Talking cancer podcast
Series 3
Episode 6: Cancer as a young person
16 February 2022 | 35 minutes
In the final episode of the series, Angie chats with Nick who was diagnosed with bowel cancer during the pandemic. Nick describes his experience of being diagnosed as a young person living in London, and getting to grips with his stoma bag which he now calls ‘Zippy’. Angie also chats with Macmillan’s Strategic Advisor for Treatment, Dany Bell, who provides some tips and tricks for living with a stoma bag.
For more information and support, visit our page on stomas.
You can read a transcript of this episode here.
This episode is also available to listen to in our stories and media section.
Episode 5: Cancer as a single parent
9 February 2022 | 30 minutes
Angie has a cuppa with Dee, who talks about her breast cancer diagnosis while she was juggling life as a single mum. Dee explains the emotional impact that her diagnosis had on her young son. Later in the episode, Angie speaks to Macmillan professional Azmina Rose, who offers some guidance and support for single parents living with cancer.
You can read a transcript of this episode here.
This episode is also available to listen to in our stories and media section.
Episode 4: Cancer, grief and picking up the pieces
2 February 2022 | 33 minutes
*This episode contains content which may be upsetting for some listeners*
Angie meets with Chris, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer twice between 2007 and 2017. He tells Angie about his initial diagnosis, during which time his dad, John, was a huge support to him. However, 6 years later, John received his own diagnosis, and sadly died in 2015.
Chris explains how he coped with grief and a second diagnosis without his dad. Later, Angie talks to Boots’ Chief Pharmacist, Marc Donovan, about his own experience and the practical support available when dealing with loss.
For more information and support, visit Macmillan’s page on coping with bereavement.
You can read a transcript of this episode here.
This episode is also available to listen to in our stories and media section.
Episode 3: Cancer as a taboo
26 January 2022 | 31 minutes
Angie catches up with lyna, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. lyna explains that, in her community, cancer is often not spoken about and she found herself on the receiving end of hurtful comments from some individuals. Angie also speaks to Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacist, Bina Mehta, about the support that’s out there for people facing similar challenges after their diagnosis.
You can read a transcript of this episode here.
This episode is also available to listen to in our stories and media section.
Episode 2: Cancer and fertility
19 January 2022 | 37 minutes
*This episode contains content which may be upsetting for some listeners*
Angie meets Krista, who was diagnosed with myeloma in May 2020. Still coming to terms with her diagnosis and treatment at home, Krista explains how she had to make a life-changing decision between fertility treatment and cancer treatment.
Later, Macmillan professional Azmina Rose offers Angie guidance about the support available when thinking about fertility and cancer.
For more information and support, visit Macmillan’s webpages on fertility in women and fertility in men.
You can read a transcript of this episode here.
This episode is also available to listen to in our stories and media section.
Episode 1: Talking to children about cancer
12 January 2022 | 25 minutes
Angie Greaves meets with Toria, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer before the UK’s first coronavirus lockdown. She shares her experience of telling her five-year-old twin boys about her cancer and, later, Macmillan professional Azmina Rose joins Angie to provide guidance and support for people who need to talk to children about a cancer diagnosis.
For more information and support, visit our page on talking to children and teenagers about cancer.
You can read a transcript of this episode here.
This episode is also available to listen to in our stories and media section.
Series 2
Episode 6: End of life care and coronavirus
25 November 2020 | 22 minutes
*This episode contains content which may be upsetting for some listeners*.
Emma B and Macmillan’s Strategic Advisor for End of Life Care, Adrienne Betteley discuss common questions about end of life care options during the pandemic. This includes what the guidance means for seeing loved ones outside your household, to benefits you might be entitled to. Dany Bell also provides practical advice for people receiving end of life care.
For support on the issues discussed, call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm. Hospice UK also provide additional information on how hospices have been affected by the pandemic.
You can read a transcript of this episode here.
This episode is also available to listen to in our stories and media section.
Episode 5: Money worries and financial support
11 November 2020 | 21 minutes
Emma B is joined by a new guest, Eve Byrne, Macmillan’s Head of Campaigns and Public Affairs. They discuss the money worries people with cancer may have during the pandemic and what financial support is available.
Ruth, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, also shares her advice about finances and cancer, during coronavirus.
Speak to our money advisers through the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00.
You can read a transcript of this episode here.
This episode is also available to listen to in our stories and media section.
Episode 4: Practical support and how to access it
28 October 2020 | 27 minutes
Emma B is joined by Macmillan’s chief medical officer Dr Rosie Loftus and Boots’ Chief Pharmacist, Marc Donovan. They discuss the practical support available to people living with cancer during the pandemic and how to access it. They also talk about the latest government guidance and what this means for people who are clinically vulnerable.
Mandy, who lives with treatable but not curable breast cancer, also shares her words of wisdom for handling cancer treatment and shielding during the pandemic.
For further information and support about practical issues, visit our coronavirus hub.
You can read a transcript of this episode here.
This episode is also available to listen to in our stories and media section.
Episode 3: Coronavirus, work and cancer
14 October 2020 | 21 minutes
Emma B is joined by Macmillan’s Work & Cancer expert, Liz Egan. Hear about your rights at work during the pandemic, which ‘reasonable adjustments’ you can ask your employer to make and guidance for anybody out there who might have been made redundant.
Richard, who was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2018, also shares advice on working in the pandemic while living with cancer.
For more information about work and cancer more generally, why not listen back to Episode 5 from Series 1? You can also find more information on work and coronavirus if you have been diagnosed with cancer, or call our Macmillan Support Line free on 0808 808 00 00.
You can read a transcript of this episode here.
This episode is also available to listen to in our stories and media section.
Episode 2: How is coronavirus affecting your mental health?
30 September 2020 | 16 minutes
Emma B catches up with a familiar face from series 1 – Macmillan’s Strategic Advisor for Treatment, Dany Bell. They discuss the impact of the pandemic on our mental health, how to spot the signs if you or a loved one are struggling and what support is out there.
We also hear from Carole, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2019, and who found out earlier this year that the cancer had spread to her bones. She offers advice on managing anxieties about potential delays to treatment.
For more information and support, visit Macmillan’s webpage on getting help with your emotions.
You can read a transcript of this episode here.
This episode is also available to listen to in our stories and media section.
Episode 1: Cancer and The New Normal
16 September 2020 | 26 minutes
Emma B catches up with Macmillan’s Chief Medical Officer, Rosie Loftus, and Boots’ Chief Pharmacist, Marc Donovan, to talk about the services available and practical advice you’ll need to navigate this ‘new normal’ of Covid-19 with cancer. Plus, we hear from Ruth, who was diagnosed with breast cancer during the Coronavirus lockdown, as she shares her tips for attending appointments on your own.
For more information and support about cancer and coronavirus, visit our coronavirus hub.
You can read a transcript of this episode here.
This episode is also available to listen to in our stories and media section.
Series 1
Episode 6: Treatment
15 April 2020 | 45 minutes
Just after turning 40, nurse Ben was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. He talks openly to Emma about losing his beloved quiff and the other side effects that come with cancer treatment, as well as how he keeps a positive outlook and continues to enjoy food. Emma also welcomes back Macmillan professional Dany, who sheds some light on treatment options and how best to cope.
For more information and support about cancer treatment, visit Macmillan’s treatment hub.
You can read a transcript of this episode here.
This episode is also available to listen to in our stories and media section.
Episode 5: Work and Cancer
1 April 2020 | 43 minutes
Having had six cancer diagnoses across 30 years due to a hereditary gene, Helen has a lot of stories of her personal experience to share, especially on the topics of work, career and finances. For expert advice on these issues, Emma and Dany are joined by special guest and Macmillan Work & Cancer expert, Liz, who shares guidance on approaching tricky conversations with employers and how to navigate the world of work after a cancer diagnosis.
Further information on the topics mentioned in this episode, can be found below:
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Rights at work for employees
Find more information on work and cancer. *Please note that the disabilities act referred to in the episode is now called The Equality Act in England, Scotland or Wales or The Disability Discrimination Act in Northern Ireland – find more information about cancer and employment rights.
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Help for employers
If you are an employer, and want to feel more confident and equipped in supporting staff affected by cancer, sign up to Macmillan at Work for a free toolkit and access to information about workplace training for your HR team and line managers.
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Money advice
Find online support for money and work, or speak to our money advisers on 0808 808 00 00
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Hereditary conditions
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Cancer and religion
For information about cancer and religion, you may find it helpful to join the Religion, Spirituality and Prayer Group on Macmillan’s online community
You can read a transcript of this episode here.
This episode is also available to listen to in our stories and media section.
Episode 4: End of Life
18 March 2020 | 41 minutes
*This episode contains content which may be upsetting for some listeners*.
Just over a year ago Max’s mum, Nand, died from breast and sarcoma cancer. Emma and Max talk about his family’s experience of end of life care, how they ‘pre-grieved’ for their mum and planned her funeral together. Later, Emma and Macmillan professional Dany discuss Max’s, who shares practical and emotional advice for dealing with the end of someone’s life.
If you have been affected by the sensitive topics we’ve discussed in this episode, please contact our Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, or for more information and support about end of life, visit Macmillan’s end of life page.
You can read a transcript of this episode here.
This episode is also available to listen to in our stories and media section.
Episode 3: Life after cancer
4 March 2020 | 32 minutes
When visiting the doctor about his snoring, Errol happened to pick up a prostate cancer leaflet that led to his diagnosis. After 10 years in remission, Errol talks to Emma B about how he’s made it his life’s work to educate men about prostate cancer, as well as touching on the side effects of a cancer some consider a taboo. Plus, Emma and Macmillan professional Dany discuss practical advice for what to expect after being told ‘you’re in remission’.
For more information and support about treatable but not curable cancer, visit Macmillan’s after treatment page.
You can read a transcript of this episode here.
This episode is also available in our stories and media section.
Episode 2: Treatable but not curable cancer
18 February 2020 | 38 minutes
Emma B meets Adam, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour during a work trip to New York and is now living with a treatable but not curable cancer. Plus, Emma asks Macmillan professional Dany helpful questions on what living with this type of cancer means for people.
For more information and support about treatable but not curable cancer, visit Macmillan’s treatable but not curable cancer page.
You can read a transcript of this episode here.
This episode is also available to listen to in our stories and media section.
Episode 1: Diagnosis
18 February 2020 | 47 minutes
Emma B has a cuppa with Chloe, who talks about how she dealt with her leukaemia diagnosis as a new mum. Plus, Emma chats to Macmillan professional Dany about common worries and questions when being diagnosed with cancer.
For more information and support, or if you’ve been affected by a cancer diagnosis, visit Macmillan’s diagnosis hub.
You can read a transcript of this episode here.
This episode is also available to listen to in our stories and media section.
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You can find all the episodes in our podcasts section. Or listen in and subscribe to Talking Cancer on your favourite platform:
About the podcast
The Talking Cancer podcast covers everything from a cancer diagnosis, to life after cancer, and coronavirus. We talk about cancer.
Series 1 and 2 were hosted by Magic Radio presenter Emma B, who spoke to guests across the series, including people living with cancer and experts from Macmillan and Boots.
Series 3 is hosted by Smooth Radio presenter Angie Greaves. Tune in to hear Angie explore themes including talking to children about cancer, cancer as a taboo and cancer as a young person, meeting people from all walks of life along the way. The episodes also include interviews with health experts from across Macmillan and Boots to answer frequently asked questions, tackle misconceptions and offer guidance and support.
Our sponsors
The podcast is proudly sponsored by leading health & beauty retailer, Boots, who have been in partnership with Macmillan since 2009. Read about our partnership with Boots.