According to the Canadian Cancer Society and the Government Canada’s Cancer Specific Stats for 2020, bladder cancer is still the 5th most common type of cancer in Canada with just over 12,000 new incidences
reported last year.
Every year, Canadians come together across the country and raise approximately $600,000 for Bladder Cancer Canada (BCC) via its annual awareness walk campaign. For the past two years, this has been a virtual walk because of COVID-19. Now, more than ever, the organization wants bladder cancer patients to know there is support available to them as they navigate their diagnosis during these uncertain times.
“The theme for this year’s walk is patient support,” says Michelle Colero, Executive Director for BCC. “Waiting for and receiving a cancer diagnosis can be an extremely frightening and isolating experience. We want our bladder cancer community to know that we are there to support them every step of the way.” Support services are extremely critical during this time and BCC offers several free services through their website including a discussion forum, a peer support program, online support groups, educational webinars, downloadable patient guidebooks and more. All these services are funded by the annual awareness walk and are available for free at http://www.bladdercancercanada.org.
“Bladder cancer is a highly treatable cancer and many bladder cancer patients go on to live healthy lives,” says Ferg Devins, bladder cancer survivor and BCC chair. Canada is one of the world leaders in bladder preservation and there is treatment available for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (before it can become muscleinvasive and the bladder is threatened).
For those facing the removal of their bladder (a radical cystectomy), there are several options for patients living without a bladder, including a neobladder, Indiana pouch or an ostomy. “With time and patience, patients receiving one of these procedures can learn to adjust to the changes to their bodies and enjoy a similar lifestyle as they did before their bladder cancer diagnosis,” adds Ferg.
Presented by Ferring Canada, this year’s walk will take place during the weekend of September 25th and 26th. On October 5, BCC will host an online wrap-up event to highlight and celebrate the hundreds of walkers, volunteers, physicians and researchers across Canada who help the organization in their mission to increase awareness of bladder cancer, support patients and fund research.
Other national sponsors include: Seagen Canada, Corus Entertainment, Global News,, Verity Pharmaceuticals, IDS Canada, Empire Life, The Pickle Barrel, Hollister and Zoomer Radio.
Join the virtual movement this September – visit bccwalk.ca to register yourself or a team and start fundraising today!
Founded in 2009 by bladder cancer survivors, Bladder Cancer Canada is a nationally registered Canadian charity. Supported by a Medical Advisory Board and a Medical Research Board consisting of the top bladder cancer specialists across Canada, Bladder Cancer Canada’s mission aims to help bladder cancer patients and their support teams address the day-to-day issues of this disease; increase awareness among the general public and medical community; and fund research into the diagnosis, treatment and elimination of the disease.
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