At EAU25, the session “The Impact of Cancer on Mental Health” moderated by WBCPC Executive Director, Alex Filicevas, brought attention to the often-overlooked emotional challenges faced by people living with cancer. The conversation focused on how fear, anxiety, isolation, and uncertainty can affect every stage of the cancer journey and how healthcare systems must evolve to better support patients’ mental wellbeing.
Discussions highlighted that cancer is not just a physical diagnosis;
Trust is one of the most important elements in healthcare and also one of the most fragile. At EAU Congress 2025, the first-ever EAU Patient Plaza Theatre hosted patient-led sessions, which included WBCPC session on Building Trust in the Patient-Doctor Relationship brought together patients, advocates, and clinicians to explore how to strengthen communication and connection in cancer care.
The discussion highlighted that trust isn’t automatic. it must be built through empathy,
This week at the European Association of Urology Congress 2025 (EAU25), patient advocacy took centre stage as Melanie Costin, Interim CEO of Fight Bladder Cancer UK presented her award-winning research during the EAU Patient Day session dedicated to patient-led research posters.
Melanie’s ePoster, titled “Patient Advocacy Group Resources Improve Confidence in Managing Diagnosis”, highlights how Fight Bladder Cancer’s resources, including an online forum, patient and carer information booklets,
Cancer not only affects the body but also has a profound impact on mental health, leading to challenges such as anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Recognising the importance of mental well-being in cancer care, the European Association of Urology (EAU) Patient Plaza will host a dedicated session at the 40th Annual Congress EAU Congress on Sunday, 23 March 2025, from 13:30 to 14:00, titled The impact of cancer on mental health. The discussion will bring together expert voices and patient perspectives to explore ways to integrate mental health support into cancer care.
Trust is a cornerstone of effective healthcare, particularly in uro-oncology, where patients often navigate complex and emotionally charged decisions. At the 40th Annual EAU Congress on Saturday, 22 March 2025, from 10:00 to 10:30, the Patient Plaza session on Building Trust in the Patient-Doctor Relationship will explore the challenges and opportunities in fostering trust between patients and healthcare providers.
Session overview
The session will be moderated by Alex Filicevas, Executive Director of the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition (WBCPC),
Bladder Cancer Awareness Month 2025 (BCAM25) is around the corner, and we are happy to share with you this year’s campaign toolkit.
This May, we continue to build on the success of the Feeling Unsure? Get Checked campaign, reinforcing our message about the importance of seeking medical advice as soon as possible when spotting blood in the urine – even if feeling unsure.
The Unsure Icon remains a central feature of our campaign,
The World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition (WBCPC) has signed the joint letter advocating for the ‘Right to be Forgotten’ for cancer survivors has been sent to European Commissioners Olivér Varhelyi and Maria LuísAlbuquerque. This important initiative seeks to address the financial discrimination faced by cancer survivors across Europe.
Developed with valuable input from the Patient Advisory Committee of the European Cancer Organisation, of which WBCPC is a member, the letter highlights the ongoing challenges cancer survivors encounter when accessing financial services,
On International Women’s Day, the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition is stepping forward in solidarity to #AccelerateAction for women affected by bladder cancer. This year’s theme emphasises the urgent need for progress, because, at the current rate, achieving gender equality could take over 130 years. We cannot afford to wait.
Why we need to accelerate action
Women with bladder cancer face unique challenges – from delayed diagnoses due to symptoms being mistaken for other conditions to limited access to clinical trials and treatment options.
Each May, we come together as a global community to shine a light on bladder cancer. Bladder Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) is an opportunity to increase understanding of a disease that remains too often overlooked. With 1.9 million people living with bladder cancer and over 600,000 diagnosed each year, awareness and early detection are critical.
A campaign rooted in action
Building on the momentum of previous years, our “Feeling Unsure? Get Checked” campaign continued to challenge the misinterpretation of symptoms,
