A Beacon of Hope
Did you know that bladder cancer is estimated to be the sixth most diagnosed form of cancer in the U.S. in 2018? Actually, some people never heard of it before they received their diagnosis. The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) is changing that perception. As the only national advocacy organization devoted to advancing bladder cancer research and supporting those impacted by the disease, BCAN has been a beacon of hope since 2005.
Like a beacon, the organization is far-reaching. BCAN works collaboratively with medical and research professionals who are dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer. It also empowers the patient community with educational resources such as webinars and support services to navigate their bladder cancer journey. And BCAN can be found on the front lines advocating for more research and changes in the healthcare system. In fact, the U.S. Senate recently passed a resolution naming May as National Bladder Cancer Awareness Month.
Speaking of awareness, BCAN is making sure that the community at large knows about bladder cancer with several events and initiatives:
The Walk to End Bladder Cancer
What began in 2011 as a national Walk for Bladder Cancer has expanded to 27 locations across the country, engages close to 3,000 participants annually, and has raised more than $3.7 million toward bladder cancer education, awareness and research. The 2018 walk held this past May raised $740,000! Check out the 2018 video here. Stay tuned for the 2019 walk at bcan.org.
"Shine a Light on Bladder Cancer" Campaign
BCAN has launched a campaign to have structures in cities around the country be illuminated in the color orange to raise awareness about the symptoms, signs and risk factors of bladder cancer. Some locations include: Niagara Falls, the Philadelphia PECO building, Wells Fargo's Duke Energy Center in Charlotte, the Peace Bridge in Buffalo, and the capitol building in Harrisburg, PA.
My Bladder Cancer Story Campaign
BCAN wants to hear the stories of bladder cancer survivors, patients and caregivers to unify and strengthen the bladder cancer community. If you have a story to share, please send it to bcan.org/bladder-cancer-story.
Though the organization has focused a lot on awareness this year, research is always top of mind for BCAN. In August, 250 medical experts and 20 patient advocates gathered for the 13th Annual Bladder Cancer Think Tank organized by BCAN. Discussions were held about clinical trials, groundbreaking immunotherapies, urinary diversions and how to improve them, and more.
"It's a very exciting time because things are changing between new immunotherapies and the targeting of tumors with precision medicine," says Stephanie Chisholm, PhD, Director of Education and Research at BCAN. "We are excited to foster research and collaboration because we never know where the next treatment for bladder cancer is going to come from."
