The Cancer Professionals Podcast

In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Bami Adenipekun, an equity consultant with lived experience of breast cancer, to discuss equity and representation in cancer care. Drawing on her personal and professional experiences, Bami reflects on the moments she had to advocate for herself during treatment and the systemic barriers that continue to affect people from marginalised communities. She bre...

In this episode, we chat with Callum Metcalfe-O'Shea, UK Professional Lead for long-term conditions at the Royal College of Nursing and Af Marseh, author and stand-up comedian who was diagnosed with testicular cancer. They share valuable insights into the importance of person-centred care and how to put it in action.   Together, we explore what truly makes a difference. This includes practical str...

How do you support people living with cancer who are also navigating mental health problems? In this powerful and insightful episode, we’re joined by Siobhán, who was diagnosed with breast cancer, and Dr Jeff Hanna, a registered nurse and Lecturer in Clinical Cancer Nursing, to explore just that. Siobhán shares her experience of cancer whilst managing a pre-existing mental health condition. She ta...

In this inspiring episode about cold-water swimming, we’re joined by Ellie Ricketts, a Macmillan Specialist Oncology Counsellor, and Nat Tarrab-Snooks, a lived experience expert. Together, they share the story behind an award-winning cold-water swimming project that has made waves in cancer support. Ellie discusses her motivation for creating the project, the challenges she overcame, and the trans...

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Jennifer Corns, senior lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Glasgow. We explain what we mean by ‘agency’ and how suffering can significantly disrupt a person's sense of control and autonomy. Jennifer explores how we can prioritise forms of agency to achieve person-centred care.   Jennifer shares practical insights into minimising disruptions to agency an...

In this special bonus episode, we take you inside the Macmillan Professionals Conference at the ICC in Newport, Wales. Join us as we chat with inspiring professionals who share their highlights and learnings from 2024, their vision for improving support for people living with cancer, and the exciting advancements they’re looking forward to in 2025. We would love to hear from you! Let us know any f...

In this special episode of the Cancer Professionals Podcast, recorded live at the Macmillan Professionals Conference 2024 at the ICC in Wales, we discuss the power of person-centred communication in cancer care. Richard Galloway shares details from his own cancer diagnosis, highlighting lessons for improvement, and offering examples of where poor communication negatively impacted his experience. J...

In this episode, we take a deeper look at Genomics with Mary Tanay, Macmillan Nurse Consultant in Genomics and President-Elect of the UK Oncology Nursing Society, alongside Tootie Bueser, Director of Nursing and Midwifery. Together, we explore the increasing role of genetic testing in cancer care, its impact on decision-making, and how genomics can be an integral part of everyday discussions and p...

In this episode, we delve into the often-overlooked impact of cancer treatments on the skin and discuss practical strategies for alleviating these side effects. We’re joined by Dr. Fiona McCarthy, a medical oncologist, and Rosamund Dean, journalist, author and wellness coach with her own lived experience of cancer. We explore a range of skin-related side effects, from dryness and rashes to sensiti...

In this episode, we're joined by Nellie Kumaralingam, a former melanoma nurse consultant, and Suzanne, who was diagnosed with melanoma in 2022. Together, they offer an in-depth look into immunotherapy.   Nellie demystifies what immunotherapy is, explaining how it works, its potential to target cancer cells, and the long-term effects it can have on the body. She brings her wealth of knowledge to he...

In this episode, we explore the fascinating field of genomics and genetic testing. Join us as Kelly Kohut, lead consultant genetic counsellor, breaks down what genomics is and how it plays a crucial role in cancer care today. We also hear from Emma Jenkins, patient representative working with the Southeast NHS Genomic Medicine Service, who shares her personal journey with genetic testing. Emma can...

Listen in as we delve into the crucial topic of advance care planning, discussing its importance in ensuring patients' wishes are respected and their care is well-coordinated. In this episode, we are joined by Dan Monnery, palliative care consultant and Claire Cadwallader, palliative care clinical nurse specialist. Claire shares details about her award-winning service improvement project, which ha...

Join us for the second part of our episode , as we continue our conversation about Vicarious Trauma, with Dr Karen Campbell and Lisa Nel. Catch up with Part 1 if you haven’t listened already, as we delve deeper into the tools and strategies that you can use to address your own experience of vicarious trauma.  Content warning: This episode contains conversations about emotional trauma, which you ma...

In this two-part episode, we explore the widespread but often unrecognised issue of vicarious trauma in cancer care. We are joined by Dr Karen Campbell, President of the UK Oncology Nursing Society and Associate Professor in cancer nursing, and Lisa Nel, practising therapist, clinical supervisor and independent trainer.  Karen and Lisa describe the reality of vicarious trauma, discuss its signs an...

Join us for this compelling conversation with Helena Boyce, Anti-Racism and Racial Literacy Educator, business owner, and 3x Breast Cancer Survivor. Helena candidly shares her personal experience of cancer while shedding light on the issue of racism in cancer care. With poignant examples, she unveils the disparities faced by people of colour in accessing equitable healthcare. Helena inspires actio...

Tune in to this enlightening conversation with Stewart O’Callaghan, founder and CEO of OUTpatients, the UK’S only LGBTIQ+ cancer charity. We explore some of the challenges and barriers in cancer care that are faced by the LGBTIQ+ community, such as the intersection of cancer care, identity and advocacy. Stewart shares personal anecdotes and experiences which highlight the importance of personalise...

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Verna Lavender, a nurse academic who works at Guy’s and St Thomas’ as Head of Nursing in Research and Education in the Cancer and Surgery Clinical Group and Donna Munro, a Professional Development and Knowledge Manager at Macmillan Cancer Support and registered general nurse. We discuss acute oncology and why it’s important for everyone to know about. They also...

In this episode, we’re joined by Natalie Harrison, a Macmillan Specialist Palliative Care Dietitian. Natalie shares her knowledge and expertise in diet and nutrition at end of life. This includes how a person’s nutritional needs may change as they approach end of life, ethical considerations and practical tips on how all professionals working in cancer care can support people with nutrition. And m...

Do you work in cancer care? In this series from Macmillan Cancer Support we interview a wide range of guests, including health and social care professionals, to lift the lid on current issues faced by the cancer workforce. Expect to hear discussions of clinical practice, personal experience and practical advice to improve your knowledge and skills in supporting people affected by cancer. New episo...