Unbreakable Spirit: Conquering Bladder Cancer with Dean Karrel
Release Date: 03/13/2024
Breaking the Silence on Bladder Cancer and Mental Health
Bladder Cancer Matters
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 shares eye-opening statistics, real-world experiences, and practical strategies for addressing these issues. She also discusses how BCAN’s Survivorship Task Force is working to close the gaps in...
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Shining a (Blue) Light on Bladder Cancer: Photocure’s Impact
Bladder Cancer Matters
In this special 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, Anders shares expert insights on Photocure’s patient-focused innovations and its impactful partnership with BCAN. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about how collaboration is driving progress and hope...
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What Bladder Cancer Variants Mean for Treatment
Bladder Cancer Matters
In this episode of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs is joined by the esteemed Dr. Ashish Kamat of MD Anderson Cancer Center to dive into the often-overlooked world of histologic subtypes, or variants, of bladder cancer. These rare subtypes can significantly alter how bladder cancer behaves and responds to treatment. Dr. Kamat breaks down the science behind these variants in a way that’s both accessible and empowering for patients, offering crucial insights into why understanding your specific diagnosis matters. From the differences between common urothelial cancer and variants to the...
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Passion Meets Progress: Andrea Maddox-Smith's Tenure at BCAN
Bladder Cancer Matters
Join Bladder Cancer Matters host Rick Bangs as he sits down with BCAN CEO Andrea Maddox-Smith, who reflects on her remarkable tenure leading the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network. From dramatically increasing research funding to building a powerhouse team and expanding programs, Andrea has transformed BCAN into a vital lifeline for bladder cancer patients and families. Hear her personal journey, her proudest moments, and the legacy she's leaving behind as she prepares for retirement in 2025. Andrea's passion for patient advocacy, her deep connections with the bladder cancer community, and her...
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An Option for Bladder Cancer Patients When BCG Fails Them
Bladder Cancer Matters
Discover how groundbreaking advancements in bladder cancer care are transforming lives in our latest Bladder Cancer Matters podcast episode! Host Rick Bangs kicks off BCAN’s 20th anniversary "Partners in Progress" series with Karishma Parikh of . Learn about Adstiladrin, an innovative gene therapy offering hope and bladder preservation for some patients with high-risk, BCG-unresponsive bladder cancer. With a 96% success rate in preventing progression to muscle-invasive cancer and life-changing patient stories, this episode is packed with insights into how Ferring is driving innovation,...
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Bladder-Sparing Therapies: Risks and Rewards
Bladder Cancer Matters
What if bladder cancer treatment could spare your bladder and transform your life? In this must-listen episode of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs dives deep with Dr. Roger Li, a leading urologic oncologist, to explore revolutionary advancements in bladder-sparing therapies, the emotional journey of patients, and life-changing options that weren’t available just a few years ago. Hear how personalized care is reshaping hope for bladder cancer patients everywhere.
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Revolutionizing Radiation Therapy for Bladder Cancer
Bladder Cancer Matters
Join host Rick Bangs and expert Dr. Kent Mouw, a radiation oncologist from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, as they dive deep into the transformative role of radiation therapy in treating bladder cancer. From debunking myths about radiation to exploring cutting-edge advancements like adaptive radiation and personalized treatment plans, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how modern techniques are improving outcomes and patient experiences. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or medical professional, you won't want to miss this insightful conversation about the...
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Unpacking Smoking’s Impact on Bladder Cancer
Bladder Cancer Matters
In this insightful episode of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs engages with Dr. Marc Bjurlin, a leading urologic oncologist and smoking cessation advocate, to explore the profound link between smoking and bladder cancer. Timed with the Great American Smokeout 2024, the episode delves into how smoking increases cancer risks, the rise of e-cigarettes, and the challenges of quitting. Dr. Bjurlin also shares inspiring success stories from cessation programs, practical quitting strategies, and the importance of early detection for smokers. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or health...
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Meet the Actor and Writer Bringing Bladder Cancer to Life
Bladder Cancer Matters
In this compelling episode of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs speaks with Cindy McCreery, a screenwriter and professor, and Ryan Cooper, an actor and producer, about their powerful new film, I’ll Be There. The movie tells the story of Cindy's brother’s battle with muscle-invasive bladder cancer, inspired by her experience as his caregiver and his journey to survivorship with a neobladder. Cindy and Ryan share personal insights into bringing this deeply moving story to life, offering a unique portrayal of the resilience and challenges faced by those impacted by bladder cancer. Cindy...
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The Shocking Truth About Women and Bladder Cancer
Bladder Cancer Matters
In this episode of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs speaks with Dr. Armine Smith, Director of Urologic Oncology at Sibley Memorial Hospital and a leading expert in bladder cancer. They dive deep into the significant disparities in bladder cancer diagnosis and outcomes between men and women, exploring the biological, socioeconomic, and healthcare-related factors behind these differences. Dr. Smith highlights the urgent need for better awareness, timely diagnosis, and gender-sensitive treatment options, including exciting new research into the role of the microbiome and sex hormones in...
info_outlineDive 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.
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