At the European Association of Urology Congress 2026 (EAU26), the session “Closing the diagnostic and care gaps for women with urinary cancers and conditions” explored the persistent disparities affecting women with bladder cancer and the actions needed to address them.
The session was moderated by Michelle Colero, our Vice President and Executive Director of Bladder Cancer Canada, who presented the patient advocacy perspective and highlighted the gender inequalities that continue to affect women across the bladder cancer care pathway.
At the European Association of Urology Congress 2026 (EAU26), we hosted the session “Understanding and overcoming patient barriers to discussing urinary symptoms linked to bladder cancer.” The session explored why some people delay seeking medical advice when experiencing urinary symptoms and what can be done to support earlier diagnosis.
During the session, our Executive Director, Alex Filicevas, presented research examining the behavioural factors that influence whether people seek medical care when experiencing urinary symptoms that could be linked to bladder cancer.
At the European Association of Urology Congress 2026 (EAU26), we presented the BCLEAR (Bladder Cancer Literacy for All) project during the session “Health Literacy in Bladder Cancer” at the Patient Advocacy Plaza. The session explored how improving health literacy can help people recognise symptoms earlier, better understand their diagnosis and participate more actively in decisions about their care.
During the session, our Executive Director, Alex Filicevas, together with Renée Leenen,
At the European Association of Urology Congress 2026 (EAU26), the session “Living with urinary incontinence as a comorbidity: patient perspectives” explored an important but often overlooked issue for people affected by bladder cancer: urinary continence and its impact on everyday life.
Urinary incontinence can occur as a result of the disease itself or as a consequence of treatments such as surgery or urinary reconstruction. While the focus of care is often on treating the cancer,
At the European Association of Urology Congress 2026 (EAU26), we participated in the session “BCLEAR: Shared Decisions, Stronger Care in Bladder Cancer – Addressing Clinician Needs Across Europe”. The session brought together clinicians, primary care representatives and patient advocates to discuss how shared decision-making can be strengthened across the bladder cancer care pathway.
During the session, WBCPC Executive Director Alex Filicevas, presented insights from the Global Bladder Cancer Patient and Carer Survey,
The World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition (WBCPC) is attending the European Association of Urology Congress 2026, one of the world’s leading events in urology, where patient advocacy and patient perspectives are increasingly recognised as an essential part of improving cancer care.
Today, during EAU Patient Day, WBCPC contributed to the Patient Advocacy Poster Session, which showcases initiatives from patient organisations working to strengthen awareness, diagnosis and patient support.
From 13–16 March 2026, the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition (WBCPC) will be attending the European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress in London, one of the largest international meetings dedicated to urology research, clinical practice and patient care.
For the bladder cancer community, the presence of WBCPC at EAU is important. It ensures that the patient perspective is represented in conversations where new research is presented and where clinical pathways and care approaches are discussed.
On International Women’s Day 2026, the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition (WBCPC) has released a new factsheet, Bladder Cancer in Women: Unique Challenges, drawing attention to an issue that remains under-recognised in women’s health.
Bladder cancer is often perceived as a disease that primarily affects men. However, around one in four people diagnosed with bladder cancer are women. Despite this, women are more likely to receive their diagnosis at a later stage.
By Fatima Baig, Helen Lacy and Prof. Ananya Choudhury
Bladder cancer is often seen as a “man’s disease” but when women are affected, the consequences can be more severe and the reasons why say a lot about gender bias in healthcare.
On International Women’s Day, this opinion piece brings together three perspectives united by a shared goal: to make women with bladder cancer visible. Two bladder cancer patient advocates Fatima Baig from India and Helen Lacy from Australia share their lived experiences and advocacy insight.
The World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition (WBCPC) took part in the 2026 edition of the ASCO Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, held in San Francisco from February 27–29, 2026. This international meeting brings together clinicians, researchers and organisations working in genitourinary (GU) cancers, including bladder cancer, to share the latest scientific developments and clinical updates.
This year, our Executive Director, Alex Filicevas, presented a poster titled: “Fostering Inclusive Language in Genitourinary Cancer Research” during the Prostate Cancer and Urothelial Carcinoma session.
