The Cancer Professionals Podcast
About the podcast
The Cancer Professionals Podcast is brought to you by Macmillan's Professional Development and Knowledge team.
In our podcast series we interview 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 are released on the first Wednesday of each month.
Listen and subscribe
You can follow the cancer professionals podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. Don’t forget to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.
Listen to our trailer
1 minute 50 seconds
Listen to the Cancer Professionals Podcast trailer to find out more about our monthly podcast.
Latest episode
Supporting the whole person: Mental health and cancer care
5 March 2025 | 51 minutes
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 Siobhan, who was diagnosed with breast cancer, and Dr Jeff Hanna, a registered nurse and Lecturer in Clinical Cancer Nursing, to explore just that. Siobhan shares her experience of cancer whilst managing a pre-existing mental health condition. She talks about the support she received and what she wishes healthcare professionals had done differently.
Jeff brings his professional and academic experience to the conversation, offering advice on what best practice really looks like. He highlights how mental health care can be more inclusive and tailored to individual needs, ensuring patients feel seen, heard, and supported.
This episode is produced by The Cancer Professionals Podcast in collaboration with UKONS.
Content warning: This episode contains conversations about lived experience of cancer which you may find upsetting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.
Links from the episode:
- The engagement, Assessment, Support, and Sign-Posting (EASSi) Tool for facilitating and structuring sexual well-being conversations in routine prostate cancer care: Mixed-Methods Study
2025 podcast episodes
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"I see you cancer and I raise you the ocean"
5 February 2025 | 1 hour 10 minutes
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 people living with cancer. Meanwhile, Nat offers her unique perspective as a participant, sharing how the practice has positively shaped her own journey.
This episode provides an honest and uplifting look at the practice of cold-water swimming, showcasing the power of innovative approaches in supporting mental health and wellbeing for those affected by cancer.
This series is brought to you by Macmillan Cancer Support. If you work in health or social care, visit the education and training page or the The Macmillan education and training open community page for more information about free education and training from Macmillan Cancer Support.
Read a transcript of this episode
Links from the episode:
- Chill South Devon | Chill CIC - Cold Water Sessions
- Chilli South Devon Facebook page
- Chilli South Devon Instagram page
Contact Ellie: ellie@chilluk.org
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Understanding agency: Alleviating suffering in cancer care
1 January 2025 | 45 minutes
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 it, for people living with cancer.
Through real-life examples and thought-provoking discussion, we bring these ideas to life and show how understanding and nurturing agency can transform the way we care.
2024 podcast episodes
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Bonus episode: Reflections from professionals at the Macmillan Conference 2024
18 December 2024 | 14 minutes
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.
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The importance of person-centred communication in cancer care
4 December 2024 | 1 hour 2 minutes
In this special episode 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, Clinical Specialist Macmillan Dietitian and Dr Caroline Coffey, Consultant Clinical Psychologist provide valuable insights from the viewpoint of healthcare professionals, illustrating how thoughtful, individualised communication impacts people and their cancer experience.
This episode highlights both the challenges and successes in fostering effective communication to support those living with cancer.
If you work in health or social care, learn more about our free education and training resources.
Read a transcript of this episode about genomics and cancer care.
Links from the episode:
- Effective communication in cancer care - Macmillan
- NHS England » What does compassionate and inclusive leadership mean to us?
- NHS England » Professional nurse advocate
- MoonWalk | Breast Cancer Charity |Walk the Walk
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Demystifying Genomics: Building knowledge for effective cancer care
6 November 2024 | 53 minutes
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 by The Cancer Professionals Podcast in collaboration with UKONS.
Read a transcript of this episode about demystifying genomics.
Links from the episode:
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Soothing the side effects Skin care during cancer treatment
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.
Links from the episode:
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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.
This episode is produced by The Cancer Professionals Podcast in collaboration with UKONS.
Content warning: This episode contains conversations about lived experience of cancer which you may find upsetting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.
Read a transcript of this episode about understanding immunotherapy.Links from the episode:
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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.
Content warning: This episode contains conversations about lived experience of cancer which you may find upsetting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised’
Read a transcript of Genomics and cancer care: Impactful insights and personal stories
Links from the episode:
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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.
This episode is produced by The Cancer Professionals Podcast in collaboration with UKONS.
Read a transcript of Advance care planning: Conversations about an uncertain future.
Links from the episode:
- Oncology Nursing Society
- Complex Cancer Conversations: Hints and Tips Toolkit | Podcast on Spotify
- Best practice for palliative and end of life care
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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)
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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.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 1)
Links from the episode:
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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.
Content warning: This episode includes examples containing sexual language. Listener discretion is advised.
Read a transcript of this episode about confronting racism in cancer care.
Links from the episode
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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.
Links from the episode
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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.
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Diet and nutrition at 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.
Education and training
The Cancer Professionals Podcast is brought to you by Macmillan’s Professional Development and Knowledge team.
If you work are a health or social care professional, 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.