2024-09-19 21:55:19
Each year, approximately 12,500 Canadians are diagnosed with bladder cancer, making it the fifth most common type of cancer in the country. Yet research for this cancer remains one of the least funded, despite an alarming recurrence rate of 60% to 70%, according to Bladder Cancer Canada.
Eddie Maleterre, a bladder cancer survivor and spokesperson for Bladder Cancer Canada, was diagnosed two and a half years ago after a snowshoe hike.
I noticed my urine was red in the snow.
A quote from Eddie Maleterre, bladder cancer survivor
This experience led him to understand the importance of listening to his body and not ignoring warning signals.
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Bladder cancer survivor Eddie Maleterre shares his journey of struggle and resilience, emphasizing the importance of early detection.
Photo : Eddie Maleterre
“There were a few times when I had such an urgent need to urinate that I couldn’t hold it in when I got home. That should have been a warning,” he says.
Medical treatment choices
Eddie Maleterre’s journey has been fraught with challenges, particularly due to the cystoscopy which revealed that the cancer was affecting the muscle and wall of his bladder.
He describes the procedure as invasive and waiting for the results as the most stressful part of his experience.
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This image depicts the human bladder and the pathological changes associated with bladder cancer.
Photo : iStock
Following this diagnosis, Mr. Maleterre had to undergo a complex operation. I live with a neo-bladder where part of my intestine is used to create a new bladder, he explains.
This surgery severed all the nerves around his bladder, making his new organ less functional.
To cope with this reality, humor has proven essential. For example, he installed a ringtone on his phone that screams pee, pee, pee to remind him to go to the bathroom every three hours at the office.
The ringtone often arouses people’s curiosity, which allows me to explain why it rings and raise awareness about bladder cancer, he shares with a smile.
To stay connected with his family and friends throughout his treatment, Mr. Maleterre created a Facebook group.
Eddie Maleterre advises people to pay attention to warning signs. When you urinate, observe what you urinate, he insists.
He stresses the importance of remaining vigilant and not ignoring symptoms – unlike what he did.
Support the cause: the March of Hope
Gail D’Angelo, event organizer Canada Walks Against Bladder Cancer in Thunder Bay, is committed to raising awareness about bladder cancer in the community.
She recalls the challenges of last year, when torrential rain discouraged many participants from completing the 25km.
Many people don’t know about bladder cancer, unlike breast or prostate cancer.
A quote from Gail D’Angelo, organizer of the march in Thunder Bay
My biggest challenge is mobilizing people. I don’t mind organizing, but I have trouble engaging them, she admits.
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“I know people appreciate the work I do,” says Gail D’Angelo (4th from left), while noting that the support of participants also gives her strength.
Photo : Gail D’Angelo
Funding is also a major challenge. Fundraising is difficult because we are limited in our actions. I would like to have a [commanditaire] local who supports our cause, she explains.
A participant from last year, who had cancer and has since passed away, reinforced Ms. D’Angelo’s commitment.
Even when she was sick, she helped me raise funds, says Gail D’Angelo.
I hope my children and grandchildren never have to go through what some of my friends and relatives have gone through, she adds.
This year, the 14th edition of Canada Walks Against Bladder Cancer takes place on September 21 and 22 in several cities.
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An informed medical approach
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Urologist Dr. Jiefei Yao highlights the importance of early detection and advances in bladder cancer treatment.
Photo : Radio-Canada / Déborah St-Victor
Smoking accounts for about 30% to 50% of patients’ risk of bladder cancer, says Dr. Jiefei Yao, a urologist at Health Sciences North in Sudbury.
It also mentions other risk factors, such as exposure to chemicals for workers in dye or dry cleaning factories.
Family history and pelvic radiation therapy also increase risk.
Bladder cancer is often underestimated and expensive to treat. It ranks 20th in research funding among the 24 most common cancers.
Dr Yao points out that bladder cancer is often misunderstood and not always taken seriously, particularly because of its vague initial symptoms, such as blood in the urine, which can also lead to stigma.
Bladder cancer itself is thought to be more associated with older people or older men who smoke. […]it can still occur in younger people, so it is important to remain aware of this.
A quote from Dr. Jiefei Yao, urologist at Horizon Santé-Nord
The urologist stresses the importance of awareness and research, saying that funding more research to develop new treatments is crucial.
Regarding treatment, he mentions that there are multiple ways to treat bladder cancer, from bladder-sparing procedures to more invasive treatments that require removal of the bladder. The ileal conduit and neobladder, the procedure Eddie Maleterre underwent, are among the urinary diversions available to patients after this procedure.
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