BCAN’s Co-founder Diane Zipursky Quale on the Next 20 Years for the BCAN Community

January 21, 2025

BCAN was founded in 2005 by John Quale and Diane Zipursky Quale. As we commemorate this anniversary milestone in 2025, we took the opportunity to sit down with Diane to hear her insights on what the next 20 years might hold for the bladder cancer community. Her thoughts are below.

Q1. Where do you see the greatest need for education and awareness in the bladder cancer community in the future?

Diane:
I believe the greatest need is to ensure that everyone, everywhere, has the information and resources they need when diagnosed with bladder cancer. This includes reaching people in rural areas and communities of color. We must ensure that every person diagnosed has access to the critical information and support they deserve.

Q2. How do you see BCAN’s role evolving as treatments and research advance?

Diane:
We’ve seen incredible advances in the past decade, and BCAN has done an excellent job informing our community about clinical trials and new treatments. As more options become available, BCAN’s role remains vital in keeping our community informed. We’ll need to provide tools and resources to help patients make informed decisions alongside their medical teams. With more choices, decision-making can become overwhelming, and BCAN will continue to support patients in navigating these complexities while empowering them to participate in shared decision-making with their providers.

Q3. How do you react when people call this the “golden age of bladder cancer research”?

Diane:
I hope not! Referring to it as a “golden age” implies there’s a beginning and an end. I want the progress we’re making to continue indefinitely, ensuring ongoing advancements in bladder cancer research and treatment.

Q4. What can BCAN do to foster stronger collaborations between patients, caregivers, researchers, and industry leaders to accelerate progress?

Diane:
One of BCAN’s greatest successes over the last 20 years has been fostering collaboration among all stakeholders in the bladder cancer community. Patients must be at the center of every conversation. BCAN will continue to include patients in scientific meetings and ensure their voices are heard by researchers and pharmaceutical companies during drug development and clinical trial design. This engagement ensures the patient perspective is incorporated, facilitates trial enrollment, and keeps patients informed. Ultimately, BCAN’s mission is to maintain and strengthen these collaborations to improve outcomes for patients and their families.

Q5. What will success look like for BCAN by its 25th or 30th anniversary?

Diane:
Success means that we have more effective treatments for bladder cancer so that people can live fuller lives with the disease and fewer people die from the disease. It also means that everyone diagnosed with bladder cancer has heard of the disease and knows about BCAN’s resources. It signifies we’ve succeeded in raising awareness and ensuring that patients have access to the education and support they need to make informed decisions about their care.

Q6. What message would you like to share with the bladder cancer community as we collectively look forward to BCAN’s future?

Diane:
I want to express my deepest gratitude to every member of the BCAN community for their support and dedication. The progress we’ve made is immense, and there’s so much to look forward to in the field of bladder cancer. My message is to continue supporting and growing this incredible community. If BCAN has helped you in your journey, stay involved and help us pay it forward to support thousands more impacted by this disease.

Q7. Given the state of bladder cancer research and treatment today, do you take pride in seeing where we are and imagining where we’ll be in five or ten years?

Diane:
Absolutely. BCAN has significantly impacted bladder cancer research, particularly through our research grant program. We’ve supported clinicians and researchers, especially early-career professionals, to ensure ongoing talent in this field. By focusing on filling gaps and funding where others haven’t, we’ve made a tremendous impact, and we’ll continue to prioritize this work to drive progress forward.

Q8. What do you see as the most pressing challenges BCAN will need to address in the next five to ten years?

Diane:
The biggest challenge is ensuring we extend our reach so that everyone diagnosed with bladder cancer can access our resources. Another significant challenge is leveraging technology to deliver information and support effectively. Lastly, we must advocate for improved access to quality care for all patients, which remains a critical issue in the healthcare system.

Q9. Do you have any final thoughts?

Diane:
It’s incredible to reflect on 20 years of BCAN. Our success is due to the dedication of our staff, Board members, volunteers, donors, and supporters. BCAN has always been a community and that sense of community has grown immensely. It’s this collective strength and compassion that will continue to drive our impact and ensure better outcomes for bladder cancer patients and their families.