80 episodes

Bladder Cancer Matters is the podcast for, by and about the bladder cancer community. Host Rick Bangs interviews interesting guests from the bladder cancer community, including patients, survivors, advocates, medical professionals, researchers, caregivers and more. It is brought to you by the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network.

Bladder Cancer Matters Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network

    • Health & Fitness
    • 4.9 • 28 Ratings

Bladder Cancer Matters is the podcast for, by and about the bladder cancer community. Host Rick Bangs interviews interesting guests from the bladder cancer community, including patients, survivors, advocates, medical professionals, researchers, caregivers and more. It is brought to you by the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network.

    Breaking Boundaries: AI’s Promise in Bladder Cancer Care

    Breaking Boundaries: AI’s Promise in Bladder Cancer Care

    Join us on the Bladder Cancer Matters podcast as host Rick Bangs interviews Dr. Bishoy Faltas, director of Bladder Cancer Research at the Englander Institute of Precision Medicine at Weill Cornell. Dive into the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnosing and treating bladder cancer. From automated technologies in everyday life to advanced applications in diagnostics and patient care, Dr. Faltas explores how AI is reshaping the landscape of cancer care. Discover AI's potential in prevention, early detection, and even in enhancing doctor-patient communication. Don't miss this deep dive into the exciting advancements and future possibilities of AI in improving bladder cancer outcomes.

    • 44 min
    Pioneering Progress in BCG Teatments: An Interview with Dr. Donald Lamm

    Pioneering Progress in BCG Teatments: An Interview with Dr. Donald Lamm

    Join us for an enlightening episode of Bladder Cancer Matters with Dr. Donald Lamm, a trailblazer in bladder cancer treatment and the driving force behind the groundbreaking Lamm Protocol. Discover the journey of BCG immunotherapy from its inception in the 1970s to becoming a the gold standard in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer care. Delve into Dr. Lamm's insights on the nuances of BCG therapy, including dosing, strain differences, and the critical challenges of supply shortages. With a career dedicated to advancing urologic oncology, Dr. Lamm shares his optimistic vision for the future of BCG treatments, promising enhanced outcomes through innovative approaches. Tune in to explore how Dr. Lamm's work has revolutionized the fight against bladder cancer, offering hope and improved survival for thousands.
    Never miss an episode of Bladder Cancer Matters by subscribing in your favorite podcasting platform.

    • 34 min
    The Advantages of Shared Decisionmaking in Bladder Cancer Treatment with Dr. Aditya Bagrodia

    The Advantages of Shared Decisionmaking in Bladder Cancer Treatment with Dr. Aditya Bagrodia

     Join Dr. Aditya Bagrodia, a urologic oncologist, on Episode 67 of the Bladder Cancer Matters podcast as he unveils the power of shared decision making in bladder cancer care. Learn why involving patients and caregivers in treatment choices, rooted in their values and informed by expert insight, is crucial across all stages of bladder cancer. Discover the goals of care from non-muscle invasive bladder cancer to advanced stages, and empower yourself to advocate for your health. Dive deep into a world where patient education and collaboration pave the way to personalized care.
    Don't forget to subscribe to Bladder Cancer Matters and never miss an episode.

    • 41 min
    Unbreakable Spirit: Conquering Bladder Cancer with Dean Karrel

    Unbreakable Spirit: Conquering Bladder Cancer with Dean Karrel

    Dive into Dean Karrel's powerful journey as a bladder cancer survivor, from his initial diagnosis to life after a radical cystectomy, in Episode 66 of Bladder Cancer Matters. Dean shares the symptoms that led to his life-changing diagnosis, the resilience he maintained through treatments that failed him like BCG and Gemcitabine, and his decision for life-saving surgery. His story is a unfiltered look at the challenges post-surgery, the crucial role of support from nurses and care teams, and his gratitude towards them.

    Dean highlights the importance of organizations like BCAN in supporting bladder cancer patients and calls on patients to advocate for themselves, ask questions, and live fully post-diagnosis. His journey isn't just about survival; it's an inspiring call to action, emphasizing strength, advocacy, and hope. Join us to be moved and motivated by Dean's indomitable spirit.
    Don't forget to subscribe to Bladder Cancer Matters and comment and share this podcast with family and friends.

    • 34 min
    Where Should I Be Treated? Large Academic Institutions or Community Hospitals?

    Where Should I Be Treated? Large Academic Institutions or Community Hospitals?

    In this episode of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs chats with Dr. Elizabeth Guancial, a medical oncologist at Florida Cancer Specialists in Sarasota, Florida.
    They discuss the differences between receiving bladder cancer care in academic medical centers and community hospitals. Dr. Guancial is an expert because she has practiced in both types of institutions.
    Dr. Guancial shares that in academic medical centers, the focus is on teaching, research, and patient care, while community settings prioritize patient care. Community settings can often provide quicker care and more personalized attention, but academic medical centers may offer specialized procedures and access to clinical trials. Patients should consider factors such as the urgency of their condition, the need for specialized procedures, and the availability of clinical trials when deciding whether to seek care in a community or academic setting. It is also important for patients to feel comfortable with their healthcare providers and to seek second opinions if desired.

    • 39 min
    A Behind the Scenes Look: BCAN Interview Host Rick Bangs

    A Behind the Scenes Look: BCAN Interview Host Rick Bangs

    In this riveting episode of the Bladder Cancer Matters podcast, Mark Story sits down with Rick Bangs, the podcast's host and a muscle-invasive bladder cancer survivor. Dive deep into Rick's personal battle with bladder cancer and uncover the critical role of patient advocacy in shaping research.  You'll also discover the behind-the-scenes magic of podcast production and get a glimpse into the future of bladder cancer diagnosis and treatments. Rick passionately advocates for the advancement of precision medicine, the development of less invasive diagnostic and treatment methods, expanded access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials, and the power of unity among cancer advocacy organizations.

    • 53 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
28 Ratings

28 Ratings

Big Book Podcast ,

Brilliant Podcast of Inestimable Value

In late May 2023, when my cystoscopy indicated a tumor in my bladder, I was in a state of shock. At 66 and excellent health, bladder cancer was the last thing I expected. But I did what everyone does these days, I turned to the internet to do my research. So many of the "page one" entries are short and superficial descriptions, symptoms, causes, etc. (dominated by advertising and sundry click-baits). But BCAN's website was such a welcoming and reassuring compilation of information, data, personal stories, research, etc., that I felt no need to go elsewhere for clear, concise information & support.

Once I found BCAN's podcast Bladder Cancer Matters, it proved to be one of the most impactful podcasts I've ever listened to, and I've listened to a lot. I happen to do 2 podcasts myself that deal with the major disease of alcoholism. My shows have been downloaded over half-a-million times. When I first listened to Rick Bangs' interviews, I considered them through a production-quality lens, but also from a value-added standpoint of support & reassurance to listeners. In both cases, Rick hits a home run! His thoughtful questioning and genuine interest in what his guests have to say is second-to-none. The sound engineering is superb which makes listening a comfortable and comforting experience.

If you or someone you love is facing bladder cancer, I believe you can get 99% of what you need to deal with it from the BCAN website and, more so, from the Bladder Cancer Matters podcast.

Happy healthy fit me ,

Just What I Needed

BCAN’s podcast, Bladder Cancer Matters, has made this tremendous challenge much more manageable than it seemed even 10 days ago at diagnosis. I guess I’ve binge-listened! Thank you. Thank you.

Ellejayef ,

So helpful.

Thanks so much for this podcast. I have found it so helpful in understanding my bladder cancer. It’s so easy to feel alone and isolated with bladder cancer. However, having information and knowledge is so empowering. I couldn’t appreciate this more. I would love to hear more about people in there 40’s as we are such a niche group.

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