Meet Your Philadelphia Walk to End Bladder Cancer Ambassador, Colleen Tetzlaff

February 25, 2020

The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) is pleased to announce that Colleen Tetzlaff, MHS, PA-C, will serve as the Ambassador of the Philadelphia Walk to End Bladder Cancer that will take place on April 25, 2020.  Colleen first got involved with BCAN in 2018 as a member of the leadership and planning committee for the 2019 BCAN Walk to End Bladder Cancer in Philadelphia.

Ms. Tetzlaff said “...It was extremely gratifying to get involved in BCAN and assist in coordinating such a dynamic event. To walk alongside patients, survivors, their family members/friends, and fellow healthcare providers, all unified to raise awareness of bladder cancer, was truly a remarkable experience.

I was humbled listening to patients tell their stories and express their gratitude. I have always felt that it is a privilege to care for such inspiring patients and families every day. The BCAN Walk to End Bladder Cancer enables me to support our courageous patients, expand their voice, educate the public about bladder cancer and BCAN, raise funds to promote research and new treatment options, and hopefully find a cure for bladder cancer.”

Colleen is a graduate of Villanova University (1996) where she received a B.S. in Nursing. She worked as a nurse at Duke University Medical Center for six years before going on to receive her Master of Science in Physician Assistant studies with the Duke University PA Program in 2004. Colleen has worked in oncology since graduating from PA school.

Colleen’s PA career started at the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center where she focused on caring for patients with cancers of the lung and head and neck. While at MD Anderson, Colleen founded and directed the Thoracic Oncology Education Series, served as a clinical preceptor for PA students, and participated in the MD Anderson Ambassador program.

After four years at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Colleen relocated to Philadelphia in 2008 and has worked at the Fox Chase Cancer Center since that time. At Fox Chase, Colleen’s clinical focus is on cancers of the genitourinary tract. She has been active in representing the PA profession at Fox Chase where she served as Chairperson of the Advanced Practice Clinician professional development committee and is a member of the patient education committee.  Colleen also served as Secretary for the Association of Physician Assistants in Oncology (2018-2019) and is currently the President-Elect for the organization. Colleen has an interest in education serving as a clinical preceptor as well as lecturing on the management of treatment related adverse effects for patients with GU malignancies, and on the systemic treatment selection for advanced kidney cancer.”