President’s Message - Fall 2009

It was a very exciting summer for BCAN as our community, activities, and resources continue to grow. Click here to read about our bladder cancer research conference, BCAN’s Online Support Community, plans for a Bladder Cancer Awareness Day in 2010, and our newest Scientific Advisory Board Member.

On Trial

We are providing information on two different trials. The first is from the Southwest Oncology Group, “A Phase III Blinded Study of Immediate Post-TURBT Instillation of Gemcitabine versus Saline in Patients with Newly Diagnosed or Occasionally Recurring Grade I/II Superficial Bladder Cancer”. The second trial “Predicting Response to Intravesical Therapy with BCG,” is from M.D. Anderson. Read More.

Ask the Doctor

Our question for this issue of Outlook is answered by Dr. Deborah Bradley, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center. We sincerely appreciate Dr. Bradley sharing her expertise regarding systemic chemotherapy. Read More.

Volunteer Corner

BCAN’s online support community is growing and thriving. This active group of over 800 survivors, caregivers, family members, and other loved ones provide peer support, guidance and advice from a patient and caregiver perspective to one another. 40 members of this online support community gathered for a picnic in North Carolina on July 18th so they could finally meet in person after sharing so much with each other online. Read More.

It’s Complementary

Today, as people explore the complex connection between food and health, more and more evidence is supporting the idea that healthy eating can stave off or help contain a variety of illnesses, including cancer. Read more.

Upcoming Events – San Francisco Patient Forum on Nov. 7th

We continue to host our regional educational patient forums, with our next program set for November 7 in San Francisco.  We are very excited about our “multi-institutional” faculty, with doctors from UC San Francisco, Stanford, and UC Davis participating.  In addition, Gary Steinberg, from the University of Chicago and Chair of our Scientific Advisory Board, is serving as co-chair for this program.  For more details, please click here.

Download PDF of Fall 2009 Outlook Here