Facing bladder cancer: Rebekka shares the story of her father, Peter Noll

Bladder cancer affects nearly 1.9 million people worldwide, each with their own story. Today, we share the perspective of Rebekka, whose father, the Swiss author and professor Peter Noll, was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 1981. What followed was a deeply personal journey marked by choice, dignity, and one daughter’s quiet support.

Peter was 55 years old when he received his diagnosis. A respected legal scholar and public figure in Switzerland,

Launch of the MEP interest group on continence health: Reflections on a new chapter

On June 4, 2025, the Urge to Act campaign launched the MEP Interest Group on Continence Health at a breakfast meeting hosted by MEP Maria Walsh. The World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition attended the meeting, where Prof Philip Van Kerrebroeck, Vice-Chair of the EAU Policy Office, formally presented the new Interest Group. Patient advocates, medical professionals and policymakers were also present to underscore the urgency of addressing continence health across the EU.

Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan mid-term review: Key takeaways

Europe's beating cancer plan

On May 27, 2025, the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety convened a webinar to review progress on the implementation of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. Hosted by Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi, the event brought together policymakers, clinicians, researchers and patient advocates.

The webinar highlighted that almost 40% of cancer cases in Europe could be prevented through vaccination programmes and healthier lifestyles. A budget of €300 million under the EU4Health programme has enabled Member States to expand human papillomavirus and hepatitis B vaccination campaigns and to roll out breast,

European Week Against Cancer – strengthening action on cancer awareness and prevention

Each year, from 25 to 31 May, the European cancer community comes together to mark European Week Against Cancer (EWAC), an important moment to renew our commitment to cancer prevention, early detection, and better support for all those affected by cancer.

At the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition (WBCPC), we are proud to join this collective call to action. We stand alongside organisations across Europe to highlight the importance of sustained efforts in awareness,

20th anniversary of MEPs against cancer: Reflections on two decades of action

On May 22, 2025, the MEPs Against Cancer (MAC) group marked its 20th anniversary at the European Parliament. The event was hosted by MAC Chair MEP Romana Jerković, alongside Vice-Chairs MEP Loucas Fourlas and MEP Tilly Metz, and supported by the Association of European Cancer Leagues, which provides the group’s secretariat.

The World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition participated in the event, which brought together policymakers, national and regional cancer leagues,

CANVES hosts first bladder cancer patient day in Madrid

Today, CANVES (Alianza por el cáncer de vejiga en España) held its first Bladder Cancer Patient Day in Madrid, bringing together patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and advocates to share experiences, foster dialogue, and strengthen collaboration.

Representing the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition (WBCPC), Alex Filicevas and Marie Magenhann Cueto joined the event. Alex opened the session by reflecting on the role CANVES played at the 2022 World Bladder Cancer Patient Forum in Madrid,

Strengthening the voice of patients at the Cancer Mission Fair in Warsaw

The First Cancer Mission Fair brought together patient advocates, healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers from across Europe to accelerate progress on the EU Cancer Mission and strengthen collaboration. Held in Warsaw, Poland, the event was also the stage for the official launch of the Polish Cancer Mission Hub, hosted under the framework of the ECHoS | Establishing of Cancer Mission Hubs: Networks and Synergies initiative.

The World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition was proud to join this important gathering and contribute to the conversations that shape cancer policy,

Clinical Trials Day: A commitment to better patient outcomes

This year’s Clinical Trials Day, held on 20 May, celebrates the theme “Powered by Purpose”, recognising the vital role of clinical research in improving lives and advancing healthcare around the world.

At the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition, we support this call by highlighting the importance of clinical trials in shaping a better future for people living with bladder cancer. Clinical research provides hope, drives innovation, and ensures that new treatments and approaches are safe,

International nurses day – celebrating the heart of care

Each year on 12 May, we mark International Nurses Day to honour the critical role that nurses play in supporting patients and strengthening health systems around the world. This year’s theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. The economic power of care” highlights the profound value of investing in nursing to build healthier societies.

At the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition, we know firsthand that nurses are essential partners in the journey of people living with bladder cancer.

EUrology Session on Bladder Cancer report launched

EUrology Session on Bladder Cancer report cover page

The World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition (WBCPC), together with the European Association of Urology (EAU), has launched the report from the EUrology Session on Bladder Cancer, held on February 19, 2025. This event brought together policymakers, healthcare professionals, researchers and patient advocates to examine key issues affecting the bladder cancer landscape across Europe.

Bladder cancer is among the most common cancers in Europe, yet continues to receive disproportionately low policy and research attention.