PROSTATE CANCER CENTRE LAUNCHES COMPREHENSIVE BLADDER CANCER TREATMENT PROGRAM
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, April 15th, 2026
Calgary, AB – The Prostate Cancer Centre is excited to announce the expansion of its clinical services to include a comprehensive bladder cancer treatment pilot program, a strategic initiative designed to address significant unmet needs in patient care.
This first-of-its-kind program in Calgary introduces a new model of care for bladder cancer patients in Southern Alberta, providing dedicated navigation and support services that currently do not exist for this patient population in the region.
Bladder cancer is the fifth most common cancer in Canada, with 37 people diagnosed every month in Alberta and diagnoses are projected to increase significantly, from 1,220 in 2025 to 1,760 by 2040. This increase places growing pressure on already strained urology services and highlights the urgent need for innovative models of care that support both clinical and psychosocial needs.
The pilot program introduces a standardized treatment pathway for bladder cancer patients, centred around a dedicated Nurse Navigator who will guide individuals through diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow up care. By providing consistent education, coordination, and support, the program aims to reduce confusion, improve treatment readiness, and ensure no patient feels unsupported during their cancer journey.
The model will also help ease the burden on urologists across Southern Alberta by improving coordination and patient preparedness, helping alleviate system pressures while maintaining high quality, patient centred care.
In addition, the initiative integrates a comprehensive mental health framework to address the emotional and psychological impact of a bladder cancer diagnosis, an area that has historically been under resourced despite its significant influence on treatment adherence and quality of life.
Bladder cancer patients often face complex treatment decisions while navigating high levels of uncertainty and anxiety,” said Dr Dushinski, Chief Medical Officer at the Prostate Cancer Centre. “Much of our clinical time is spent re-explaining procedures, timelines, and available supports. By introducing a standardized care pathway with dedicated navigation, we can improve clarity for patients, strengthen decision-making confidence, and allow physicians to focus on delivering specialized care where it is most needed.”
This initiative is supported through a grant from Johnson & Johnson, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing patient-centred cancer care and addressing areas of unmet need within the healthcare system. The funding supports capacity building and the development of standardized care pathways, enabling innovative models of support for bladder cancer patients in Alberta.
Together, this partnership represents an important step toward strengthening Alberta’s cancer care system while improving the experience and readiness of patients navigating a bladder cancer diagnosis.
About the Prostate Cancer Centre
The Prostate Cancer Centre (PCC) is a charitable, world-class medical organization dedicated to the fight against prostate cancer. For over 25 years, we’ve been advocating for equitable access to life-saving healthcare for men across Alberta. With the introduction of our Bladder Cancer Treatment Program, we are proud to expand this access to healthcare and support to both women and men across the province.
For information contact:
Stacey Smith
Director of Fund Development
(403) 589 8401
stacey.s@prostatecancercentre.ca