New Bladder Cancer

Support Group Forming

FARMINGTON — Recognizing that bladder cancer can be a lonely journey for patients and families, the University of Connecticut Health Center is offering the region’s first bladder cancer support group.

The Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center invites patients, family members and caregivers to attend what will be a series of regular meetings starting Saturday, February 26, at 3 pm, in the Onyiuke Dining Room, which is on the main floor of the UConn Health Center’s main building.

The topic for the group’s inaugural meeting is “A Team Approach to Bladder Cancer” and will include introductions to the patient group facilitator, urologic oncologist, medical oncologist, patient navigator, and nurses.

“With our patient navigator and fantastic nurses, the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center already has some great institutional support systems for our patients,” said Dr Jessica Clement, medical oncologist and one of the support group’s organizers. “But we have recognized that there’s a lack of a support system in the region for bladder cancer patients in particular.”

The UConn Health Center’s bladder cancer support group is the only bladder cancer support group in New England established in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network.

“The group is open to patients, family members, and caregivers all across the region, and is by no means limited to UConn Health Center patients,” said Dr John Taylor, urologist and support group organizer. “It is designed to act as a forum for those affected by bladder cancer to share experiences and information, but most importantly provide each other with a supportive community.”

The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) is the first national advocacy organization dedicated to improving public awareness of bladder cancer, advancing bladder cancer research, and providing information and support to people affected by bladder cancer.

Founded in May 2005, BCAN is a cooperative effort among bladder cancer survivors, their loved ones, and the medical community.

For more information, visit www.bcan.org or call 888-901-BCAN (2226).