On Advocates Day at the World Bladder Cancer Patient Forum 2025 in Brussels, participants joined an interactive workshop titled “Strengthening your voice: how to advocate with purpose and power.” Led by Niccola Scocchi, Head of the Brussels Office, and Alex King, Head of Health at Fourtold, the session explored the key principles of effective advocacy and how patient advocates can make their voices heard with clarity and impact.
News & Events Category: EVENTS
Inspiring initiatives from our global community
On Advocates Day of the World Bladder Cancer Patient Forum 2025 in Brussels, Belgium members from around the world came together for the session “Inspiring awareness-raising initiatives from our global community.” The discussion highlighted how local efforts can drive global impact, advancing early diagnosis and patient empowerment.
- Angela Pelletier from Bladder Cancer Canada presented the organisation’s hematuria brochure, a clear and accessible resource designed to help patients and clinicians recognise the importance of blood in the urine,
Last chance to register for the World Bladder Cancer Patient Forum 2025
The World Bladder Cancer Patient Forum 2025 is just around the corner and there’s still time to join us in Brussels (or online) this October.
The Forum is the only global gathering led by and for the bladder cancer patient community. This year, we will meet in Brussels, Belgium, under the patronage of the European Parliament, recognising the importance of patient voices in shaping better bladder cancer care across Europe and beyond.
This year’s Forum brings two days of connection and collaboration:
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October 13 – Advocates Day: A dedicated day for our member organisations to meet,
World Mental Health Day 2025: Prioritising Mental Health in Bladder Cancer Care
The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day every year on October 10th, a reminder of the importance of mental well-being in every aspect of our lives. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges faced by those living with serious health conditions, including bladder cancer, where the psychological burden is too often overlooked.
A diagnosis of bladder cancer can be life-changing. Beyond the physical treatments, patients frequently face anxiety,
European Carers Day 2025: Making migrant care visible, respected, and protected
European Carers Day is an initiative from Eurocarers, celebrated annually on October 6th, which shines a light on the millions of carers across Europe who dedicate their time and energy to supporting loved ones in need. This year, the campaign focuses on migrant care, highlighting the essential role migrant carers play in our societies and calling for their recognition, fair treatment, and protection.
Across Europe, many families rely on migrant carers to provide support for older people,
BCLEAR project kicks off to advance bladder cancer literacy in Europe
Today, together with partners from across Europe, we met for the official kick-off meeting of BCLEAR: Bladder Cancer Literacy for All: Advancing Knowledge and Care in Europe.
This event was kindly hosted by the Hungarian Permanent Representation to the European Union. Co-funded by the European Union, this three-year initiative brings together the patient community, urologists, family doctors, academia and public health experts with a shared mission to improve bladder cancer literacy and reduce inequalities in access to information and care across the region.
Bringing the Patient Voice to the IBCG Annual Retreat
For the second year in a row, WBCPC participated in the International Bladder Cancer Group (IBCG) Annual Retreat in Houston, Texas, USA. At this meeting, global experts came together to advance consensus on clinical practice, toxicity grading, biomarkers, patient-reported outcomes, and future directions in bladder cancer care.
Bringing the international patient perspective, WBCPC Executive Director Alex Filicevas joined a panel discussion alongside our USA colleagues from BCAN to share reflections on the discussions held throughout the meeting.
Will you join us in Brussels this October?
Join us for the World Bladder Cancer Patient Forum 2025, the only global gathering led by and for the bladder cancer patient community. This year, we are meeting in Brussels and you are invited to be part of it!
This year’s Forum brings 2 days of connection and collaboration.
- October 13 – Advocates Day is dedicated exclusively to our member organisations.
- Mark your calendar for October 14,
World Bladder Cancer Patient Forum 2025: Explore the agenda and join us in Brussels
The World Bladder Cancer Patient Forum returns in 2025, and this year we are bringing the global bladder cancer community together in Brussels for a two-day event. On October 13, we host Advocates Day, a dedicated space for our member organisations to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of the coalition. On October 14, Public Day, patients, carers, advocates, healthcare professionals, and policymakers will gather for a full day of conversations that matter,
WBCPC Annual Report 2024
We have released our 2024 Annual Report, offering a comprehensive look into a year of global expansion, deepening impact, and powerful patient-led advocacy. From the launch of a new community platform to the most engaging awareness campaign to date, the coalition’s work continues to elevate the voices of people affected by bladder cancer worldwide.
2024 at a glance:
- 62 countries took part in Bladder Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM)
- 12+ million people reached,
