The World Bladder Cancer Patient Forum 2025 continued on Public Day in Brussels with an insightful multi-stakeholder session titled Driving policy progress in bladder cancer through collaboration. Moderated by Sarah Coffey Degrange from Cancer Vessie France, the discussion brought together experts from across research, policy, and industry to explore how joint action can accelerate change for people affected by bladder cancer.
Prof. Hendrik Van Poppel,
The Public Day of the World Bladder Cancer Patient Forum 2025 opened in Brussels with a powerful and forward-looking session titled Our vision for global bladder cancer advocacy. Led by Lori Funk-Cirefice (President, World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition & President, Cancer Vessie France), Michelle Colero (Vice-President, World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition & Executive Director, Bladder Cancer Canada), and Alex Filicevas (Executive Director,
During Advocates Day at the World Bladder Cancer Patient Forum 2025 in Brussels, participants took part in an interactive workshop called “Mastering the essentials of strong organisational leadership.” The session was led by Benita Lipps, CEO & Founder of Novya, and focused on helping patient organisations strengthen their management and daily work while staying true to their mission.
Benita began by sharing a reality many organisations face today: less funding,
On Advocates Day at the World Bladder Cancer Patient Forum 2025 in Brussels, participants joined a two-part session, “Advancing patient voices in Health Technology Assessment,” led by Dr Anke-Peggy Holtorf (HTAi Board Member). The morning presentation set the scene: HTA is a multidisciplinary process used to determine the value of health technologies (diagnostics, medicines, devices, procedures) to inform fair, efficient decisions in health systems. Dr Anke-Peggy Holtorf underlined the momentum created by the recent global push for social participation in health policy,
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.
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.
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:
October 13 – Advocates Day: A dedicated day for our member organisations to meet,
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 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,
About us
The World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition (WBCPC) is an international umbrella organisation. The organisation was established in 2019 by a group of dedicated patient advocates from three major national bladder cancer organisations that saw the need for a global bladder cancer coalition.
Our coalition now brings together 16 patient organisations across six continents, uniting bladder cancer patient organisations’ vision and goals to ensure the best possible outcomes for bladder cancer patients across the world.
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
