increasingly recognised as an essential part of improving cancer care.

Today, during EAU Patient Day, WBCPC contributed to the Patient Advocacy Poster Session, which showcases initiatives from patient organisations working to strengthen awareness, diagnosis and patient support.

During the session, WBCPC Executive Director, Alex Filicevas, presented a poster exploring the behavioural factors that influence whether people seek medical care when experiencing urinary symptoms linked to bladder cancer.

We are proud to share that the poster was awarded 3rd Prize in the Patient Advocacy Poster Session, recognition of the importance of patient-focused research in helping improve awareness and earlier diagnosis.

The research analysed responses from 4,067 participants across the United States, France, Germany and Italy who had experienced urinary symptoms in the previous year. The study looked at how people interpret symptoms such as blood in the urine, increased urinary frequency or pain during urination, and how these perceptions influence their decision to seek medical advice.

The findings show that care-seeking behaviour is shaped by several factors, including how people interpret their symptoms, the emotions they experience, and the information sources they turn to when deciding whether to consult a healthcare professional. In many cases, people first try to explain symptoms themselves, for example attributing them to ageing, diet or minor infections, which can delay seeking medical help.

The research also highlights the role of emotions and social influences. Feelings such as fear or worry can encourage people to seek medical advice more quickly, while embarrassment or uncertainty about symptoms may lead to delays. Trusted information sources, including family members, friends and online searches, can also play an important role in prompting people to consult a doctor.

Understanding these behavioural drivers is essential for patient advocacy organisations. By identifying why people delay seeking care, awareness campaigns can better address misconceptions about urinary symptoms and encourage people to speak to a healthcare professional earlier.

Through our work, we continue to collaborate with patient organisations, healthcare professionals and partners around the world to strengthen awareness, empower patients and support earlier diagnosis of bladder cancer.