Who We Are

BCAN - the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network - is the first national advocacy organization dedicated to increasing public awareness about bladder cancer; to advancing bladder cancer research; and to providing educational and support services for the bladder cancer community. Founded in May 2005, BCAN is a cooperative effort among bladder cancer survivors, their families and caregivers, and the medical community.

Writing for the Cure

And after sharing her inspirational story on our website, Jacqueline Nalls continued to help BCAN by sending a “Write for the Cure” campaign to 38 family members and friends. She raised over $1,000!  Read more about Jacqueline’s experience.

Online Study for Cancer Survivors

Researchers at Stanford University are recruiting cancer survivors who are not currently in active treatment (have not received surgery, chemo or radiation in more than one month and less than 5 years) for a six-week online self-management workshop study.  When they enter the study, participants will be randomly assigned to either receive books used in the workshop, or to receive books and also participate in the interactive online workshop designed to improve the lives of cancer survivors.  To learn more about this study or to indicate your interest in participating, go to http://cancersurvivors.stanford.edu.

Running to Raise Awareness of Bladder Cancer

In December, BCAN supporter Randy Van Dusen ran the California International Marathon to raise awareness of bladder cancer.  Now, Randy is preparing for the American River 50 Mile Endurance Run.  Click here to read Randy’s story.

BCAN Patient Forum Saturday, November 7 in San Francisco

The slides from the doctors’ presentations at our recent forum in San Francisco are available here.  Webcasts of these presentations will be available in January.

Researchers recruiting men and women diagnosed with bladder cancer within the last four years for a telephone survey

Click here for more information.

New Drug Available for Bladder Cancer

Valstar, an intravesical therapy drug for bladder cancer, is now available.  It is FDA-approved for patients with BCG-refractory carcinoma in situ (CIS) for whom immediate removal of the bladder would be associated with unacceptable medical risks.  Click here for more information.

Is There a Popularity Contest in Cancer Funding?

Bladder cancer is the fifth most common cancer  yet it ranks 19th in funding.
ABC News asks why some cancers get more money per patient than others. Click here to read the entire story.