Global Cancer Coalitions Network Annual Meeting

The World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition (WBCPC) was proud to take part in the Global Cancer Coalitions Network (GCCN) Annual Meeting in Toronto, Canada, on August 28-29, 2024. WBCPC joined GCCN in 2020, with our Executive Director Alex Filicevas currently Co-Chairing the initiative. This annual event brought together leading cancer patient advocacy coalitions from around the world to explore ways to collaborate and share expertise to improve patient outcomes and strengthen advocacy efforts globally.

Johnstone: Overcoming cancer one spin class at a time

Johnstone, a spin cycle enthusiast from Scotland, has been passionately involved in the sport for over 25 years. Diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2019, Johnstone’s commitment to spinning has been a cornerstone of his resilience and recovery.

His first symptom of bladder cancer appeared on January 2019, during a very strenuous spin cycle class when he noticed heavy blood in his urine with clots. As a doctor, he quickly diagnosed himself with bladder cancer and knew what might follow.

Annual IBCG Retreat shaping global bladder cancer care

The World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition (WBCPC) had the honour to join the International Bladder Cancer Group (IBCG) Retreat in Houston, Texas (USA). This important event brought together experts from around the world to develop new recommendations for managing bladder cancer. These guidelines will help shape clinical decisions for doctors and improve care for people affected by bladder cancer.

Representing WBCPC at the retreat were our President, Dr Lydia Makaroff, and Executive Director,

Gwendoline: celebrating life and overcoming cancer through dance

Gwendoline, a spirited dancer from France, discovered the world of Body Woogie – a fusion of fitness and burlesque dance in 2019. Her diagnosis with muscle-invasive bladder cancer bladder cancer in 2022 marked the beginning of a challenging yet empowering journey.

Encouraged by her son, Gwendoline took up daily walks during her intense treatment period. Her oncologist, recognising the importance of staying active, encouraged her to continue working if possible. Just four months after her radical cystectomy and the introduction of her stoma,

NEOVIDA joins WBCPC community

We are delighted to welcome NEOVIDA an organisation based in Belgium to our Coalition. NEOVIDA becomes the 15th member organisation of the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition.

NEOVIDA, established to support people with bladder cancer and people who had bladder removal surgery. NEOVIDA’s support particularly focuses on aiding people who have a neobladder. The organisations aims to improve the quality of life for patients and their families by offering comprehensive support and information.

The athletic journey of Stewart: inspiring as a coach and cyclist

Stewart Crowe, a dedicated swimming coach and avid cyclist from the UK, faced a life-changing diagnosis in 2019 when he was diagnosed with recurrent non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). However, his passion for sports and determination to overcome challenges has led him to achieve remarkable milestones, both as an athlete and a mentor.

Stewart’s journey in sports began long before his bladder cancer diagnosis. He has coached age group swimmers to national events and guided master swimmers to set British,

Fatima’s story: battling bladder cancer with strength and hope

In the fifth video of the series “5 Women, 5 Experiences,” we meet Fatima, a 40-year-old from Mumbai, India who shares her journey with bladder cancer.

Fatima’s journey with cancer began in 2017 when she noticed blood in her urine, prompting her to seek medical attention. After consulting a gynaecologist, she was referred to a nephrologist. The initial problem was resolved with medication, and her life returned to normal. However,

SAVE THE DATE – World Bladder Cancer Patient Forum 2024

We are thrilled to announce that the World Bladder Cancer Patient Forum 2024 will take place on October 1-2, in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic! We invite you to Save The Date and hope to see you there in person.

This year we will once again bring the global bladder cancer patient community together for two days of important discussions, learnings, sharing ideas, and networking.

If you have missed last year’s and/or would like to revisit the discussions,

Catch-up with discussions from World Bladder Cancer Patient Forum 2023

The World Bladder Cancer Patient Forum 2023 Summary report, which offers a succint reflection on the presentations, discussions and collective ideas shared at the event is now available to download. If you’ve missed the event or would like to revisit the discussions – download the report below.

The 3rd annual World Bladder Cancer Patient Forum 2023 was held in the Spanish capital Madrid. It served as a platform of knowledge and partnership for the global bladder cancer patient community.