Intro To Taking Control Of Cancer Taking Control Of Cancer podcast

32:46

In this episode, host Steve Bland takes a look behind the scenes at the vital work going on when it comes to diagnosing cancer, and the stringent safety checks in place. Steve is joined by Ben Lamb, MDT Clinical Lead for the North East London Cancer Alliance and Ellen Quinney, Programme Manager, Diagnosis and Treatment, North East London Cancer Alliance, as they talk about bringing in the experts for a cancer diagnosis. Ben and Ellen explain how when cancer is diagnosed, you are not just getting a single opinion, but one from a team of experts with a range of different skills and expertise. This is a key area of focus for the cancer alliance, looking at how improvements can be made to this process to speed up the time of results for patients, so that the right treatment can be provided at the right time. Meetings to discuss a cancer patient’s diagnosis and treatment are called Multi Disciplinary Team Meetings, or MDTs. They are where a group of health and care staff who are members of different organisations and professions (e.g. GPs, clinicians, nurses) come together to make decisions regarding the treatment of individual cancer patients. Ben and Ellen are leading a vital programme of work to improve the effectiveness of these MDTs. A key part of this is called Streamlining. This helps ensure that more complex cases go through a full MDT and more straightforward, easier-to-treat cases get support via a triage meeting and then progress to treatment quickly. The benefit of this is that in simpler cases, patients get treatment more quickly and, at the same time, capacity for MDTs is increased for patients with more complex needs, so they can get the specialist levels of support required.…

Taking Control of Cancer

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Episode 16: Teaching cancer awareness early - CATTS in the classroom 42:46

21 giorni fa42:46

42:46

In this episode we're exploring how to teach cancer awareness early with the team from CATTS - Cancer Awareness in Teens and Twenties (CATTS) . Host Steve Bland is joined by Jack Broadley, Managing Director of CATTS, Natasha Francis, School Engagement Officer at CATTS and Nikki Poland, Project Manager at the North East London Cancer Alliance. Jack and Natasha from Cancer Awareness in Teens and Twenties (CATTS) share their experience of working with schools to help empower young minds, raising awareness of cancer at an early age. This benefits both school children - providing them with invaluable health advice - and their families, encouraging more conversations at home. This is part of an innovative project funded by the cancer alliance and led by project manager Nikki Poland. It is delivering a series of engaging cancer awareness workshops to Year 10 and Year 11 pupils in secondary schools across north east London. The cancer awareness workshops cover: what is cancer, the signs and symptoms of cancer, how to check your body including breasts and testicles, how to reduce your chances of developing cancers including sun safety and promote healthy living. All this is in line with the PSHE curriculum. The project has engaged with a number of schools to date, reaching over 5,000 pupils in the last 2 years. It is looking for more schools in north east London to get on board.…

Taking Control of Cancer

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Episode 15: Knowing your body 36:45

28 giorni fa36:45

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In this episode Steve Bland is joined once again by Toby Freeman, the founder and CEO of The Robin Cancer Trust and also Obi Onyiah, Prevention, Awareness and Screening Programme Manager for North East London Cancer Alliance , as we dive into the importance of knowing your body — from regular breast and testicular checks to recognising symptoms of common cancers such as womb, ovarian, prostate, and bowel cancer. Learn about the role of family history, the importance of attending screening appointments like lung and breast checks, and how early detection can make all the difference. Don’t wait for a symptom to become a problem - take control of your health today. Plus, find out what's in Toby's box! Join us for this essential conversation on how staying informed could change, or even save, a life.…

Taking Control of Cancer

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Episode 14: Losing a family member to cancer 43:53

28 giorni fa43:53

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This is the first of two episodes with Toby Freeman, CEO & Founder of The Robin Cancer Trust ( www.therobincancertrust.org ). In this episode Toby talks to host Steve Bland about raising awareness of cancer in young people and the impact of losing his brother, Robin. At the age of 22, after Robin died from a late-stage germ cell cancer diagnosis, Toby founded The Robin Cancer Trust with a mission to save lives by raising awareness, delivering education, and offering support to young people affected by testicular or ovarian cancer. This episode explores the impact of cancer on family members, especially when it comes to losing a sibling and how this can be a different experience from losing a friend or parent. For example, Toby talks about the moment when he became older than his brother, which was a very emotional milestone. The episode talks about what support is available and what support would be helpful to have in place. It also talks about the work that The Robin Cancer Trust is doing to raise awareness of cancer and offering support to people affected by cancer.…

Taking Control of Cancer

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Episode 13: Coping with menopause and cancer 48:15

5 weeks fa48:15

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In this episode of Taking Control of Cancer, Steve Bland is joined by Dani Binnington, the founder of the charity Menopause and Cancer, to talk about coping with, you guessed it...menopause and cancer. Navigating menopause after a cancer diagnosis can leave you feeling unsupported, isolated and not knowing what your options are. Support is out there, and we explore this with help from Dani, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in her early 30s. She went on to create Menopause and Cancer, which provides support for all those affected by menopause and cancer and more information about their work is on their website: https://menopauseandcancer.org/ Cancer treatment often triggers the menopause. In fact, 40% of women under 40 and 70%-90% of women over 40 enter permanent menopause as a result of their treatment. Many women say that navigating menopause after cancer feels harder than chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery altogether. We discuss the facts about cancer and menopause, look at what to expect after a cancer diagnosis and when going through treatment. We talk through experiences of women going through menopause after cancer treatment, and look at the support that is available. This episode provides some top tips on how to access support, how to connect with other women going through similar experiences, and the importance of getting access to the right information so you can make informed choices.…

Taking Control of Cancer

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Episode 12: National CNS Day - explaining the role of a Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist 58:02

7 weeks fa58:02

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In this special episode to mark National CNS Day 2025, Steve Bland is joined by five guests to explore the role of a Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). In part one, Steve is joined by Kate Williams, the Macmillan Cancer CNS Development Lead, and Yvonne Beadle, from the North East London Cancer Alliance, and in part two, it's the turn of Kim Grove and Chelo Bou, Clinical Nurse Specialists from Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, and patient Peter Adams. The CNS is a vital part of a cancer patient’s treatment, yet it's a role that is not so commonly understood. It is important to recognise the work that Clinical Nurse Specialists undertake and to raise the profile of the role to help encourage more people to work in this specialist field. A Cancer CNS is a senior nursing role which focuses on the needs of cancer patients and their families. They tend to work in a specific cancer site and build extensive knowledge of the clinical and broader needs of patients with that cancer. They typically first meet patients at the point they are diagnosed with cancer and become an essential contact and support as they progress through treatment and beyond. As well as exploring the day-to-day activities in more detail, this episode also compares the modern-day role to the past and how things have changed over the years. This includes the role of the cancer alliance in supporting the CNS workforce and the current challenges with recruiting nurses for the role. It is a unique peak through the eyes of very experienced Clinical Nurse Specialists in north east London! #NationalCancerCNSDay…

Taking Control of Cancer

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Episode 11: Standing up to prostate cancer 50:23

8 weeks fa50:23

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In this episode we're Standing up to prostate cancer, busting some common myths and giving men the facts they need to help them survive prostate cancer. Steve Bland speaks to Susan Piper, a Specialist Nurse at Prostate Cancer UK and Paul Thomas, Communications and Engagement Manager at the North East London Cancer Alliance. Susan helps sort through the facts from the fiction about prostate cancer, giving key information to boost survival rates that everyone should know - not just men, but their partners, family and friends too. This includes highlighting the support available from Prostate Cancer UK, encouraging men to have more conversations about prostate cancer and to reach out for advice and get checked. The episode builds on our previous episodes on prostate cancer: one where a patient talked about his experience of prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery, and the other where a British Athlete spoke about the risk of getting prostate cancer, particularly in the black community. Although prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in England, survival rates for prostate cancer are good – when it is diagnosed early. If found at its earliest stage, all men are expected to survive, compared with around 49% of men when diagnosed at the latest stage. For more information on prostate cancer, visit the Prostate Cancer UK website: https://prostatecanceruk.org/ #ProstateCancerAwarenessMonth…

Taking Control of Cancer

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Episode 10: Taking action together - a view from the managing director of the Alliance 38:29

10 weeks fa38:29

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In this episode, it's all about collaboration as Steve Bland is joined by Femi Odewale, the Managing Director of North East London Cancer Alliance, to chat about his role, his background and why he's so passionate about what he does. This episode takes a unique dive into the day-to-day activities of a cancer alliance MD and a closer look at some of the demands of the role. It focuses on how a major part of this role is bringing together all partners to work together more closely and effectively to make improvements for patients. This is paying off, as reflected in local cancer performance results for north east London. Find out more about the work of the North East London Cancer Alliance: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/…

Taking Control of Cancer

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Episode 9: Dealing with death: how to open up conversations about end of life 37:29

12 weeks fa37:29

37:29

Death is something that happens to us all...but we shy away from talking about it. The result is that we are not prepared for it and the process becomes more difficult for family, friends and loved-ones. Dr Kaythyn Mannix is leading the way in this subject area, and in this emotional episode she talks to Steve about what she has experienced both as a palliative care doctor, and as a best-selling author, winning an award for her book, ‘ With the end in mind .’ Steve also shares how Kathryn helped him know what to look out for in the days and hours leading up to the death of his first wife, Rachael. Talking about death isn’t easy, but it’s one of the most important conversations we can have. In this powerful episode of Taking Control of Cancer, we explore how opening up about end-of-life matters can help cancer patients and their loved ones navigate this deeply emotional journey. Kathryn talks about how we can better understand and prepare for death (our own or somebody else’s). From breaking taboos to offering practical guidance, she delves into the ways these honest discussions can bring clarity, connection, and even comfort during life’s most challenging moments. Find out more about Kathryn's work at https://www.kathrynmannix.com/ .…

Taking Control of Cancer

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Episode 8: Spotting symptoms of womb, cervical, ovarian, vulval and vaginal cancers 49:16

14 weeks fa49:16

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In this episode, Steve Bland and Femi Odewale talk to stand-up comedian Karen Hobbs, who works with the leading gynae cancer charity, the Eve Appeal . In her own brutally honest but hilarious way, Karen shares her personal experience of cervical cancer and also talks about her work with The Eve Appeal and the cancer alliance on the ‘You Need To Know’ womb cancer campaign. This campaign raises awareness of the main symptom of womb cancer, which is bleeding after the menopause. Karen brings her humour and vast knowledge to bring about more open conversations about signs and symptoms in private parts of the body, covering all five gynae cancers (womb, cervical, ovarian, vulval and vaginal). More information about the You Need To Know campaign is here: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/about-you-need-know-campaign…

Taking Control of Cancer

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Episode 7: Speaking to your GP about cancer 44:33

20 weeks fa44:33

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In this episode, Steve Bland and Femi Odewale speak to 'local GP of the year in 2019' Dr Farzana Hussain about how to help encourage people to come forward for life-saving screening and to get checked for symptoms by their GP. Farzana is a passionate, charismatic GP from the London Borough of Newham, with a vast experience of supporting local people in north east London. She cares deeply about her patients and has built up close relationships throughout her dedicated support over the years. She is determined to make a difference in cancer, helping people get diagnosed more quickly and getting their treatment at the right time. This episode provides advice for patients from a GP's perspective, as well as a look at how we can encourage different communities to come forward. It explores specific barriers and ways of overcoming these, for example starting conversations at home about cancer and supporting friends, family and colleagues. Follow Farzana on X: @fhussain73…

Taking Control of Cancer

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Episode 6: Understanding your risk of prostate cancer 45:47

22 weeks fa45:47

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In this episode, Steve Bland talks to British athlete Joe Appiah, who shares his experience of prostate cancer and talks about prostate cancer risks, urging men with a higher risk to take action. Joe is a British athlete with an impressive array of championship titles across hurdles, long jump and triple jump. Joe’s friend and hurdling rival was diagnosed with prostate cancer himself and encouraged Joe to speak to his GP. Now Joe wants to pass on the favour as he campaigns to raise awareness of the risk of prostate cancer, particular in the black community where the risk is higher. This episode also covers key facts and stats about prostate cancer, especially for the black community where the risk is higher. Joe talks about his personal experience of prostate cancer combined with his athletics career, along with the community work he is doing to raise awareness of prostate cancer. The episode includes a look at the key facts about prostate cancer and what to do if you are at a higher risk, with the key thing being to get a PSA test. Joe’s story can be seen here: https://prostatecanceruk.org/about-us/news-and-views/2022/03/joe-appiah-says-his-friend-saved-his-life . Joe produced an awareness raising video with the cancer alliance, which can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/bp-KG7OWdX0…

Taking Control of Cancer

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Episode 5: Looking after your lungs 35:53

24 weeks fa35:53

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In this episode, Steve Bland and Femi Odewale are exploring the Targeted Lung Health Check programme and finding out how it is saving lives through early diagnosis of lung cancer, as well as the support available to help people stop smoking. Our guest is Stephanie Uys, Clinical Director for Targeted Lung Health Check Programme in north east London. Stephanie leads the Targeted Lung Health Check programme in north east London from a clinical perspective. She works for Barts Health and is also working with the cancer alliance on the programme. She is helping to drive uptake from both GP practices to get on board with the programme and also with patients so that more residents come forward for their free lung check. A key part of the programme is also about encouraging smokers to join a free, local smoking cessation programme which can help prevent lung cancer. Lung cancer is one of the top 10 cancer types in north east London and nationally, around 50,000 cases of lung cancer are diagnosed every year (as stated on the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation website). Early stages of lung cancer often don’t have any symptoms. However, at an early stage it is easier to treat and so early diagnosis is the key. The Targeted Lung Health Check Programme is designed to find anything early, which is helping to save lives. It is available free to 55-74 year olds who have ever smoked and the programme is going well in north east London, with one of the highest uptake rates in the country. This episode looks at the impact the programme is having on improving the health of our population through both checking lungs and helping people to quit smoking, while at the same time also helping to reduce health inequalities. More information on the Targeted Lung Health Check Programme is here: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/tlhc…

Taking Control of Cancer

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Episode 4: Improving your health for cancer treatment and recovery 41:42

26 weeks fa41:42

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In this episode, host Steve Bland and Femi Odewale, the MD of the North East London Cancer Alliance, take the pod on the road as they visit Maggie's Barts and explore the fantastic free support that is available for cancer patients to help them both prepare for, and recover from, their cancer treatment. Guest speaker: Victoria Curran, Centre Head, Maggie's Barts Victoria leads the team at the wonderful Maggie’s Barts service, which provides warm, friendly support for cancer patients in a calming and relaxed setting. She is passionate about helping cancer patients through their treatment and has worked with North East London Cancer Alliance on a prehab video to help explain the benefits to patients. The video is available here: https://youtu.be/sQEISRtfAiY Victoria provides an overview of her role and the support that is available at Maggie’s. The episode covers a wider look at prehab and its three core elements of diet, physical exercise and mental health and wellbeing. It looks at the benefits to patients of prehab and how all cancer patients can access these vital services across north east London.…

Taking Control of Cancer

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Episode 3: Becoming cancer free 38:50

28 weeks fa38:50

38:50

This episode of Taking Control of Cancer features an inspirational breast cancer story from diagnosis to treatment and recovery. Host Steve Bland and North East London Cancer Alliance Managing Director Femi Odewale speak to Pamela Okyere, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2021. When Pamela was diagnosed, her immediate thought was that she was going to die. However, after surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy she is now cancer free. Pamela wants to make a difference in her community by changing the narrative around cancer in minority communities and helping to raise awareness. Pamela shares her breast cancer story, starting with her diagnosis and then moving on to her treatment and support. She introduces the great work of charity Black Women Rising , for which she is an ambassador, and talks about how we can help minority communities to come forward, like Pamela did, for life-saving treatment. For more information on the North East London Cancer Alliance click here.…

Taking Control of Cancer

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Episode 2: Staying positive after a cancer diagnosis 44:25

30 weeks fa44:25

44:25

Welcome to episode two of Taking Control of Cancer, the podcast from the North East London Cancer Alliance . In this episode, award-winning former BBC podcast presenter Steve Bland (You, Me and the Big C) chats to prostate cancer patient Kevin Kibble, who provides some great advice on how to keep fit and healthy after finding out you have cancer. Kevin has recently joined North East London Cancer Alliance as a patient partner and has lived experience of prostate cancer. Kevin is a Hackney resident and is passionate about the benefits of prehab, which helps cancer patients be as fit and as a healthy as possible for their treatment. He has also set up a community group for men to get together and share their experience of prostate cancer Kevin explores his cancer story, sharing his experience of his original contact with his GP, his diagnosis, finding out the results, the treatment, and his experience of the prehab service which helped him prepare for his treatment. He provides invaluable insight for prostate cancer patients, as well as important information for men and their families who may not have had any experience yet of prostate cancer. In particular, Kevin talks about the importance of keeping fit and healthy following a cancer diagnosis, and how this gives you the best possible chance of recovery. Steve and Kevin are also joined by North East London Cancer Alliance Chief Medical Officer Angela Wong. For more information on the North East London Cancer Alliance click here.…

Taking Control of Cancer

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Episode 1: Getting to know the Chair of the Cancer Alliance Board 35:37

32 weeks fa35:37

35:37

Welcome to episode one of Taking Control of Cancer, the podcast from the North East London Cancer Alliance . In this episode, award-winning former BBC podcast presenter Steve Bland (You, Me and the Big C) is joined by Professor Charles Knight MD FRCP, who is a consultant cardiologist and chief executive of St Bartholomew's Hospital, part of Barts Health NHS Trust AND the chair of the Cancer Alliance board. Professor Knight takes Steve through his own career, and explains how he came to be involved with the Alliance. He also talks about the challenges the Alliance faces in the incredibly diverse North East London, and the work that's going on to tackle those challenges. About Professor Knight: Professor Knight served as honorary secretary of the British Cardiovascular Society from 2008 to 2011 and was associate editor of the journal Heart until 2014. He was a member of the Royal College of Physicians' Cardiology Speciality Advisory Committee. Professor Knight is a specialist in alcohol septal ablation and a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians. From 2010 he led the development of the Barts Heart Centre by merging cardiac services from across London to create the largest cardiac centre in the UK. He became the Centre’s first executive director in 2014. In 2015 he was appointed as managing director and then chief executive of St Bartholomew’s Hospital. In March 2020, Professor Knight was seconded as chief executive officer of NHS Nightingale Hospital London, established to care for patients during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. In July he was awarded the Freedom of the City of London in acknowledgment of his role in the NHS’s response to the outbreak. In October 2020 he was awarded an OBE for services to the NHS and people with heart disease. Find out more about the North East London Cancer Alliance here .…

Taking Control of Cancer

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Intro to Taking Control of Cancer 4:46

49 weeks fa4:46