Mark Kerr
Clinical Counsellor & Psychology Educator
Bladder cancer patient and men’s health advocate
Although considered an older man’s disease, bladder cancer can happen to anyone. Bladder Cancer Canada helps ease the journey.
In the late spring of 2023, Mark Kerr of North Vancouver was about to turn 39. He was recently married, helping to care for his 6-month-old son, and working at a job he loved. One day, he was shocked to discover a large amount of blood in his urine. “I immediately knew something was wrong and called my GP,” says Kerr. After several diagnostic tests, he learned he had non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.
Bladder cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the bladder lining grow and multiply until they form tumours. About 75% of bladder cancers are non-muscle invasive like Kerr’s and confined to the inner lining of the bladder, while roughly 25% are muscle invasive and have spread beyond the bladder wall making them more challenging to treat. More common in men over age 50, adults of any age can develop the disease, and recent statistics indicate a rising number of women being diagnosed.
Helping to navigate the bladder cancer diagnosis
Facing a bladder cancer diagnosis is life changing and navigating the uncertainty ahead can feel overwhelming. Bladder Cancer Canada (BCC) is the first and only patient advocacy organization in Canada dedicated entirely to bladder cancer issues. “Our mission is to provide essential support services to patients and caregivers, raise awareness about this disease across Canada, and fund innovative research that advances bladder cancer care,” says Michelle Colero, Executive Director, Bladder Cancer Canada.
Support programs help during challenging times
One of BCC’s key support services is the One2One Peer Support Program. “This provides patients with the opportunity to have one-to-one conversations with a volunteer with a similar diagnosis and who gets what they’re going through and can provide the emotional support they need during this challenging time,” says Colero. This was one of the programs that Kerr turned to during his treatment journey. “Being able to connect with someone who had already completed the same surgery that I was starting was incredibly helpful in reducing some of my fears and giving me hope for life post-surgery,” he says. Another program he joined was the Bladder Cancer Patient and Caregiver Support Groups which provide a venue for asking questions, sharing feelings, and receiving encouragement and reassurance from others with lived experience. “They focus on the mental health aspect so it was a great support to me,” he says.
Our mission is to provide essential support services to patients and caregivers, raise awareness about this disease across Canada, and fund innovative research that advances bladder cancer care.
In addition to participating in support groups, patients and caregivers can find many free educational resources such as the Bladder Cancer Guidebooks available in several languages, as well as webinars, podcasts, newsletters, and events. “We also actively contribute to advancing medical knowledge and treatment options by funding research projects,” says Colero.
Donations support valuable programs and research funding
Being a lesser-known disease, bladder cancer receives considerably less funding than other forms of cancer. However, it is the most expensive cancer to treat on a per patient basis as patients have unique needs and challenges. Donations to BCC go directly to funding awareness initiatives, patient and caregiver support services, and bladder cancer researchers through research grants. “So far, we have funded over $3.3 million in research since 2012,” says Colero. “Additionally, donations directly fund research that works to advance bladder cancer care and improve quality of life for Canadians facing this disease,” she says.
There are several pathways for donations including general monetary donations, securities and honour and memorial gifts. “We also work with Donate a Car Canada to allow individuals to donate a vehicle, in any condition, which is then sold with all net proceeds given to BCC,” says Colero
If you see red…see your doctor
If you see blood in your urine, see your doctor immediately. In approximately 85% of patients, blood is the first sign, and it must be investigated to ensure that a proper diagnosis can be made and treatment started. If there is any doubt, ask for a referral to a urologist. The earlier bladder cancer is detected, the more treatment options available and the increased likelihood of treatment success.
Learn more about how BCC is making a difference by visiting https://bladdercancercanada.org/en/ or sign up to make a one-time or monthly donation at https://bladdercancercanada.org/en/get-involved/general-donations/.