Women's Bladder Cancer Program

At the GBCI, we strive to care for all patients touched by bladder cancer. While statistically, bladder cancer is more often diagnosed in men, women are also diagnosed with bladder cancer, yet we realize there is not adequate attention focused on women with bladder cancer and their unique needs, and we aim to change that.

Under the stewardship of Dr. Armine Smith, urologic surgeon, and Dr. Jean Hoffman-Censits, a urologic oncologist, and their supportive staff and colleagues, the GBCI has established among the first Women's Bladder Cancer Program in the country for those women who prefer to be seen by an all-female team. The Women's BC program is located at the Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, DC, a Johns Hopkins affiliate. In addition to offering a Multi-Disciplinary Clinic for women with bladder cancer who prefer an all-female team, Drs. Smith and Hoffman-Censits also collaborate extensively on research relating to bladder cancer in women, disparities in care and diagnosis.

Patients can request a visit with the Women's Bladder Cancer Multi-Disciplinary Team by contacting [email protected].

Outreach & EducationWomen and Bladder Cancer Educational Series

The GBCI has created an outreach and educational series for women with bladder cancer, meeting 4-5 times per year via Zoom. Open to women with bladder cancer, their caregivers and survivors, the programs explore topics relevant to cancer survivorship, medical topics of interest, updates on research, and therapeutics with our Bladder Cancer Women's faculty present along with guest speakers. The program is managed by Pamela Goetz, Survivorship Navigator at Sibley Memorial Hospital, who has, throughout her career, introduced integrative health programing and survivorship resources for cancer patients.

This program is for women only to create a safe environment for open discussion.

The GBCI has also partnered with Sibley Memorial Hospital offering a virtual monthly Women's Bladder Cancer Support Group for women diagnosed with bladder or urothelial cancer. Patients meet others going through similar experiences and gain support and friendship. The group is led by the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center at Sibley Memorial Hospital’s Center for Patient and Family Services genitourinary oncology social worker, Samantha Rockler LCSW. The monthly Bladder Cancer Support Group - For Women Only, meets on the 1st Thursday of every month from 12 -1 pm.

To join, contact Samantha Rockler at [email protected] or 202-537-4105 for more information and to register. (Samantha will provide you with the Zoom information).

Resources for Women with Bladder Cancer

PodcastA Woman's Journey: Insights That Matter

Dr. Jean Hoffman-Censits discusses the specific impacts of bladder cancer on women on the Johns Hopkins Woman's Health podcast.

Listen Now

VIDEOS

Advances in Treating Women's Bladder Cancer

The latest innovations in women’s bladder cancer are occurring at Sibley Memorial Hospital, part of Johns Hopkins Medicine. Drs. Armine Smith and Jean Hoffman-Censits explain their roles in treating women’s bladder cancer and what these advances mean for their patients.
Updates in Women's Bladder Cancer

Jean Hoffman-Censits, MD, and Armine Smith, MD, provide an update and discussion of the Women's Bladder Cancer Program at the Greenberg Bladder Cancer Institute.
Improving Research and Clinical Care, Bladder Cancer in Women

Dr. Jean Hoffman-Censits joins Alicia Morgan to speak about bladder cancer in women and the initiatives and importance of the Women's Bladder Cancer Program. (UroToday/GU Onc, May 10, 2020)
Bladder Cancer in Women: Improving Diagnosis and Treatment

Jean Hoffman-Censits joins Alicia Morgans and shares details on the Johns Hopkins women’s bladder cancer program. (UroToday/GU Onc, April 15, 2019)