Timeline of BCAN Milestones

Diane and her husband John Quale, a bladder cancer patient, launch the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) with the goal of improving the national conversation about bladder cancer and advancing research to find better treatments.

Read their story

The first Bladder Cancer Think Tank was held in Aspen, Colorado, with 35 medical professionals and survivors attending. Today over 300 urologists, oncologists, pathologists, social scientists, patient advocates and industry partners attend the only annual scientific meeting in North America dedicated to bladder cancer.

BCAN awarded its first-ever bladder cancer research grant.

The first-ever national Walk to End Bladder Cancer was held in more than 25 communities across the country.

BCAN hosted the first-ever bladder cancer Capitol Hill Day. Advocates from across the country discussed the importance of bladder cancer awareness and increased research funding with their legislators.

BCAN recognized the need to bring together patients, survivors, caregivers, and experts to foster connection, share personal stories, and provide critical information about navigating a bladder cancer diagnosis.

BCAN continued to meet the needs of our community given the social distancing requirements by developing two Virtual Walks to End Bladder Cancer, one virtual Think Tank scientific meeting and a host of informative webinars.

BCAN surpasses $5 million in total bladder cancer research funding.

BCAN launches a toll-free support line (833-ASK-4-BCA) for bladder cancer patients, families and the bereaved. Callers are connected with professional oncology social workers with specific expertise on issues affecting bladder cancer patients and their families.

In just two years, BCAN doubles its investment in bladder cancer research funding to $10 million.

BCAN launches Female Focus, an online support group for women who have received a bladder cancer diagnosis.