Detect Bladder Cancer

Blue-light cystoscopy (BLC) allows surgeons to more easily see tumours so they have a better chance of removing the cancer completely, reducing the chances it will recur.

All Canadian patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer should have access to BLC.

The Problem

Bladder cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and, with a 60-70% recurrence rate, it is also the most expensive cancer to treat. Blue-light cystoscopy (BLC) is a new technology that allows surgeons to more easily see tumours, which results in a better chance of removing the cancer completely, and reducing the chances it will come back (recur).

Unfortunately, despite being approved for use in Canada since 2015, only a few hospitals in Canada currently offer BLC as an improved detection tool, for patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. This is not good enough.

Evidence shows that early detection is the best way to limit recurrence and BLC is the key to early detection. Also, since BLC can reduce the number of trips a patient makes to the operating room, it is a huge help for the patient’s recovery, not to mention the cost savings to the healthcare system (from reduced procedures and follow up visits).

What You Can Do

You can help move the conversation forward with BLC in hospitals, and here’s an easy way to take that next step:

Contact your provincial or federal elected official to help them encourage hospitals to escalate adoption of BLC, to make it available for all appropriate bladder cancer patients.

Use the drop-downs below and follow the prompts, and an email will be generated for you to send.

The select regions shown in the drop-downs indicate that the local hospital(s) have either implemented BLC but have yet to make it available for all appropriate patients, or they are working towards implementing BLC. If you don’t find what you’re looking for in the drop-downs, feel free to use this downloadable form letter to copy/print and send to a recipient of your choosing (elected official, physician, hospital administration, etc.).

Contact your elected official

NOTE: Your information (name and email address) will not be stored! Including your proper name and email address will allow the recipient to reply to your message.

Any help you can give to bring attention to BLC in your community is greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your help!

Step 1

Province

Step 2

Elected Official

Step 3

Your Info

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