You, Me and the Big C: Putting the can in cancer

Ahead of World Cancer Day 2026, the groundbreaking podcast You, Me and the Big C is back for a special legacy episode about how it changed the cancer conversation. Hosts Lauren Mahon and Steve Bland are joined by 5 Live presenter Tony Livesey, who lost his own mum to cancer, and was also a friend to former hosts Rachael Bland and Dame Deborah James. TV Presenter Trisha Goddard, TikTok influencer S...

Actor and writer, Rosa Hesmondhalgh hosts this legacy episode discussing cancer and the creative arts, and how to remain creative when living with cancer. Rosa is joined in the studio by Britain's Got Talent finalist and stand-up comedian, Allan Finnegan, writer of 'FUFC' and member of the New Anthem Theatre Group, Mark Jackson, and Nottingham based artist, Carole Ellis. The episode begins with an...

Lauren Mahon hosts this legacy episode discussing the cost of having cancer. She speaks with 77-year-old Helen van Bueren who is living alone in Nottingham and is struggling to heat her home, and Sarah Mills, who explains how difficult it has been to be self employed following her cancer diagnosis. Lauren is then joined in studio with Marie Curie's public policy advisor, Rini Jones, and Macmillan...

Steve Bland returns to host this legacy episode discussing cancer and single parents. Steve is joined in the studio by Sophie Blake, who is living with Stage 4 Breast Cancer and is single parent to 16-year-old Maya, Ryan Mahon who lost his wife during the pandemic, and is now single parent to Lola and Pixie, and 22-year-old Sophie White, single mother to a nearly 2 year old, Remi. Sophie suffered...

We wanted to share this podcast with you. In the week in which King Charles III shared his cancer diagnosis, Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson asked why it’s important to talk about cancer. Stephen Fry talks about his own diagnosis of an aggressive prostate cancer and we also hear from Paralympian Erin Kennedy, the BBC’s international editor Jeremy Bowen, broadcaster Edward Stourton and from Steve Blan...

Lauren Mahon returns to host this legacy episode discussing cancer and homelessness. Lauren travels to Burnley to meet with Pastor Mick from The Church on the Street, and Thomas Linford, who after years of homelessness and a liver cancer diagnosis is currently residing in Palace House Care home in Burnley. We hear from Advanced Nurse Practitioner Sheilagh Armstrong at The Wellspring, Stockport who...

Presenter and broadcaster, Chris Latchem makes an emotional return to the hospital that saved his life to talk to the staff that got him through it, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester. From Sarah on reception, to John in haematology, Denise and Tracy in the blood room, and honorary consultant, Tim, we learn all about the roles, lives, and emotions of the staff who care for us. Towards...

After meeting during their treatment for breast cancer, Eloise Wynter and Lizzi Amartay host the second episode of this legacy series of podcasts, this time discussing diversity in cancer. Eloise and Lizzi are joined by founder of Black Women Rising, Leanne Pero, and director of Equality and Diversity UK, Alyson Malach. The conversation ranges from hair loss, chemotherapy and family, to community,...

Good friend of the podcast, Tony Livesey hosts the first episode of this brand new series looking into the issues around losing a parent to cancer when you're young. He speaks to one of his oldest friends Dave for the first time about how they both felt when one of their parents died of cancer when they were boys. He meets Zara who lost her Mum a few years ago when she was just 13 and speaks to he...

The legacy continues as Lauren Mahon has an exciting announcement about the next series of the 'You, Me and the Big C' podcasts. Episode one with Tony Livesey is out on Thursday.

Lights, camera, reaction! The #YouMeBigC team share their thoughts on the extraordinary documentary about Dame Debs. 'Deborah James: Bowelbabe in her own words' is available now on BBC iPlayer and airs at 21:00, 17th April 2023 on BBC Two. Lauren Mahon, Steve Bland and producers Mike Holt and Al Entwistle got a sneak preview. They catch-up to find out more about how it was put together with execut...

Lauren Mahon and Steve Bland, alongside producers Mike Holt and Al Entwistle, get together to reflect on the fifth anniversary of You, Me and the Big C. They share their funniest, proudest and toughest moments, as well as fond memories of the podcast's founder Rachael Bland and Dame Deborah James. Don't forget to use #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media - spread the word and share the posit...

Deborah James' family, medical professionals and members of the cancer community come together to celebrate five years and recognise how the podcast has changed the national conversation about cancer. 5:36 - Victoria Ekanoye and Dr Sacha Howell 22:58 - Tony Livesey 32:57 - Sarah Mills 42:10 - Leanne Pero, Jay McLaughlin and Vicki Woodall 59:03 - Ben James and Sarah Wieczorek (Deborah's brother and...

Lauren Mahon and Steve Bland get together for a long awaited catch up. They then bring in producers Mike Holt and Al Entwistle for a very exciting You, Me and the Big C announcement about something we are planning to do in January. We also hear from film director Sara Hardy, who tells us about an amazing project she's been working on - all about our dearly missed friend Dame Deborah James. Don't f...

Lauren Mahon, Steve Bland, producers Mike Holt and Al Entwistle recount treasured stories and memories of Deborah James: friend, broadcaster, campaigner, fundraiser, author, computer scientist, Dame.

BBC Radio 5 Live's Tony Livesey celebrates the life of You, Me & The Big C broadcaster Dame Deborah James.

As Deborah James stops active treatment for her cancer, she speaks with Producer Mike one last time. Join the conversation and the online community to share positive support by using #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media.

Lozza and Steve catch up with Deborah about her hospital recordings, how she feels now and what the immediate future looks like. We also say bon voyage to producer Al Entwistle, who has been an important member of our original You, Me and the Big C family from day one. Don't forget, you can get in touch by using #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media - spread the word and share the positive s...

After three weeks in hospital Deborah James is finally told she can go home. But nothing ever seems to run smoothly. Little did Debs know that she’s about to embark on another emotional roller coaster that would taker her to absolutely rock bottom. This is the third and final part of her hospital recordings. This is a raw, powerful and honest account that some listeners my find upsetting. Don't fo...

Deborah is joined by Lauren as they go through some of recordings she made in hospital. The conversation and recording range from the challenges Debs faced while in hospital to thoughts on social media, religion to night terrors, Covid rules and having a fifth operation to try and put in a stent. This is a raw, powerful and honest account that some listeners my find upsetting. Don't forget, you ca...

On the day our previous podcast came out Deborah James suffered a serious medical emergency. While in hospital she started recording her experiences. This is the first part of those recordings. This is a raw, powerful and honest account that some listeners my find distressing. Don't forget, you can get in touch by using #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media - spread the word and share the po...

After five months away from the pod, the team are back together and Deborah updates Lauren and Steve on the latest developments with her health. Don't forget, you can get in touch by using the #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media - spread the word and share the positive support. Email youmebigc@bbc.co.uk

Steve and Lauren check in with Deborah from her hospital chemo chair. They all talk about life now the Covid restrictions have been lifted and what that means for cancer patients. Then end this series by reading out a few of your amazing stories of hope. Don't forget, you can get in touch by using the #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media - spread the word and share the positive support. Ema...

Steve Bland is flying solo this week as he asks why men sometimes find it hard to talk and to share their stories. He’s joined by Danny de Brabander, who has stage four bowel cancer, and Joe Bellman, whose mum died from cancer in late 2019, to talk about the challenges and benefits of taking your story public and leaning on mates for support when the going gets tough. Steve also asks grief expert...

Deborah James is joined by fellow stage four’ers Emma Campbell and Darren Roberts to talk about hitting rock bottom, what happens physically, mentally and how they get through the day. Don't forget, you can get in touch by using the #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media - spread the word and share the positive support. Email youmebigc@bbc.co.uk