Our September Newsletter

The 14th annual Canada Walks for Bladder Cancer is happening in 8 days and we are so excited to see you!

There’s still time to join us September 21st and 22nd, and walk together for bladder cancer patients across Canada.

The 2024 walk significantly advances Bladder Cancer Canada's mission by:

Supporting Patients and Caregivers: Donations fund resources like our website, support groups, peer support, and educational materials.
Raising Awareness: Our 'See Red, See Your Doctor' media campaign improves early detection and diagnosis by raising awareness of the most prominent symptoms.
Funding Research: Over $3.1 million invested in bladder cancer research since 2012, driving progress in diagnostics, treatment and quality of life.

Your participation in the walk contributes directly to these impactful initiatives, creating a future where bladder cancer is better understood and managed.

Step Out in September

From September 1st to 30th, you can contribute to this year's advocacy efforts by walking, running, biking, swimming, or rolling to collectively achieve 13,400 km, reflecting the number of Canadians diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2024.

Track your progress manually or join our national STRAVA challenge. Share updates on social media, collect pledges, and use our official hashtags, #stepoutinSeptember & #bccwalk to motivate others.

Learn More

Boost Your Impact for a chance to win a $250 travel voucher courtesy of Maritime Travel!

There is still time to enter! Participants will receive 1 entry for every $300 raised towards their personal fundraising goal. The winner will be announced September 25, 2024.

For full terms and conditions, visit our website at BCCWalk.ca.

Stewart's Story: Keeping a positive mindset while facing bladder cancer

Tune in to the newest episode of The Bladder Cancer Podcast with your host, Summer Stewart, as she sits down with Stewart Press, a remarkable individual whose story of overcoming bladder cancer will inspire and uplift.

Stewart shares his powerful journey of resilience, demonstrating how a positive mindset and a focus on holistic well-being can transform one's battle against this formidable disease.

Available wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts!

Listen Now

The Role of OSR1 in Bladder Cancer

Recent studies indicate that the Odd-skipped related 1 (Osr1) transcription factor may function as a tumor suppressor gene across various cancers, including lung, gastric, and renal cell carcinoma. While exploring the role of Osr1 in bladder cancer, researchers observed reduced Osr1 gene expression in tumor specimens from bladder cancer patients compared to adjacent control tissue. Building on this, their study further aims to investigate how Osr1, identified as a potential tumor suppressor, influences the development and progression of muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

The research will utilize genetically modified mouse models alongside a carcinogen challenge to examine the effects of Osr1 loss in the bladder's uroepithelium and stromal compartments. Additionally, the team will employ advanced molecular techniques to identify Osr1 DNA targets in urothelial cancer cells.

This multi-faceted approach seeks to elucidate the mechanisms by which Osr1 may suppress tumor growth and invasion, with a particular focus on its impact on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and collagen deposition in the tumor microenvironment. The findings from this study could potentially reveal new biomarkers for bladder cancer prognosis and identify novel therapeutic targets, ultimately contributing to improved treatments for this aggressive form of cancer.

Join us for an in-person educational event in Winnipeg on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.

The evening features a presentation on muscle-invasive bladder cancer by Dr. Jay Nayak, and on non-muscle invasive bladder cancer by Dr. Ardalan Ahmad.

Registration is free, but seats are limited. Register today to secure your spot!

Bladder Cancer Basics:

Essential Knowledge for Patients and Caregivers

Tuesday, September 17 at 7pm ET

Join us for an informative webinar offering a comprehensive overview of bladder cancer. Hosted by Dr. Paul Toren, this session will cover key aspects of the disease, including risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, staging, grading, and treatment options for various types of bladder cancer. Whether you're newly diagnosed or caring for someone with bladder cancer, this webinar will equip you with the essential knowledge to navigate a bladder cancer diagnosis.

Understanding Urinary Diversions:

Options, Outcomes, and Living Well

Tuesday, October 8 from 7:00-8:15pm ET

Join us for an informative webinar exploring the various urinary diversions available to individuals undergoing a radical cystectomy. This session, hosted by Leah Jamnicky, a nurse with over 38 years’ experience in the Division of Urology, will provide an in-depth look at the different options, discussing the pros and cons of each. You'll also gain valuable tips and tricks for managing daily life with a urinary diversion. Additionally, you will hear firsthand experiences from individuals living with each type of diversion, offering unique insights and practical advice.

For more information or to register, visit our EVENTS PAGE at bladdercancercanada.org.

A new support group!

Bladder Cancer Canada is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Association québécoise des personnes stomisées to establish a joint support group.

This support group named Groupe de soutien pour les personnes stomisées will offer support to people in the French-speaking community living with an ostomy.

The first meeting will be on Tuesday, November 5th and individuals interested can RSVP by sending an email to stomie@cancerdelavessiecanada.org .

Bladder Cancer Canada is continually working to expand programming and resources available to patients and caregivers. Along with launching this support group, we are working to launch an anglophone counterpart! If you are interested in helping with the development of an English ostomy support group, or know someone who could provide support, please email Marilou.

At Bladder Cancer Canada, our volunteers are the heart of everything we do. Their time, compassion, and dedication provide crucial support to bladder cancer patients and their families during their most challenging moments. From offering emotional support to organizing events, raising awareness, and assisting with research, our volunteers truly go above and beyond.

We are thrilled to announce the 2024 Volunteer Award Program, a special opportunity to recognize the outstanding contributions of those who make a real difference. This program is our way of saying "thank you" and honouring the incredible impact our volunteers have on the bladder cancer community.

The nomination window opens on October 1st, so stay tuned!

We are looking for volunteers willing to share their experience with bladder cancer, whether as a patient or caregiver. If you’re open to sharing your story with our community, please connect with Theresa Blondin. Your story could provide valuable support and encouragement to others on a similar journey.

Contact Theresa today!

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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