A patient’s view on navigating NMIBC diagnosis
Episode 8. Ashish Kamat, patient Doug Cappiello, and caregiver Camille Cappiello reflect on the emotional and practical impact of receiving an NMIBC diagnosis, including how delays, especially for women and rural patients, can heighten anxiety and complicate access to care. Doug shares how advocacy groups and support networks helped him navigate the disease, while Camille emphasizes the caregiver’s role in championing patient needs and accessing reliable information. Their experience underscores the importance of early education, clear communication, and inclusive care for both patients and caregivers. View transcript.
Chapters
00:52 NMIBC: Patient’s path to diagnosis
04:11 Navigating care before diagnosis
06:49 From physician to patient
07:55 Support networks in NMIBC care
11:07 Caregiver’s view on advocacy groups
12:50 Living with a life-changing diagnosis
15:45 Care barriers in clinics and beyond
20:44 Wrap-up: NMIBC care reflections
Access our infographic highlighting challenges faced by people with NMIBC and caregivers, based on interviews with nine patients and three caregivers from the USA, Germany, and Italy.
Meet the guest speakers
Douglas Cappiello, MD
Doug Cappiello is a retired ophthalmologist and bladder cancer survivor, diagnosed with stage T1 high grade bladder cancer with carcinoma in situ in 2020. Following unsuccessful Bacillus Calmette–Guérin treatment, he underwent robotic radical cystectomy in 2021 and has since made a full recovery. Doug is a patient advocate and survivor-to-survivor volunteer with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN), serves on its Board of Directors, and founded an online support group for patients.
Disclosures: No disclosures provided at time of publishing.
Camille Cappiello
Camille Cappiello is a retired registered nurse and caregiver advocate in the bladder cancer community. She supported her husband Doug through his diagnosis and treatment. Since then, she has served as a patient advocate and survivor-to-survivor volunteer with BCAN, supporting caregivers navigating complex challenges. Camille is passionate about education and peer support, and co-leads an online bladder cancer support group with Doug.
Disclosures: No disclosures provided at time of publishing.
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