A Lifeline for Women Facing Bladder Cancer
Bladder Cancer Matters
In this powerful episode of , 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 transforming how women—especially those facing - experience care, offering direct access, emotional support, faster answers, and a steady, compassionate presence during one of the most overwhelming times of their lives. ...
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What Patients Need to Know About Immunotherapy in 2026
Bladder Cancer Matters
In this episode of , host Rick Bangs speaks with Dr. Josefa Briceno of AstraZeneca about why bladder cancer care may be at a true turning point. From exploring 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 informed shared decision-making are reshaping care. Dr. Briceno explains what this shift means for patients, why education and self-advocacy are essential, and how partnerships between industry and advocacy organizations like BCAN help...
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Dancing Through Diagnosis: One Educator’s Bladder Cancer Journey
Bladder Cancer Matters
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 explains how he uses humor, data and even TikTok trends to educate and reach people who might never otherwise learn about bladder cancer. The conversation dives into the emotional toll of cancer, the...
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Why One Walk Can Change Everything for Survivors
Bladder Cancer Matters
In this uplifting episode of Bladder Cancer Matters, survivors Sandy Weicher and Danny Gereg share how the 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 , surrounded by the skyline and a sea of survivors, caregivers and clinicians, and instantly felt connected to something bigger than her diagnosis. Danny talks about showing up lost and anxious at the , only to find a community that carried him through his...
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Three Cancers, Zero Quit: Lisa Savage’s Fearless Journey
Bladder Cancer Matters
Three cancers. One relentless survivor. In this unforgettable episode of , 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 and a urostomy bag at age 50, and a third hidden cancer discovered along the way. With raw honesty and powerful humor, Lisa shares how she survived aggressive chemo, faced a terminal prognosis, fought through fear, and transformed her devastating diagnosis into a mission to mentor others, advocate publicly and live boldly—bag...
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An Innovative Treatment Giving New Hope to Bladder Cancer Patients
Bladder Cancer Matters
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 the highest response rates yet for BCG-unresponsive disease and what patients can realistically expect in terms of side effects, treatment schedule, and quality of life. Together,...
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Turning Cancer Into Strength: Danny Gereg’s Powerful Comeback
Bladder Cancer Matters
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 others navigating the challenges of cancer, sexuality, and recovery. With candor and humor, he discusses the physical and emotional realities of treatment, the life-changing support of his wife, and how...
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Transforming Bladder Cancer Care: A Conversation with Dr. Mark Schoenberg
Bladder Cancer Matters
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 innovations that are reshaping care today, including the development of non-surgical therapies like ZUSDURI™ (mitomycin) for intravesical solution, a prescription medicine used to treat adults with a...
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When a Cancer Doctor Becomes the Bladder Cancer Patient
Bladder Cancer Matters
In this powerful episode of , 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 bladder cancer. He speaks candidly about the delays and frustrations he faced in getting timely care, the difficult choices between treatment options, and the emotional toll of navigating his own cancer journey after a career...
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Celebrating 100 Episodes: A Family’s Bladder Cancer Journey
Bladder Cancer Matters
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, hope and the power of family. 💙 Tune in and be inspired by their journey—and celebrate this milestone with us!
info_outlineIn 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 patients, especially women. She opens up about the importance of being an informed patient, finding the right medical team, and leaning on a support system when facing uncertainty.
Deb’s story is both inspiring and practical, filled with advice for navigating complex medical decisions, coping with treatment side effects, and embracing life during and after cancer. If you or someone you love has been impacted by bladder or upper tract urothelial cancer, this episode offers hope, clarity, and a powerful reminder that no one has to face this journey alone. Don’t miss this honest and uplifting conversation.