Happy National Volunteer Week!
National Volunteer Week (NVW) is April 14-20, 2024. This is a week to recognize and celebrate every volunteer and each contribution they’re making to strengthen inclusivity and wellbeing in our community.
The theme for National Volunteer Week 2024 is Every Moment Matters. By coming together, committing support, and increasing our collective efforts and impact, we contribute exponentially to the quality of life we all strive for. Volunteering matters – moment by moment we can move collectively from surviving to thriving again.
Now more than ever, Every Moment Matters.
Make sure you check out our social media during National Volunteer Week to hear stories, celebrate impactful moments and learn more about the amazing contributions our volunteers make!
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Dick's Story: Journey of Resilience and Hope
Upon preparing for retirement after a long career, Dick is taken aback when he is diagnosed with muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
The diagnosis, particularly the discovery of the aggressive "small cell" type of cancer, led to a treatment plan that included chemotherapy and the removal of the bladder with neobladder reconstruction.
Despite the challenges of treatment, Dick has maintained a positive outlook and expresses gratitude for the care and support he has received.
Click on the button below to read more on Dick's story.
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There is still time to register!! |
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Toronto Bladder Cancer Education Event
We are thrilled to be hosting an in-person Education Event in Toronto on Monday, April 15 from 6-9 PM.
Join us at the Holiday Inn Downtown Toronto for an evening of educational presentations from Dr. Zlotta and Dr. Sridhar and networking with others in the bladder cancer community.
A huge thank you to our presenting sponsor, Merck!
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Patient Perspectives: Your Questions Answered
Join us on Tuesday, May 14th for "Patient Perspectives: Your Questions Answered." This interactive webinar offers candid insights from a panel of Bladder Cancer Canada Volunteers with firsthand experience. Gain invaluable perspectives on diagnosis, treatment decisions, managing side effects, and coping mechanisms. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this event aims to foster empathy, understanding, and empowerment. Don't miss this chance to ask questions and deepen your knowledge of bladder cancer.
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For upcoming events, webinars, support group meetings and more, visit our Events Page
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We are looking for patients who received Padcev, also known as Enfortumab Vedotin (EV) as part of their treatment to complete a survey.
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Provide Insights on the Effects of Bladder Cancer
in New Survey
Both bladder cancer patients and caregivers are invited to take part in a study on how bladder cancer affects you.
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Your participation will provide crucial information that can enhance our understanding of treatment from diagnosis and quality of life during and after treatment. Patient respondents are especially needed. Participants will be compensated $CA 30.00 for survey completion. The survey should take about 15 minutes to complete.
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For NMIBC patients: Currently or previously treated for NMIBC, diagnosed at least one year ago, not in a clinical trial.
For MIBC patients: Diagnosed within the last two years, had bladder surgery or refused/ ineligible within one year of diagnosis, not in a clinical trial.
The survey should take about 15 minutes to complete, and your input will truly make a difference. If you're interested in taking part, please email the study coordinator and indicate whether you are a patient with Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) or Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (MIBC) or caregiver.
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If you would be interested in learning more about this or other studies
and/ or want to share your story with other bladder cancer patients,
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Have you checked out
our Online Discussion Forum yet?
Our Discussion Forum is a secure platform to connect with the bladder cancer community at any time - a safe and confidential space to post questions and share experiences with the option to remain anonymous.
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Browse through a wealth of existing posts from forum members or register to become a member yourself and engage with our warm and welcoming community.
The Bladder Cancer Canada Online Discussion Forum stands out from many online platforms as it is moderated by three expert volunteers with firsthand experience with bladder cancer in Canada.
To current users of the forum, we’ve made some updates to our Terms of Use. Please take a moment to review them because every time you engage in discussions there, you're implicitly agreeing to follow these rules.
Support is just a click away!
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Register for the 2024 Walk and Win a $400 Amazon Gift Card* |
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Let's Lace 'Em Up!
We are thrilled to announce 17 confirmed walk locations for the 2024 Canada Walks for Bladder Cancer!
All event details for our various walks will be updated on the Find A Walk page. We can't wait to walk with you!
Join Canada Walks for Bladder Cancer on September 21 & 22, 2024. Register and raise $150 between now and May 1st to be entered to win a $400 Amazon gift card.
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Register today by visiting www.bccwalk.ca to help create a world where bladder cancer is just a memory.
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Announcing our 2024 Presenting Sponsor: EMD Serono!
We're thrilled to welcome EMD Serono back as our Presenting Sponsor for Canada Walks for Bladder Cancer 2024!
Be sure to Lace Up your Sneakers and register for the 2024 Walk.
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The role of the urinary microbiome in determining response to intravesical BCG in high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer |
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The BCG vaccine is the most effective intravesical therapy for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and is commonly used after surgery to prevent tumour recurrences. When injected into the bladder, BCG acts as an immunostimulatory agent, triggering an anti-tumour immune system response that recognizes and stops tumour cells from proliferating. Recent studies have shown that the immune system’s response to disease is influenced by the bacterial populations that naturally live in our bodies. In a study proposed by researchers at the University of British Columbia and the Cleveland Clinic, investigators will examine the type of immune system responses induced by BCG in bladder cancer, and whether these responses are mediated by imbalances in bladder and gut bacterial populations. This research will further our understanding of why BCG treatment efficacy varies between patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and provides a way forward for improving therapeutic outcomes via the regulatory role of bacteria. |
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Reference: Othman D, Jalanko T, Reike M, Moskalev I, Nelson B, Hussein A, Tin C, Roumigué M, Ferreira D, Contreras-Sanz A, Maas M, Miller A, Black PC, & Lange D. The role of the urinary microbiome in determining response to intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin in high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer [ABSTRACT]. In: Canadian Bladder Cancer Forum 2023 Meeting Abstracts – Poster Presentations. Can Urol Assoc J. 2023;17(3Suppl1):S4-9. doi: 10.5489/cuaj.8351
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Elizabeth Pappas,
Peter McKinney, Arpit Shah,
Anita Tran,
& Vanus Tsang!
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Volunteer Role: Walk Lead
Fun fact about Gabriel: I love Science and hold
a Ph.D in Pharmacy
Why are you passionate about volunteering for BCC: After losing my dad to bladder cancer, I'm driven to raise awareness and support others affected by the disease. Volunteering with BCC allows me to honor his memory and advocate for bladder cancer awareness.
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Please join us on social media where we share updates and photos from our bladder cancer community. These social media sites are a great resource for patients, survivors, and caregivers. |
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