The Cancer Professionals Podcast

If you work in cancer care, listen to Macmillan’s new podcast where you can hear from expert guests and find out about the latest innovations and best practice.

About the podcast

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The Cancer Professionals Podcast is brought to you by Macmillan's Professional Development and Knowledge team.

In our new podcast series we will be interviewing a range of expert 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 experiences and practical advice to help improve your knowledge and skills in supporting people affected by cancer.

New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of each month.

Podcast trailer

Welcome to The Cancer Professionals podcast (trailer)

 

1 minute 50 seconds

Listen to the Cancer Professionals Podcast trailer to find out more about our monthly podcast.

Podcast episodes

Episode 9 - Soothing the side effects: Skin care during cancer treatments

1 October 2024 | 57 minutes

In this episode of The Cancer Professionals Podcast, 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 sensitivity and irritation.

We emphasise the importance of healthcare professionals proactively asking about skin issues and encouraging patients to openly share their experiences. The episode highlights how addressing skin health can improve patient comfort and quality of life, providing practical advice for integrating skincare into cancer care. This discussion aims to equip health and social care professionals with the knowledge to better support their patients.

La Roche-Posay is supporting Macmillan Cancer Support and the vital work it does to support people living with cancer. Working in partnership, La Roche-Posay and Macmillan aim to provide information on the side effects of cancer treatment on skin and ways to alleviate these. Macmillan’s participation in this partnership does not constitute an endorsement of La Roche-Posay or L’Oréal products.

Read a transcript of Alleviating the side effects: Skin care during cancer treatment.

Episode 8 - Understanding immunotherapy: What it is and how it feels

4 September 2024 | 51 minutes

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 help us understand the powerful impact of this treatment—not just on the disease, but on the lives of those who undergo it. 

Suzanne opens up about her personal journey with immunotherapy, candidly sharing the highs and lows of her treatment. She discusses the physical and emotional challenges she’s faced, the unexpected long-term side effects, and how she’s learning to live with them. This conversation offers a raw and real insight into what it means to navigate life after a cancer diagnosis and provides valuable perspectives from both the medical and personal sides of treatment. 

Episode 7 - Genomics and cancer care: Impactful insights and personal stories

7 August 2024 | 49 minutes

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 candidly discusses her experience of being diagnosed with Lynch syndrome, a hereditary condition that increases the risk of developing certain cancers, following a family member's cancer diagnosis. This conversation offers valuable insights into the real-world implications of genomics and the impact of genetic testing on individuals and families.

Read a transcript of Genomics and cancer care: Impactful insights and personal stories

Episode 6 - Advance care planning: Conversations about an uncertain future

3 July 2024 | 57 minutes

In our latest podcast episode 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. We are joined by Dr Dan Monnery, palliative care consultant and Claire Cadwallader, palliative care clinical nurse specialist.

Learn more about The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre

Claire shares details about her award-winning service improvement project, which has made significant strides in enhancing advance care planning practices. We explore practical strategies, challenges, and the impact this planning has on healthcare professionals, patients and their families. We chat about Claire’s British Journal of Nursing award nomination and how her dedication and innovative approach has transformed patient care.

Read a transcript of Advance care planning: Conversations about an uncertain future.

 

Episode 5 - The weight of empathy: Understanding vicarious trauma in cancer care (Part 2)

5 June 2024 | 45 minutes

Join us for the second part of episode 5, 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 may find upsetting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.

Read a transcript of the weight of empathy: Understanding vicarious trauma in cancer care (Part 2)

 

Episode 5 - The weight of empathy: Understanding vicarious trauma in cancer care (Part 1)

1 May 2024 | 53 minutes

In this 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 and symptoms, and highlight its impact on health and social care professionals. With a focus on self-care, they share practical strategies for recognising and addressing vicarious trauma within oneself and others.

Read a transcript of the weight of empathy: Understanding vicarious trauma in cancer care (Part 1)

 

Episode 4 - Confronting racism in cancer care: From awareness to action

3 April 2024 | 54 minutes

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 actionable steps toward fostering a more inclusive and compassionate environment in cancer care, where every patient receives the personalised support the need.

Read a transcript of this episode about confronting racism in cancer care.

 

Episode 3 - Working together towards inclusive cancer care for the LGBTIQ+ community

6 March 2024 | 44 minutes

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 personalised care to create safety and inclusion in healthcare.

We learn from Stewart about the steps we can take to help overcome these barriers, keep up momentum and inspire change.

Read a transcript of this episode about cancer care and the LGBTIQ+ community.

 

Episode 2 - Making acute oncology everyone's business

7 February 2024 | 35 minutes

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, Professional Development and Knowledge Manager at Macmillan Cancer Support and registered general nurse. They discuss acute oncology and why it’s important for everyone to know about. They also share the education and training they have developed to educate the workforce on Acute Oncology, including the new acute oncology competence passport..

Read a transcript of this episode about acute oncology.

 

Episode 1 - Diet and nutrition at the end of life

3 January 2024 | 55 minutes

In this episode, we are joined by Natalie Harrison, a Macmillan Specialist Palliative Care Dietitian. Natalie shares her knowledge and expertise in diet and nutrition at end of life care. 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. 

Read a transcript of this episode about diet and nutrition.

Listen on your favourite platform

You can follow The Cancer Professionals Podcast on your favourite platform so you can listen at your convenience.

Education and training

If you work in health or social care, find out more about our free education and training resources. We offer online courses, conferences and webinars to give you the training you need to support people living with cancer.

 

Access education and training

Disclaimer

The content and information in these episodes is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All examples discussed in episodes are UK based and reflect UK health systems at the time of recording. No material within this series is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified and registered healthcare providers.