Urology Week 2025 is a European initiative by the European Association of Urology (EAU), running from September 22–26, 2025, and this year focusing on urinary tract infections (UTIs).
UTIs are among the most common infections worldwide, affecting millions of people every year and disproportionately impacting women. They can cause pain, discomfort, urgency, and frequent urination – symptoms that overlap with those experienced by many people with bladder cancer. For bladder cancer patients,
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.
Each May, we unite as a global community to shine a light on bladder cancer. Bladder Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) is an important moment to increase understanding of a disease that remains too often overlooked. With 1.9 million people living with bladder cancer and over 600,000 newly diagnosed each year, awareness and early detection are critical.
A campaign rooted in action
In 2025, our “Feeling Unsure? Get Checked” campaign continued to challenge the misinterpretation of symptoms,
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.
We launched our latest resource in the WBCPC Factsheet Series: “Understanding the Risk Factors of Bladder Cancer”. This factsheet is available in English, Spanish and French and is designed to help people recognise the main contributors to bladder cancer risk and take proactive steps to protect their health.
Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, yet many people remain unaware of the factors that may increase their chances of developing it.
The World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition (WBCPC), together with the European Association of Urology(EAU), co-authored a White Paper on Bladder Cancer in Europe, setting out clear recommendations to improve outcomes for patients. Building on this work, a new perspective article published in Nature Reviews Urology, co-authored by WBCPC, EAU and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) draws directly on the findings of the White Paper.
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.
Every few months, our coalition comes together to share stories from across the globe, initiatives led by passionate patient advocates and organisations working tirelessly to improve the lives of those affected by bladder cancer. This quarter’s updates highlight how our members are raising awareness, building connections and offering vital support.
Bladder Cancer Canada – Hematuria Brochure Now Available
Bladder Cancer Canada has launched a new Hematuria Brochure to help patients and healthcare professionals recognise one of the earliest warning signs of bladder cancer—blood in the urine (hematuria).
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,
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:
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
