On April 15, 2025, we participated in the EU Bladder Cancer Roundtable, organised by the International Centre for Parliamentary Studies and moderated by Prof. Dr. Hendrik Van Poppel, Chairman of the European Association of Urology Policy Office. The event brought together leading voices in bladder cancer care, research, and policy to discuss early diagnosis, gender disparities, research funding, and EU-wide recommendations aimed at improving outcomes for people affected by bladder cancer.
On April 8, 2025, we took part in a key policy event focused on the future of tobacco control across Europe. Organised by the European Respiratory Society and the European Public Health Alliance, the meeting brought together leading voices from public health, legal policy, and civil society to explore how Europe can move from managing tobacco use to ending it altogether.
For the bladder cancer community, this conversation is critical.
This year’s World Health Day, held on 7 April, is focused on the theme “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures”. The campaign highlights the importance of supporting women and babies before, during, and after birth, so they can live long and healthy lives.
At the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition, we support this call by also focusing on the beginning of the journey for people diagnosed with bladder cancer. For many, that beginning is not easy,
We recently attended the event ‘Unlocking Europe’s Future: Prioritising Health under the Next Multiannual Financial Framework’, organised by the EU4Health Civil Society Alliance and hosted at the European Parliament. The event brought together civil society organisations, policymakers, and healthcare advocates to discuss the role of EU funding in building healthier, more equitable societies.
While many important health topics were covered, several points stood out as especially relevant for the bladder cancer community.
At EAU25, the session “The Impact of Cancer on Mental Health” moderated by WBCPC Executive Director, Alex Filicevas, brought attention to the often-overlooked emotional challenges faced by people living with cancer. The conversation focused on how fear, anxiety, isolation, and uncertainty can affect every stage of the cancer journey and how healthcare systems must evolve to better support patients’ mental wellbeing.
Discussions highlighted that cancer is not just a physical diagnosis;
Trust is one of the most important elements in healthcare and also one of the most fragile. At EAU Congress 2025, the first-ever EAU Patient Plaza Theatre hosted patient-led sessions, which included WBCPC session on Building Trust in the Patient-Doctor Relationship brought together patients, advocates, and clinicians to explore how to strengthen communication and connection in cancer care.
The discussion highlighted that trust isn’t automatic. it must be built through empathy,
This week at the European Association of Urology Congress 2025 (EAU25), patient advocacy took centre stage as Melanie Costin, Interim CEO of Fight Bladder Cancer UK presented her award-winning research during the EAU Patient Day session dedicated to patient-led research posters.
Melanie’s ePoster, titled “Patient Advocacy Group Resources Improve Confidence in Managing Diagnosis”, highlights how Fight Bladder Cancer’s resources, including an online forum, patient and carer information booklets,
Cancer not only affects the body but also has a profound impact on mental health, leading to challenges such as anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Recognising the importance of mental well-being in cancer care, the European Association of Urology (EAU) Patient Plaza will host a dedicated session at the 40th Annual Congress EAU Congress on Sunday, 23 March 2025, from 13:30 to 14:00, titled The impact of cancer on mental health. The discussion will bring together expert voices and patient perspectives to explore ways to integrate mental health support into cancer care.
Trust is a cornerstone of effective healthcare, particularly in uro-oncology, where patients often navigate complex and emotionally charged decisions. At the 40th Annual EAU Congress on Saturday, 22 March 2025, from 10:00 to 10:30, the Patient Plaza session on Building Trust in the Patient-Doctor Relationship will explore the challenges and opportunities in fostering trust between patients and healthcare providers.
Session overview
The session will be moderated by Alex Filicevas, Executive Director of the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition (WBCPC),
