The Cancer Professionals Podcast

Do you work in cancer care? On this podcast, we interview a wide range of 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 experience and practical advice to improve your knowledge and skills in supporting people affected by cancer. New episodes are released on the first Wednesday of each month. The Cancer Professionals Podcast is brought to you by Macmillan Cancer Support. If you work in health or social care, visit www.macmillan.org.uk/learning for more information about free education and training from Macmillan Cancer Support. Disclaimer: The content and information in these episodes is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All examples covered in the episodes are based in the UK and reflect the UK health systems as they were at the time of recording. Listeners are reminded to always refer to their local policies and procedures to ensure they are following the guidelines of their workplace. 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.

Episodes

Menopause and cancer: What we need to talk about

September 30, 2025 • 58 mins

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 of cancer treatments.
They explore t...

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From helpline to lifeline: The power of acute oncology

September 2, 2025 • 50 mins

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 the evolution of Acute Oncology Ser...

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Revolutionising cancer care: Macmillan's new strategy

August 5, 2025 • 51 mins

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 insights and experiences. Together, w...

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Workforce wellbeing with Frontline19

July 1, 2025 • 49 mins

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 own wellbeing in a challenging and ...

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Working in cancer care: Opportunities, challenges and progress

June 3, 2025 • 50 mins

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, they reflect on what it was like ...

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"With equity, everyone wins"

May 6, 2025 • 65 mins

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 breaks down the difference between equ...

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The power of person-centred care

April 1, 2025 • 52 mins

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 strategies for professionals, the power...

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Supporting the whole person: Mental health and cancer care

March 4, 2025 • 51 mins

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 talks about the support she received ...

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"I see you cancer, and I raise you the ocean"

February 4, 2025 • 69 mins

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 transformative impact it has had on peop...

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Understanding agency: Alleviating suffering in cancer care

December 31, 2024 • 45 mins

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 and creating opportunities to enrich i...

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Bonus episode: Reflections from professionals at the Macmillan Conference 2024

December 17, 2024 • 14 mins

In this special bonus episode, we take you inside the Macmillan Professionals Conference at the ICC in Newport, Wales. Join us as we chat with inspiring professionals who share their highlights and learnings from 2024, their vision for improving support for people living with cancer, and the exciting advancements they’re looking forward to in 2025.

We would love to hear from you! Let us know any feedback you have about this episode ...

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The importance of person-centred communication in cancer care

December 3, 2024 • 62 mins

In this special episode of the Cancer Professionals Podcast, recorded live at the Macmillan Professionals Conference 2024 at the ICC in Wales, we discuss the power of person-centred communication in cancer care. Richard Galloway shares details from his own cancer diagnosis, highlighting lessons for improvement, and offering examples of where poor communication negatively impacted his experience. Joining him, Natalie Harrison, Clini...

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Demystifying genomics: Building knowledge for effective cancer care

November 5, 2024 • 54 mins

In this episode, we take a deeper look at Genomics with Mary Tanay, Macmillan Nurse Consultant in Genomics and President-Elect of the UK Oncology Nursing Society, alongside Tootie Bueser, Director of Nursing and Midwifery. Together, we explore the increasing role of genetic testing in cancer care, its impact on decision-making, and how genomics can be an integral part of everyday discussions and practice.

This episode is produced b...

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Alleviating the side effects: Skin care during cancer treatment

September 30, 2024 • 57 mins

In this episode, 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 th...

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Understanding immunotherapy: What it is and how it feels

September 3, 2024 • 50 mins

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...

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Genomics and cancer care: Impactful insights and personal stories

August 6, 2024 • 48 mins

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 b...

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Advance care planning: Conversations about an uncertain future

July 2, 2024 • 57 mins

Listen in as 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. In this episode, we are joined by Dan Monnery, palliative care consultant and Claire Cadwallader, palliative care clinical nurse specialist.

Claire shares details about her award-winning service improvement project, which has made significant strides in enhanc...

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

June 4, 2024 • 45 mins

Join us for the second part of our episode, 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. Liste...

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

April 30, 2024 • 52 mins

In this two-part 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...

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Confronting racism in cancer care: From awareness to action

April 2, 2024 • 54 mins

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 ...

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The Cancer Professionals Podcast

Episodes

.css-14f5ked{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:2;overflow:hidden;}Menopause and cancer: What we need to talk about

.css-r6mb8g{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:1;overflow:hidden;}From helpline to lifeline: The power of acute oncology

Revolutionising cancer care: Macmillan's new strategy

Workforce wellbeing with Frontline19

Working in cancer care: Opportunities, challenges and progress

"With equity, everyone wins"

The power of person-centred care

Supporting the whole person: Mental health and cancer care

"I see you cancer, and I raise you the ocean"

Understanding agency: Alleviating suffering in cancer care

Bonus episode: Reflections from professionals at the Macmillan Conference 2024

The importance of person-centred communication in cancer care

Demystifying genomics: Building knowledge for effective cancer care

Alleviating the side effects: Skin care during cancer treatment

Understanding immunotherapy: What it is and how it feels

Genomics and cancer care: Impactful insights and personal stories

Advance care planning: Conversations about an uncertain future

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

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

Confronting racism in cancer care: From awareness to action

Popular Podcasts

Menopause and cancer: What we need to talk about

From helpline to lifeline: The power of acute oncology