Our blog
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Learning patient advocacy at the WECAN Academy
By Andie Miles
The WECAN Cancer Advocacy Academy 2024, held from 11th to 14th July in Barcelona, was a leading capacity-building event for cancer patient advocates. It provided a unique platform to combine deep learning with the power of in-person connections. Over these few days, attendees gained valuable knowledge and tools through a diverse programme covering key areas such as advocacy tools and skills, healthcare systems, policy and access, and research and data.
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Journey with a Night Bag: A Guide for Newcomers
By Sue
Being diagnosed with bladder cancer is a life-altering moment, and the journey that follows can be filled with many challenges and learning experiences. One of the practical challenges many face after a radical cystectomy (RC) is managing life with a night bag. When I had my RC six years ago, I left the hospital with supplies for my "day bag" and an abundance of information on how to use it. However, there wasn't much guidance on what to do at night
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BCAM 2024
What a month!
This BCAM has been a huge month for all of us at Fight Bladder Cancer and you’ve all been busier than ever!
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Our policy requests to the incoming Government
We extend our congratulations to the newly appointed Prime Minister and the incoming government. This election marks a pivotal moment for our nation, presenting an opportunity to address crucial issues and implement meaningful change.
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Fight Bladder Cancer at GMB Congress 2024
Raising Awareness of Occupational Exposure to Cancer-Causing Chemicals
The GMB Congress 2024 was a significant event for Fight Bladder Cancer, where we had a dedicated booth to raise awareness and provide support for those affected by bladder cancer due to occupational exposure to cancer-causing chemicals
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Fight Bladder Cancer Strategy Retreat
May 2024
In May 2024, our trustees gathered for a Strategy Retreat led by Angela Style, a consultant from the Centre for Charity Effectiveness. It was a chance to connect face-to-face and shape the future direction of Fight Bladder Cancer
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Fight Bladder Cancer Event at the Houses of Parliament
21 May 2024
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported the Fight Bladder Cancer event at the Houses of Parliament, which took place last week during Bladder Cancer Awareness Month. This significant event aimed to elevate the conversation about bladder cancer, ensuring it becomes a priority on the parliamentary agenda. Our goal was to secure commitments from MPs to help achieve our policy objectives.
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My First Experience with a Urine Test for Bladder Cancer
By Melanie Costin
For some time now, patients like me have been hoping that there would be a simple test that could detect bladder cancer, something easy and that would hopefully not be invasive … maybe even a urine test. Well now products like this exist, urinary biomarker tests.
I won’t try and explain here all the ins and outs of how they work, please head over to our new webpage on urine tests (https://fightbladdercancer.co.uk/urine-tests) if you would like more information. However, recently I had my first experience with a urinary biomarker test, and I want to share this with others who might be navigating similar waters.
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Preparing for a urostomy
Samantha Sherratt, Transformation Director at the Urostomy Association.
Being told that you’ve got cancer and need to have your bladder removed can be a shock, particularly if you’re recommended for prompt surgery for a urinary diversion, such as a urostomy. The best way to overcome any fears and to prepare for the new you is to ask lots of questions from those in the know.
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European Association of Urology Congress 2024
By Melanie Costin
The European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress held in Paris was an enlightening experience. As a bladder cancer patient advocate, it was heartening to witness firsthand the leaps in research, treatments, and patient support showcased throughout the event.
Fight Bladder Cancer was represented at this event by Andrew Dearden (Chair of the Trustees), Alison Birtle (Trustee and Medical Advisor), Param Mariappan (Medical Advisor), Lydia Makaroff (Chief Executive), and me – Melanie Costin (Director of Patient Engagement & Support).
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We’ve tried to make the information on this site as accurate as possible. Whilst we have support from medical professionals to review the general medical content of this site, please remember that only your medical team can give you specific advice about your symptoms or illness. Fight Bladder Cancer is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation in Scotland (SC051881), England and Wales (1198773), and was initially established as an unincorporated charity in England and Wales (1157763). It also operates in Northern Ireland.