The Cancer Professionals Podcast

How can radiography and cancer care become more inclusive for people living in larger bodies?  In this episode, Carolyn Graham shares her lived experience of radiography as a person living in a larger body, while Dr Amy Hancock, Director of Medical Imaging at the University of Exeter, explores the research behind the barriers many patients in larger bodies face when accessing healthcare. Together,...

What if art could say the things people find hardest to put into words? In this special live episode from Macmillan’s 2026 Professionals Conference, we explore The Cancer Tapestry - a global community art project bringing together over 1,000 volunteers to stitch their lived experiences of cancer into a powerful collective story. Joined by artist Andrew Crummy MBE, surgeon Rodney Mountain, and Macm...

In this episode of the Cancer Professionals Podcast, Professor Julian Marchesi and Dr Emma Nicholson explain how the gut microbiome influences immunity, digestion and treatment outcomes. We explore how interventions such as antibiotics and stem cell transplants can disrupt microbiome balance, and examine emerging approaches like faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and insights from the MAST tr...

In this episode, recorded live at Macmillan's 2026 Professionals Conference, we explore Macmillan’s new workforce vision: Macmillan Membership. We are joined by 3 colleagues who played a key role in the development of Macmillan Membership: Kim Bowles, Dr Claire Taylor MBE and Emma Quintal. Hear how this initiative aims to build a more empowered, connected and capable cancer workforce, driving equi...

In this episode, we explore HIV and cancer, focusing on how to better support people navigating diagnosis and treatment. Through conversation with Roland Chesters and Emma Davey, we discuss changing outcomes in HIV care, increased cancer risk, and the challenges of navigating multiple healthcare teams.   The conversation highlights the impact of stigma, the importance of clear communication and in...

In part 2 of this 2-part episode, we continue the conversation with Andy Woodhead, who is living with dementia, Rachel Daly- Academy Lead Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK, and Lorraine Burgess- Macmillan Dementia Nurse Consultant. We explore the realities of living with both dementia and cancer and why person-centred care, clear communication, and greater dementia awareness are essential in supporting...

In part 1 of this 2-part episode, we explore the realities of living with both dementia and cancer, and the isolation that can arise when experiences are misunderstood. Through powerful lived experience and expert insight, our guests, Andy Woodhead- who is living with dementia, Rachel Daly- Academy Lead Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK, and Lorraine Burgess- Macmillan Dementia Nurse Consultant, discus...

In this episode, we delve into the often-overlooked challenge of polypharmacy. Lelly Oboh, Consultant Pharmacist- Care of older people, and Sheetal Ladval, Chief Pharmaceutical Officers Clinical Fellow, share insights on managing multiple medications, the importance of person-centered care, and strategies to reduce the burden of complex drug regimens to improve quality of life.  Links from the epi...

In this episode, we explore the complex physical and psychological late impacts of immunotherapy treatment, emphasising the importance of early recognition, ongoing support, and person-centred care. Our guests, Charlotte Killeya who has experience of receiving immunotherapy, and Jo Bird, Nurse Consultant in Melanoma and Immunotherapy Late Effects , share personal experiences and clinical insights...

In this episode, we explore the newly published Macmillan Prehabilitation for People with Cancer: Clinical and Implementation Guidelines and what they mean for the future of cancer care. We’re joined by June Davis, Lead Nursing and Allied Health Professional Adviser at Macmillan Cancer Support, and Laura Massouh, Consultant Anaesthetist and Medical Lead for Prehabilitation at Royal Berkshire NHS T...

In this episode, we explore what cultural responsiveness really looks like in cancer care - beyond policies, buzzwords, and tick-box training. We’re joined by Judith Neptial from  From Me To You – The Art of Survival and Israel Eguaogie from iAssist Northern Ireland , who share powerful lived experiences alongside practical, real-world actions that can transform patient care. We explore how power,...

In this episode we explore the complexities of pancreatic cancer with insights from Nicci Murphy, a Clinical Nurse Specialist at Pancreatic Cancer UK, and Alison Batchelor, who shares her personal journey of supporting her husband through his diagnosis. We discuss the challenges of late diagnosis, the critical importance of early detection, and the various support systems available for people livi...

In this powerful episode, we are joined by Claire Adshead, Macmillan Deaf Cancer Support Project Manager, and Gillian Briden, who shares her deeply personal - and at times challenging - experiences of accessing cancer care as a deaf person. Gillian’s experience offers vital insight for health and care professionals and highlights the urgent need for accessible communication and culturally aware su...

In this episode we delve into the world of radiotherapy with expert insights and personal stories. We’re joined by Jane Ewang, Lead Radiotherapy Clinical Nurse Specialist and Roy Shufflebotham, who shares his personal experience of undergoing radiotherapy treatment. We break down what radiotherapy is, how it works, and what people might experience throughout their treatment. Together, they share i...

In this episode Ruth Bailey, Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Chair of the Royal College of Nursing Women's Health Forum, and Jessie Hewitson, Director of NeuroUniverse, dive into the realities autistic and physically disabled people face when accessing cervical screening and cancer care. We explore the barriers- from sensory challenges to communication hurdles- and share how inclusive healthcare g...

This episode of the Cancer Professionals Podcast delves into the often-overlooked topic of menopause and its implications for people living with cancer. The discussion features insights from Dani Binnington, founder of Menopause and Cancer, and Professor Richard Simcock, Chief Medical Officer at Macmillan and Consultant Clinical Oncologist, who highlights the complexities of menopause as a result...

In this episode, we delve into the vital, fast-paced world of Acute Oncology - a critical yet often under-recognised area of cancer care. We’re joined by Naomi Clatworthy, an Acute Oncology Nurse Consultant, and Peter Cook, who shares his powerful personal experience of a rare oncological emergency known as Triple M.  Ahead of UK Acute Oncology Society Awareness Day on 6th October 2025, we explore...

In this episode, we explore Macmillan’s bold new strategy which aims to do whatever it takes to get every person the best support today and spark a revolution in cancer care for the future. We're joined by Claire Taylor, Macmillan’s Chief Nursing Officer, and Samina Hussain, Lived Experience Strategy Adviser and Founder of Sakoon Through Cancer, who help bring the strategy to life through their in...

In this episode, we are joined by Claire Goodwin-Fee who is a psychotherapist and founder of Frontline19. Frontline19 was set up during the Covid-19 pandemic to support keyworkers with their mental health. Claire provides valuable insights into how to recognise when your mental health may be shifting, the lasting impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the workforce, and practical ways to support your...

In this episode, we explore how the landscape of cancer nursing has changed over the years through a thoughtful conversation between Sophie Maycock, Supportive Care Clinical Nurse Specialist and UKONS Young and Early Career Cancer Nurses Member Interest Group Co-chair and Marion Woodhouse, Lead Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy Nurse Specialist. Sophie and Marion qualified over 20 years apart. Together...

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...