The World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition attended the European Patients’ Forum (EPF) Congress 2025, held on November 26-27, in Brussels. The congress brought together patient organisations, health experts, policymakers, and industry representatives to explore how healthcare systems can become more resilient, inclusive, and patient-centred.
Under the theme Shaping the Future of Healthcare, the congress hosted a range of workshops examining how European health systems can become more prepared,
WBCPC participated for the first time in the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit, held on November 18–20, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. The invitation-only event, hosted by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) , brings together leaders in cancer control from across the world to exchange ideas, shape future policy priorities and explore new opportunities for collaboration. This year’s Summit themed Bridging Divides, Building Futures, welcomed more than 400 participants,
The World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition took part in the European Cancer Summit 2025 organised by European Cancer Organisation, held on November 19-20 in Brussels. Bringing together policymakers, clinicians, researchers, industry representatives, and patient advocates, the summit focused on how cancer care must adapt in an uncertain political and economic environment.
This year’s theme, “Cancer in a Changing Global Landscape: Challenges and Commitments”, highlighted the importance of unity, innovation, and wise investment to protect progress in cancer care.
The Associazione PaLiNUro held its Annual Congress on November 15, 2025 in Milan, Italy, which the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition (WBCPC) had the opportunity to attend in person.
The programme brought together patients, patient advocates, healthcare professionals and experts to exchange the latest knowledge in bladder cancer care. Edoardo Fiorini, President of Associazione PaLiNUro, opened the Congress with an insightful overview of the future direction of the organisation.
The World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition took part in the 15th AORTIC International Conference on Cancer in Africa, held on November 2-5, 2025 in Hammamet, Tunisia. Organised by the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), the event brought together clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and patient advocates from across the continent and beyond.
This year’s theme, “Advancing Cancer Care Across Africa: Equity Through Empowering Research &
The World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition (WBCPC) attended the 45th Annual Congress of the Société Internationale d’Urologie (SIU 2025) in Edinburgh, Scotland, a leading global event that brings together urologists, nurses, researchers, and patient advocates from around the world. This marks the fifth consecutive year that WBCPC has joined the SIU Congress, strengthening our role in international collaboration to improve bladder cancer care.
At our exhibition booth, we shared a wide range of patient-focused materials to help support informed care and patient involvement.
WBCPC was invited to speak at the Russian Cancer Patient Congress, organised by the Zdravstvuy Association of Cancer Patients, on October 23, 2025. The congress brought together patient advocates, clinicians and civil society representatives from across the region to discuss shared challenges in cancer care and highlight opportunities for stronger patient involvement in improving healthcare delivery and outcomes.
During the session, WBCPC Executive Director Alex Filicevas introduced its growing international network and outlined how global collaboration strengthens the voice of people affected by bladder cancer.
On October 18, the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition joined more than 90 cancer-patient advocacy leaders in Berlin to celebrate the 10th anniversary of WECAN – the Workgroup of European Cancer Patient Advocacy Networks. The anniversary gathering recognised a decade of collaboration and capacity-building among European umbrella patient organisations.
WECAN serves as a pan-European network of more than 20 umbrella cancer patient-advocacy organisations, which together represent thousands of patient groups across the WHO Europe region.Its mission is to build trust,
On October 17, the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition joined the Global Cancer Coalitions Network (GCCN) and Ipsen for a Shared Decision-Making Roundtable held ahead of the ESMO 2025 Congress in Berlin. The meeting brought together cancer coalitions, patient organisations and clinical experts to examine how shared decision-making can be better embedded in routine oncology care.
Shared decision-making is an important part of patient-centred cancer care. It ensures that patients receive clear information about their treatment options and can take part in choosing the approach that best reflects their needs and preferences.
The World Bladder Cancer Patient Forum 2025 concluded its Public Day in Brussels with closing remarks from Ondřej Dostál, Member of the European Parliament (Czechia), who delivered an insightful keynote on the role of awareness, prevention, and policy collaboration in improving outcomes for people affected by bladder cancer.
A lawyer and policymaker, Ondřej Dostál highlighted the importance of addressing the environmental and social factors that contribute to cancer incidence, stressing that prevention and early diagnosis must remain at the heart of European health policy.
For general information, information about membership or policy information, please contact the WBCPC Secretariat at info@worldbladdercancer.org
For general information, information about membership or policy information, please contact the WBCPC Secretariat at info@worldbladdercancer.org
