Taking Control of Cancer

Episod

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  Episode 65: Moving forward together - using exercise to transform life with and beyond cancer 06.08.2026 42min

  In this episode of Taking Control of Cancer, host Steve Bland is joined by the charity MOVE Against Cancer, and some of the people at the heart of the inspiring 5k Your Way movement. Together, they explore how physical activity can play a powerful role in cancer prevention, treatment, recovery, and quality of life.The conversation features Caroline Frith, a 5k Your Way ambassador from North East London who is living with cancer, sharing her personal experience of staying active during and after treatment. Caroline reflects on how 5k Your Way has provided not just motivation to move, but also a supportive community that understands the realities of cancer, creating space for people to take part at their own pace, whether that’s walking, jogging, volunteering, or simply showing up.Steve is also joined by Dr Lucy Gossage, oncologist and co-founder of MOVE Against Cancer, who brings clinical insight into why exercise matters at every stage of the cancer pathway. Lucy discusses the growing evidence that physical activity can reduce the risk of certain cancers, help people tolerate treatment better, reduce side effects, and improve both physical and mental wellbeing.5k Your Way is just one of the charity's projects and has over 110 groups set up at various Park Runs all over Uk & Ireland, with more opening each month. All are supported by volunteer Ambassadors who each have their own reasons to turn up and help others.More information is on their website: https://www.moveagainstcancer.org/Let us know what you think!Please complete our short feedback form to let us know what you think of our podcasts (it will only take five minutes to complete).
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  Episode 64: Breaking cancer news - July 2026 31.07.2026 20min

  In this month's news round-up, Steve and Femi cover everything going on in July 2026 including cervical cancer news, an AI alert that could help spot breast cancer early and a warning from a former England footballer about skin cancer.1. Cervical Cancer Deaths Fall to Zero in Women Given Vaccine: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/l0058gzn2. Addenbrooke’s innovation grows access to advanced genome testing for cancer patients: https://www.businessweekly.co.uk/posts/addenbrookes-innovation-grows-access-to-advanced-genome-testing-for-cancer-patients3. Can AI Provide an ‘Early Alert’ for Breast Cancer Before Diagnosis? https://ascopost.com/news/june-2026/can-ai-provide-an-early-alert-for-breast-cancer-before-diagnosis/4. Cancer patients rate NHS care nine out of 10 as record numbers treated: https://www.healthcare-management.uk/cancer-patients-rate-nhs-care-record-treated5. Paul Merson Reveals Skin Cancer Diagnosis – These 7 Warning Signs Should Never be Ignored: https://www.menshealth.com/uk/health/a71625273/paul-merson-skin-cancer-warning-signs/Let us know what you think!Please complete our short feedback form to let us know what you think of our podcasts (it will only take five minutes to complete).
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  Episode 63: Taking control through prehabilitation 16.07.2026 41min

  A cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but what if there were ways to help patients feel stronger, more prepared and more confident before treatment even begins?In this episode of Taking Control of Cancer, host Steve Bland explores the growing role of prehabilitation – often known as “prehab” – and how it can support people before, during and after cancer treatment. Prehabilitation focuses on helping patients improve their physical and emotional wellbeing in the period between diagnosis and treatment, helping them to feel better prepared for surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or other interventions.Steve is joined by members of the prehabilitation team from North East London Cancer Alliance - Andriana Petrova, Highly Specialist Prehabilitation Dietitian; Duncan Grant, Senior Exercise Physiologist; and Emily Dore-Smith, Highly Specialist Prehabilitation Physiotherapist, to discuss the different professional roles involved in supporting patients, from physiotherapists and exercise specialists to dietitians and wider wellbeing services. Together, they explain what prehab looks like in practice and why taking small, achievable steps can make a meaningful difference to treatment outcomes, recovery and quality of life.The episode also explores national guidance, including the role of Macmillan Cancer Support in shaping approaches to prehabilitation, alongside practical advice around nutrition, movement and emotional wellbeing. Listeners will hear why staying active where possible, eating well and preparing mentally for treatment can all play an important role in helping people cope better with the challenges ahead.Whether you are living with cancer, supporting a loved one, or simply want to understand more about how healthcare teams are helping people prepare for treatment, this conversation offers practical insights and reassurance that support starts long before treatment begins.For more information about prehabilitation, visit https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/prehab or watch our video: https://youtu.be/sQEISRtfAiY Let us know what you think!Please complete our short feedback form to let us know what you think of our podcasts (it will only take five minutes to complete).
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  Episode 62: Breaking cancer news - June 2026 02.07.2026 25min

  In June's news episode Steve Bland and Femi Odewale are joined by Nellie Gbadebo, CEO & Founder of Touchy-Feely, the UK's leading creative and cultural cancer organisation, to talk about the month's cancer news AND a very special event on July 18th in Shoreditch!The North East London Cancer Alliance and Touchy-Feely are taking over Shoreditch and turning it into The Girls' Bathroom. Think amapiano summer, real conversations, good vibes, community, and advice every woman deserves but doesn't always get access to. Hosted as part of Ethnic Minority Cancer Awareness Month, The Girls' Bathroom is a free immersive experience designed to make conversations about breast health, wellbeing and cancer feel less intimidating and a lot more human.Find out more and book YOUR tickets here!Steve, Femi and Nellie also cover Jeremy Clarkson's diagnosis, and a commitment from the leaders of the G7 countries to accelerate global alignment in cancer research, prevention, and screening, explicitly aiming to bring the global elimination of cervical cancer within reach.Let us know what you think!Please complete our short feedback form to let us know what you think of our podcasts (it will only take five minutes to complete).
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  Episode 60: Starting the cancer conversation 18.06.2026 40min

  Early detection saves lives, and your GP is your first line of defence. In this episode of Taking Control of Cancer, recorded live at a men’s health event on World Prostate Cancer Day, host Steve Bland speaks with Dr Toby Lambeth, GP and Health Inequalities Lead (Tower Hamlets and Hackney) at Operose Health, who is passionate about improving early cancer diagnosis and tackling health inequalities. The event, held at Goodman's Fields Health Centre in Whitechapel, brings together local people and healthcare professionals to raise awareness of men’s health and the importance of early diagnosis. At this special men’s health event, they explore why men in particular may be reluctant to come forward and speak to their GP. Dr Lambeth shares practical advice on when and how to speak to your GP if you’re worried about symptoms, what to expect from an appointment, and why screening matters.  He also discusses pioneering local work to reach all communities — including the use of multilingual animated videos to raise awareness and improve screening uptake across north east London.Let us know what you think!Please complete our short feedback form to let us know what you think of our podcasts (it will only take five minutes to complete).
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  Episode 61: Checking your prostate cancer risk 18.06.2026 38min

  Recorded on World Prostate Cancer Day, this episode Taking Control of Cancer explores one of the most important ways to improve outcomes for men with prostate cancer: understanding your risk and getting checked early. In this special episode, host Steve Bland is joined by Dr Bunmi Olajide, a GP in north east London and a passionate advocate for raising awareness of prostate cancer, particularly among communities at higher risk, and Rishi Athwal, Early Diagnosis Project Manager at North East London Cancer Alliance, who shares how North East London Cancer Alliance is working to improve awareness and encourage earlier diagnosis across north east London. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, but many people are unaware that some men are significantly more at risk than others. During the episode, the team discusses why black men are twice as likely to develop prostate cancer, why having a family history of prostate cancer increases your own risk, and why understanding these risk factors could save lives through earlier diagnosis. Dr Olajide explains what men need to know about the PSA blood test, when to consider asking for one, and how to have conversations with your GP about prostate cancer concerns. The discussion also tackles common questions and misconceptions around symptoms, screening and whether men should get checked even if they feel well.Let us know what you think!Please complete our short feedback form to let us know what you think of our podcasts (it will only take five minutes to complete).
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  Episode 59: Busting myths about skin cancer 11.06.2026 1j 1min

  Following last year’s episode on protecting your skin and staying safe in the sun, Taking Control of Cancer returns to tackle one of the biggest challenges in skin health: misinformation. In this episode, host Steve Bland is joined once again by Dr Tom McLeod, Clinical Lead for the Skin Expert Reference Group at North East London Cancer Alliance, and Rosie O’Dea, Project Manager in Diagnosis & Treatment at NHS North East London Cancer Alliance. They are also joined by Claire Milne from Full Fact, bringing expertise in tackling health misinformation and helping people separate evidence from myth.Last year in north east London alone there were 1,721 case of skin cancer diagnosed, making it the most common cancer. Therefore, it is more important than ever to understand what you can do to help prevent it.We hear advice about sunshine, tanning and sun cream everywhere, from social media and celebrities to family tips passed down through generations. But how much of it is actually true? How do you sort fact from fiction?The episode also comes at a timely moment. A Guardian feature highlighted growing concerns around the rise of “extreme tanning” among younger people, fuelled by social media trends, influencers and misinformation online. The article explored how some young adults are actively tracking UV levels to maximise sun exposure, using sunbeds and even experimenting with unregulated tanning products despite well-established links to skin cancer. Against this backdrop, the podcast asks an important question: how do we cut through myths and misinformation to help people make informed choices about protecting their skin?Let us know what you think!Please complete our short feedback form to let us know what you think of our podcasts (it will only take five minutes to complete).
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  Episode 58: Nutrition and eating well for a healthier life 29.05.2026 1j 3min

  What we eat plays a powerful role in our health. In this episode, host Steve Bland is joined by Femi Odewale, Managing Director of North East London Cancer Alliance; Nitu Pasricha, Public Health Associate Nutritionist; and Amanda Henry, who has had blood cancer, to explore how healthy eating can help reduce the risk of cancer and support people living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis. From everyday food choices to practical nutrition tips during treatment, this episode offers clear, evidence-based advice to help improve health, wellbeing and quality of life.Healthy eating is about supporting our bodies at every stage of life. In this episode, North East London Cancer Alliance brings together leadership and nutritional expertise to discuss how diet can play a key role in cancer prevention, treatment and recovery.Let us know what you think!Please complete our short feedback form to let us know what you think of our podcasts (it will only take five minutes to complete).
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  Episode 57: Breaking cancer news - May 2026 22.05.2026 19min

  It's May 2026 and we are back with another news episode where we dissect the ways in which cancer is making the news. In this episode Steve and Femi look into a new quantitative ultrasound which enables accurate prediction of three-year survival in locally advanced breast cancer; a new AI-driven way of identifying how patients with advanced bowel cancer will respond to a drug that was recently introduced by the NHS; a new injectable form of a key cancer drug which could see thousands of NHS patients across the UK spending far less time in hospital; and they look at how Eastenders is covering a blood cancer story with the help of Blood Cancer UK.Let us know what you think!Please complete our short feedback form to let us know what you think of our podcasts (it will only take five minutes to complete).
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  Episode 54: Launching our Workforce Strategy 14.05.2026 32min

  In the first of three episodes recorded at a special event at Tower Hamlets Town Hall, host Steve Bland explores the North East London Cancer Alliance's new Workforce Strategy with guests including Yvonne Beadle, Workforce Programme Manager at the North East London Cancer Alliance, and Alison Hill, the Director of Cancer and Palliative Care Nursing at Barts Health NHS Trust.With cancer services facing unprecedented demand and ongoing workforce challenges, this strategy sets out a clear, ambitious plan to support, grow, and sustain the cancer workforce across north east London. Listen to find out more!Read more about the Workforce Strategy here: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/our-workforce-strategy Let us know what you think!Please complete our short feedback form to let us know what you think of our podcasts (it will only take five minutes to complete).
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  Episode 56: Launching our Health Inequalities Strategy 14.05.2026 27min

  In the third and final episode of three special episodes recorded at Tower Hamlets Town Hall, host Steve Bland hears all about the new Health Inequalities Strategy, launched by the Alliance with support from the team at Claremont. Steve is joined by guests including Claremont managing director Ian Fannon; Caroline Cook, Early Diagnosis Programme Lead at the North East London Cancer Alliance and Mansi Tara, the Health Promotion Lead for Breast Screening for North, Central and East London.Read more about the Health Inequalities Strategy here: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/health-inequalities-strategy Let us know what you think!Please complete our short feedback form to let us know what you think of our podcasts (it will only take five minutes to complete).
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  Episode 55: Launching our Artificial Intelligence Strategy 14.05.2026 39min

  In the second of our three special episodes recorded at Tower Hamlets Town Hall, host Steve Bland delves into the brand new AI and Digital Strategy launched by the North East London Cancer Alliance, with support from Pathfinder Intelligence. Steve chats to Wayne Douglas, formerly of the Alliance, George Hawkins and Sofija Venckute from Pathfinder and Dip Mukherjee, Consultant Upper GI & Laparoscopic Surgeon from BHRUT, about a strategy that lays out how AI can impact cancer care in North East London.We also hear from George's mum!Read more about the AI Strategy here: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/artificial-intelligence-strategy Let us know what you think!Please complete our short feedback form to let us know what you think of our podcasts (it will only take five minutes to complete).
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  Episode 53: Breaking cancer news - April 2026 28.04.2026 19min

  In this April 2026 news roundup episode, Steve Bland and Femi Odewale explore Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and the story of Joel, whose cancer was discovered after returning a bowel screening kit. Joel's encouraging others to do the same, as is Olympian Iwan Thomas. Former 400m runner Iwan says "please don't die of ignorance" after being diagnosed with cancerous cells in his bowel after initially ignoring the routine tests.On bowel cancer, we also hear about the Bowelbabe Fund hitting the magical £20m mark, almost four years after the death of Bowelbabe herself, Dame Deborah James.But that's not all. We also talk women's rugby and the BIG PINk WEEKEND and a potentially life-saving blood test that could detect pancreatic cancer.Let us know what you think!Please complete our short feedback form to let us know what you think of our podcasts (it will only take five minutes to complete).
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  Episode 52: Returning to work after cancer 23.04.2026 56min

  Returning to work after cancer can be both a hopeful milestone and a daunting challenge. For many people living with and beyond cancer, work represents normality, purpose and financial security — but it can also bring anxiety, fatigue and difficult emotions. In this episode of Taking Control of Cancer, host Steve Bland is joined by Mark Guymer, CEO of the charity Cancer Support UK, and Sarita Yaganti, from the alliance, to explore what going back to work really looks like after a cancer diagnosis, and how both employees and employers can make the process healthier, kinder and more successful.Together, they unpack the emotional and practical realities cancer patients often face when re-entering the workplace. From managing lingering side effects such as fatigue, brain fog and pain, to navigating awkward conversations with colleagues who may not know what to say, returning to work can feel overwhelming. The episode also addresses stigma and fear, including worries about being perceived as less capable, concerns about job security, and the very real fear of cancer recurrence that can resurface under stress.Let us know what you think!Please complete our short feedback form to let us know what you think of our podcasts (it will only take five minutes to complete).
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  Episode 51: Developing a world-class workforce strategy 09.04.2026 44min

  In this episode of Taking Control of Cancer, host Steve Bland is joined by Dr Angela Wong, Chief Medical Officer, Sarita Yaganti, Programme Lead for Personalised Cancer Care, and Yvonne Beadle, Workforce Programme Manager, all from North East London Cancer Alliance.Together, they explore the development of the Alliance’s new Workforce Strategy and the extensive collaboration, insight, and commitment that has gone into shaping it. With cancer services facing unprecedented demand and ongoing workforce challenges, this strategy sets out a clear, ambitious plan to support, grow, and sustain the cancer workforce across north east London.The conversation looks at why workforce planning is such a critical enabler of high-quality cancer care, and how investing in people directly translates into better experiences and outcomes for patients. Sarita and Yvonne discuss how the strategy reflects the realities of working in cancer services today, from recruitment and retention pressures to the need for new roles, new skills, and more personalised approaches to care.Listeners will hear how the strategy has been informed by staff voices across disciplines and settings, ensuring it is grounded in real-world experience. The episode also explores how workforce development supports personalised cancer care, improves equity of access, and helps ensure that patients receive the right care, from the right professional, at the right time.For more information about the cancer alliance’s Workforce Strategy, visit: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/our-workforce-strategy Let us know what you think!Please complete our short feedback form to let us know what you think of our podcasts (it will only take five minutes to complete).
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  Episode 50: Harnessing AI to improve cancer outcomes in North East London 02.04.2026 44min

  In this episode of Taking Control of Cancer, host Steve Bland is joined by Wayne Douglas, Diagnosis and Treatment Programme Lead, and Angela Wong, Chief Medical Officer, both from the North East London Cancer Alliance; and George Hawkins from Pathfinder Intelligence, to explore how the alliance is developing a comprehensive AI strategy aimed at improving cancer outcomes across the region.The discussion begins by addressing the system pressures driving the strategy. Cancer incidence is rising, referrals have increased, and diagnostic services are under sustained strain. Against this backdrop, the alliance is exploring how artificial intelligence can help shift the NHS conversation from simply digitising frontline services to improving frontline productivity and clinical capacity. Rather than adopting AI as a novelty or isolated innovation, the alliance is taking a deliberate, proactive approach to embedding it within cancer pathways.The episode highlights how the strategy links productivity, sustainability, and patient safety. AI solutions such as chest X-ray triage illustrate how technology can prioritise urgent cases more effectively, improving safety while also reducing wasted clinician time and easing pressure on imaging services. Crucially, these productivity gains can help offset the costs of AI tools, supporting financial sustainability at a time when healthcare budgets are under pressure.Let us know what you think!Please complete our short feedback form to let us know what you think of our podcasts (it will only take five minutes to complete).
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  Episode 49: Breaking cancer news - March 2026 26.03.2026 20min

  It's that time of the month again when Steve Bland and Femi Odewale dissect the month's cancer news - and this time it's March 2026. Steve and Femi cover National CNS Day, how the alliance is reducing cancer inequalities for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities; research from the European Code Against Cancer which says tackling air pollution should be part of government work to cut cancer rates; 30 years of Maggie's centres and a new study that has found that globally, six cancers are rising faster in younger adults than older ones.For more information about National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Day and the videos of clinical nurse specialists, visit: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/news/national-cancer-clinical-nurse-specialist-day-16-march-2026 or watch the videos on YouTube:Ruth: https://youtu.be/_ZtjNhta1IsJessica: https://youtu.be/0WNlMcLo0iMMarisa: https://youtu.be/8IOlI7qgu6UMessage from Marisa for National Cancer CNS Day: https://youtube.com/shorts/CEXUA73tYFM?feature=shareLet us know what you think!Please complete our short feedback form to let us know what you think of our podcasts (it will only take five minutes to complete).
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  Episode 48: Caring across borders - sharing the journeys of international cancer nurses 16.03.2026 42min

  In this episode, host Steve Bland is joined by three international nurses currently working in cancer services across north east London - Angie Pol and Robbie Castro, Clinical Nurse Specialists at St Bartholomew’s Hospital and Kristine Mangaliag, a Clinical Nurse Specialist Lung Cancer at Whipps Cross Hospital.Together, they explore what it truly means to be an international nurse in the UK cancer workforce, sharing personal stories, professional challenges, and moments of growth that shape both careers and patient care.The conversation begins with personal journeys into nursing, uncovering what inspired each guest to choose the profession and what led them to take the bold step of working abroad. The nurses reflect on the realities of relocating to a new country, including the emotional and practical challenges of starting again in an unfamiliar healthcare system.Moving into work life, the episode explores how nursing in the UK compares with practice in their home countries. Guests discuss transferable skills they bring with them, how they adapt to new clinical pathways and systems, and what it’s like navigating the NHS while maintaining high standards of compassionate cancer care.This episode is released on National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Day, which recognises the importance of the role, raises awareness of career opportunities, and thanks all CNSs across the country for all the hard work they do.To find out more about Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists, visit: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/cancer-clinical-nurse-specialistsRead more about National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Day: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/news/national-cancer-clinical-nurse-specialist-day-16-march-2026#NationalCancerCNSDayLet us know what you think!Please complete our short feedback form to let us know what you think of our podcasts (it will only take five minutes to complete).
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  Episode 47: Strengthening cancer nursing across London 16.03.2026 30min

  In this episode, host Steve Bland chats to Kate Williams, the Macmillan Cancer CNS Development Lead (CDL) for North East London Cancer Alliance, and Rani Petros, a Clinical Nurse Specialist Uro Oncology at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, to delve into an exciting new pilot project that aims to transform the future of cancer nursing across London. The CDL pilot project is a three-year initiative, delivered in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support and NHS England, designed to address workforce challenges by embedding a dedicated Development Lead role into each London Integrated Care System area. Kate explains why the CDL role was created — highlighting the pressing need to tackle high vacancy rates, retention issues, and limited exposure to cancer nursing during initial training — and how the pilot supports newly qualified and early-career Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) to build confidence, autonomy and leadership skills.Through a blend of one-to-one mentoring, group education sessions, and outreach activities, the CDL role also promotes the CNS career pathway and fosters a resilient, skilled workforce capable of meeting future cancer care needs.This episode is released on National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Day, which recognises the importance of the role, raises awareness of career opportunities, and thanks all CNSs across the country for all the hard work they do.To find out more about the Macmillan CDL pilot, visit https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/macmillan-cancer-cns-development-lead-cdl Read more about National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Day: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/news/national-cancer-clinical-nurse-specialist-day-16-march-2026#NationalCancerCNSDayLet us know what you think!Please complete our short feedback form to let us know what you think of our podcasts (it will only take five minutes to complete).
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  Episode 46: Listening to our communities 12.03.2026 36min

  The North East London Cancer Alliance has been working closely with local communities to develop a cancer inequalities strategy that aims to close the gap in cancer outcomes across the region.In this episode, host Steve Bland is joined by Caroline Cook, Early Diagnosis Programme Lead at the North East London Cancer Alliance, and Tiago Moutela, Associate Director at Claremont. Together, they explore the extensive engagement work that brought together voices from a wide range of diverse communities across north east London.The conversation highlights why meaningful community input is essential, how different groups shared their experiences of cancer care, and how these insights will be used to shape a strategy designed to improve access, experience and outcomes for everyone affected by cancer.Listeners will hear how the Cancer Alliance, working in partnership with Claremont, undertook extensive engagement with a diverse range of communities, including groups who are often underrepresented in healthcare decision-making. The discussion explores the methods used to reach these communities, the insights they shared, and how their lived experiences will influence strategic priorities.The episode demonstrates how co-production and listening to local voices can lead to more inclusive, equitable cancer care and better outcomes across north east London.Let us know what you think!Please complete our short feedback form to let us know what you think of our podcasts (it will only take five minutes to complete).