Bladder Cancer Matters

If you're facing bladder removal surgery , choosing a urinary diversion may be one of the most important decisions you'll ever make—and one of the hardest to understand. In this episode, reconstructive urologist Dr. Divya Ajay shares how real patient experiences inspired a first-of-its-kind decision tool that helps people compare diversion options, set realistic expectations and better prepare for...

For patients facing recurrent high-grade non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, one of the hardest decisions is whether to remove the bladder or pursue bladder-sparing treatment . In this eye-opening episode, leading bladder cancer expert Angela Smith shares the surprising results of the landmark CISTO study—the first major patient-centered research effort to compare these two approaches from the pat...

Feeling overwhelmed after a bladder cancer diagnosis? Wondering where to turn for trusted information, emotional support, or practical guidance? In this episode of Bladder Cancer Matters , host Rick Bangs sits down with BCAN's Director of Education and Advocacy, Patricia Rios, for an inside look at the many free resources designed to help patients, caregivers and families navigate bladder cancer w...

In this episode of Bladder Cancer Matters , host and survivor Rick Bangs sits down with ImmunityBio's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Bobby Reddy, for a fascinating, hopeful look at the future of bladder cancer treatment. They unpack how next-generation immunotherapies like ANKTIVA—paired with innovative approaches to BCG—are reshaping care for patients, especially those with limited options, while als...

In this episode of  Bladder Cancer Matters , host Rick Bangs sits down with urologic oncologist Dr. Minhaj Siddiqui to break down a critical but often overlooked gap in bladder cancer care—and what it means for patients. They explore how  non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer is treated, why a simple step after surgery can dramatically reduce recurrence risk, and the surprising reality that many pati...

In this powerful episode of Bladder Cancer Matters , a podcast by the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, host and survivor Rick Bangs sits down with Vanderbilt nurse Bree Duncan to explore a groundbreaking new role dedicated solely to supporting women with bladder cancer. Created through the vision and generosity of a grateful patient, this female bladder cancer care coordinator position is transfor...

In this episode of Bladder Cancer Matters , host Rick Bangs speaks with Dr. Josefa Briceno of AstraZeneca about why bladder cancer care may be at a true turning point. From exploring immunotherapy earlier in the disease journey — even around the time of surgery — to strengthening collaboration between urologists and medical oncologists, the conversation highlights how timing, teamwork, and informe...

In this powerful episode of Bladder Cancer Matters , Rick Bangs sits down with Mike Vasallo, a high school assistant principal diagnosed with early-onset bladder cancer at 46 who turned fear and uncertainty into purpose. Mike shares his raw, honest journey through diagnosis, treatment and recovery—and how finding community, asking for help and leaning into advocacy changed everything. He also expl...

In this uplifting episode of Bladder Cancer Matters , survivors Sandy Weicher and Danny Gereg share how the Walk to End Bladder Cancer became the turning point they didn't know they needed—a place where strangers become family, hope replaces fear and every mile walked fuels research and critical patient programs. Sandy describes the moment she arrived at the New York City Walk , surrounded by the...

Three cancers. One relentless survivor. In this unforgettable episode of Bladder Cancer Matters , host Rick Bangs sits down with Lisa Savage , who reveals the shocking twists of her cancer journeys —melanoma caught just in time, a delayed and devastating bladder cancer diagnosis that led to bladder removal and a urostomy bag at age 50, and a third hidden cancer discovered along the way. With raw h...

In this special 20th-anniversary episode of Bladder Cancer Matters , host and survivor Rick Bangs sits down with leading urologic oncologist Dr. Sia Daneshmand to explore a new bladder cancer therapy: Johnson & Johnson's newly FDA-approved INLEXZO™. Dr. Daneshmand—who helped lead its clinical trials—breaks down how this "pretzel-shaped" intravesical delivery system works, why it's showing some of...

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Bladder Cancer Matters , host Rick Bangs talks with survivor and advocate Danny Gereg , who shares how a shocking 2023 bladder cancer diagnosis became the catalyst for a total life transformation. Once diabetic, alcoholic, and obese, Danny rebuilt his body and spirit—losing over 100 pounds, reclaiming his health, and finding purpose as a voice for ot...

In this episode of Bladder Cancer Matters , host and survivor Rick Bangs sits down with Dr. Mark Schoenberg—renowned urologist and Chief Medical Officer at UroGen® Pharma—for a wide-ranging conversation about the evolution of bladder cancer research, treatment, and patient advocacy. Dr. Schoenberg shares the story behind BCAN's founding, the early challenges of raising awareness, and the innovatio...

In this powerful episode of Bladder Cancer Matters , host Rick Bangs welcomes Dr. Rick Zera, a retired surgical oncologist who spent decades treating breast cancer before unexpectedly becoming a bladder cancer patient himself. Dr. Zera shares his remarkable story of moving from the operating room to the patient's chair, beginning with a shocking diagnosis of an extremely rare and aggressive bladde...

Bladder Cancer Matters just hit a huge milestone—our 100th episode ! In this special 20th anniversary edition of our Partners in Progress series, host Rick Bangs talks with Drew and Erica, whose mom Fran is living with bladder cancer, about what it means to be a caregiver. From music-filled car rides to difficult treatment decisions, they share honest, heartfelt stories of resilience, laughter, ho...

In this powerful episode of Bladder Cancer Matters , host Rick Bangs sits down with Dr. Ruchika Talwar, a leading urologic oncologist and health policy expert, to tackle the growing issue of financial toxicity in bladder cancer care. With candid insights and clear explanations, Dr. Talwar breaks down the hidden and rising costs patients face—from co-pays and lost wages to caregiver burdens and hig...

In this powerful episode of Bladder Cancer Matters , host and survivor Rick Bangs sits down with Dr. Brian Zheng of Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School to explore a deeply personal yet often overlooked topic: life after a radical cystectomy. Dr. Zheng shares candid insights on the different types of incontinence, how they uniquely affect men and women, and—most importantly— pra...

In this compelling episode of Bladder Cancer Matters , host Rick Bangs sits down with Dr. Vijay Kasturi, Chief Medical Officer at CG Oncology , for a must-hear conversation that blends science, heart, and hope. From the personal loss that fuels his passion to the groundbreaking clinical trials underway for Cretostimogene—an innovative investigational therapy targeting non-muscle invasive bladder c...

In this powerful episode of Bladder Cancer Matters , host Rick Bangs talks with Deb Wells, a survivor of high-grade upper tract urothelial cancer (UTUC), who shares her emotional and eye-opening journey to diagnosis and treatment. After months of misdiagnoses and repeated ER visits, Deb finally learned the truth behind her symptoms— an experience that will resonate with many bladder cancer patient...

Can you really just take out part of the bladder ? It's one of the most common questions bladder cancer surgeons hear—and in this episode of Bladder Cancer Matters , host Rick Bangs sits down with renowned urologic oncologist Dr. John Gore to break it all down. From TURBTs to partial cystectomies, they explore when bladder-sparing approaches are appropriate, what the real risks and benefits are, a...

Can personalized exercise improve recovery after bladder cancer surgery? In our latest Bladder Cancer Matters podcast, host Rick Bangs talks with Dr. Sarah Psutka about her groundbreaking BCAN-funded clinical trial, Get Moving . This innovative study explores how tailored, app-based exercise programs can help patients undergoing major surgery for bladder or upper tract urothelial cancer recover fa...

🎙 Meet Meri-Margaret Deoudes, BCAN's new CEO! In this interesting episode of Bladder Cancer Matters , Meri-Margaret shares what drew her to BCAN, her surprising personal connection to bladder cancer, and the incredible warmth and strength she's already found in the community. With over 25 years of nonprofit leadership, she's stepping into this role with passion, purpose, and a deep commitment to p...

Bladder cancer survivor Fran Curtis shares her powerful journey on Bladder Cancer Matters , discussing her experience with ADSTILADRIN® (nadofaragene firadenovec-vncg), the impact of early detection, and her advocacy work with BCAN. Diagnosed with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer after subtle urinary changes, Fran highlights the importance of listening to your body, seeking the best care, and fi...

Mental health is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of the cancer journey. In this compelling episode of Bladder Cancer Matters , host Rick Bangs sits down with nurse practitioner and long-time BCAN advocate Mary Dunn to tackle the emotional challenges faced by bladder cancer patients and their caregivers. From fear of recurrence and depression to the stigma surrounding urologic cancers, Mary...

In this special Bladder Cancer Matters podcast, host Rick Bangs features BCAN's February 2025 Partner in Progress,   Photocure. Anders Neijber, Photocure's Chief Medical Officer, dives into the company's pioneering work in bladder cancer diagnosis and surveillance, including the groundbreaking use of Blue Light Cystoscopy. From how it enhances detection to its role in shaping future treatments, An...