Engaging in advocacy

Evidence-based advocacy for positive change

We believe that evidence-based advocacy is the best way to move bladder cancer patient experience and care forward in a positive direction. 

As a global organisation, we engage strategic partners and policy makers to ensure bladder cancer is at the top of the global health policy agenda.

How we advocate for better patient care

Our goal is to bring bladder cancer to the top of the global health policy agenda, and we do this by communicating the key challenges faced by the bladder cancer patient community at the policy-level to drive concrete change.

We work to bring attention to the needs of patients throughout the entirety of care – from prevention, to diagnosis, access to information, support, treatment and care, quality of life and survivorship. We also advocate for better research to improve our  knowledge and understanding of bladder cancer.

We work together with our members and affiliates to support national advocacy efforts, develop key messages, and exchange experiences on what works well, and what doesn’t. We also help to build the capacity of our members to advocate for access to the best possible patient care, support and information.

Finally, we partner with a range of different organisations and stakeholders – including patient organisations, healthcare professionals, the private sector, academics and researchers, policymakers and other global patient organisations – to maximise the impact that we can have in our advocacy activities.

One key example of these partnerships is the White Paper on Bladder Cancer, developed with the European Association of Urology and launched in the European Parliament. The White Paper outlines 20 policy recommendations, highlighting 10 key actions to drive change. While EU-focused, many of these recommendations are relevant worldwide, helping to improve outcomes for bladder cancer patients everywhere.

Treatment, research and support for bladder cancer patients varies widely across the globe and even within countries and it’s critical that we mobilise bladder cancer patient organisations across the world to help ensure the best possible outcomes for patients, by communicating patient needs with key policymakers and advocating for positive change.
Ken Bagshaw

Founding President of the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition and Board Member of Bladder Cancer Canada (BCC)

Resources

White Paper on Bladder Cancer Download
White Paper Infographic Download
Policy recommendations: challenge of urinary problems in people living with prostate and bladder cancer Download
Bladder cancer stigma infographic Download
Bladder cancer stigma advocacy toolkit Download
Joint statement on impact of COVID-19 Download
GCCN report: The impact of COVID-19 on cancer patient organisations Download
Poster: Cancer care during COVID-19 Download
COVID-19 Vaccinations and patients with cancer – An ESMO Call to action Download
Joint letter on COVID-19 and cancer Download

Other focus areas

Related news & events

Introducing WBCPC Scientific Advisory Board

WBCPC new global advisory board brings together leading experts to guide our patient-centred, evidence-based work in bladder cancer.

Learn more

Advancing person-centred care in bladder cancer – new Medscape course now available

In collaboration with WBCPC, Medscape created an educational course to support healthcare professionals in delivering more person-centred care for people living with advanced bladder cancer.

Learn more

WBCPC joins call to protect patient voting rights in EMA committees

The World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition co-signed a joint statement calling for meaningful patient involvement and the protection of voting rights in EMA committees as part of EU pharmaceutical legislation reform.

Learn more