Video: 2025 Spring Summit for Bladder Cancer Patients and Families

Welcome and Walk Through BCAN Resources

Meet BCAN’s new CEO and kick off our 20^th anniversary Spring Summit.  Director of Education and Advocacy, Stephanie Chisolm, PhD, and Senior Manager, Patricia Rios, MPH, unveil the newest offerings from BCAN designed to empower and support you through your journey.

20 Years of Treatment: Walk-Through Today’s Standards of Care for Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer treatment has transformed over the past two decades, offering patients more options and a team-based approach to care. Join Dr. Jennifer Linehan, MD (Providence Health) and Drs. Tyler Stewart and Brent Rose (UC San Diego Health) for an informative session on the latest therapies and how these specialists collaborate to provide comprehensive care. Learn how urologic surgery, medical oncology, and radiation oncology come together to deliver cutting-edge treatment tailored to each patient’s needs. Don’t miss this opportunity to understand the advancements that are shaping bladder cancer care today.

Paying for Bladder Cancer: Strategies to Minimize Financial Stress

Bladder cancer is among the most expensive cancers to treat but there are steps you can take to reduce the financial burden.  Amanda Goodstadt, Esq., Senior Staff Attorney from Triage Cancer, will offer expert advice on minimizing out-of-pocket costs and maximizing available resources.  Learn how to choose the right health insurance plan, appeal denials, manage medical bills, and access programs designed to lower your expenses. Empower yourself with tips to confidently navigate the financial aspects of living with bladder cancer.

Navigating Survivorship Care Plans: A Map to Life After Bladder Cancer

Join Nurse Practitioners Krisztina Emodi, FNP, MPH, CNS, (UCSF Health), and Brandon Sterling, PhD, APRN,(MD Anderson Cancer Center) from BCAN’s Survivorship Task Force as they introduce the newly designed survivorship care plans. Learn how this tool can help you document your treatment history and provide a clear roadmap for ongoing care. Don’t miss the chance to start your care plan and prepare for life beyond treatment.

Thriver-ship: Insights from Bladder Cancer Survivors and Advocates

Discover what it means to not just survive but thrive after a bladder cancer diagnosis. In this heartfelt and inspiring session, bladder cancer survivors generously share their personal stories, invaluable tips, and tricks for navigating their journey from survivorship to thriver-ship. Moderated by Patricia Rios and Stephanie Chisolm, this discussion will leave you inspired, supported, and ready to take your next steps toward thriving. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow in a community that truly understands.

Rebuilding Strength and Pelvic Confidence After Treatment

Your pelvic muscles play an important role in relieving issues such as urinary frequency, urgency, leakage, and even sexual function. UC San Diego Health physical therapist Stephanie Ramsay PT, DPT explains how pelvic floor physical therapy can aid in recovery and improve overall well-being.

Managing Side Effects in Bladder Cancer Treatment: Insights from Advanced Practitioners

Bladder cancer treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation can bring challenging side effects, but there are ways to manage them effectively. Join Reena Cherry, MS, PA-C (UC San Diego Health), and Brandon Sterling, PhD, APRN (MD Anderson Cancer Center) as they share practical strategies for handling fatigue, nausea, urinary issues, and skin reactions. Learn how to manage these symptoms and navigate long-term effects while maintaining your quality of life. This session will equip you with expert advice and compassionate care insights to help you feel supported and empowered throughout your treatment journey.

BCAN at 20: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future

Join the BCAN leadership team and co-founder Diane Quale as they reflect on two decades of progress and milestones in the bladder cancer community. Take a journey through BCAN’s history to explore its transformative impact on bladder cancer education, treatment, and research.  This special session will unveil plans for BCAN’s 20th anniversary and invite you to help shape the vision for the next decade of impact. Be part of the conversation and the future of bladder cancer advocacy and advancement.