Episodes

  • Working in cancer care: Opportunities, challenges and progress

    Working in cancer care: Opportunities, challenges and progress
    Jun 4 2025
    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 when they first entered the profession, how working in cancer care has evolved over two decades, and what the future might hold. This episode is produced by Macmillan Cancer Support in collaboration with UKONS.

    We would love to hear from you! Let us know any feedback you have about this episode by completing this short survey or get in touch at professionalspodcast@macmillan.org.uk.

    This series is brought to you by Macmillan Cancer Support. If you work in health or social care, visit www.macmillan.org.uk/learning or Macmillan’s Learning Hub for more information about free education and training from Macmillan Cancer Support. 

    Links from the episode:
    UK Oncology Nursing Society (UKONS)
    Acute Oncology (AO) competency passport
    Systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) competency passport
    Macmillan Leaning Hub
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    51 mins
  • "With equity, everyone wins"

    "With equity, everyone wins"
    May 7 2025
    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 equity and equality, and why small, intentional actions from health and social care professionals can create lasting change.

    Content warning: This episode contains conversations about lived experience of cancer which you may find upsetting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.

    We would love to hear from you! If you have any feedback about this episode, please fill in this short survey or reach out to us at professionalspodcast@macmillan.org.uk.

    This series is brought to you by Macmillan Cancer Support. If you work in health or social care, visit www.macmillan.org.uk/learning or The Macmillan education and training open community page for more information about free education and training from Macmillan Cancer Support.

    Links from the episode:
    Inspired to Soar
    Black Women Rising
    Inclusive prehab (I-Prehab) to address inequity in cancer outcomes- Cardiff University
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • The power of person-centred care

    The power of person-centred care
    Apr 2 2025
    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 of effective communication, and small but impactful ways to ensure every person feels seen, heard, and supported.

    Whether you’re looking for actionable insights or simply passionate about delivering compassionate care, this conversation will leave you with valuable takeaways to enhance your practice.

    Content warning: This episode contains conversations about lived experience of cancer which you may find upsetting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.

    We would love to hear from you! If you have any feedback about this episode, please fill in this short survey or reach out to us at professionalspodcast@macmillan.org.uk.

    As mentioned in the episode, if you would like an audible code for free access to Af’s book ‘Tumorous Hesticles: Just Say Cancer’ then please email us at professionalspodcast@macmillan.org.uk.

    This series is brought to you by Macmillan Cancer Support. If you work in health or social care, visit www.macmillan.org.uk/learning or The Macmillan education and training open community page for more information about free education and training from Macmillan Cancer Support.

    Links from the episode:

    Tumorous Hesticles: A True Story of Survival & Humour - Af Marseh
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    53 mins
  • Supporting the whole person: Mental health and cancer care

    Supporting the whole person: Mental health and cancer care
    Mar 5 2025
    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 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 people living with cancer feel seen, heard and supported.

    Content warning: This episode contains conversations about lived experience of cancer which you may find upsetting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.

    We would love to hear from you! If you have any feedback about this episode, please fill in this short survey or reach out to us at professionalspodcast@macmillan.org.uk.

    This episode is produced by The Cancer Professionals Podcast in collaboration with UKONS. This series is brought to you by Macmillan Cancer Support. If you work in health or social care, visit www.macmillan.org.uk/learning or The Macmillan education and training open community page for more information about free education and training from Macmillan Cancer Support.

    Links from the episode:
    EASSi Tool paper: https://cancer.jmir.org/2020/2/e20137
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    51 mins
  • "I see you cancer, and I raise you the ocean"

    "I see you cancer, and I raise you the ocean"
    Feb 5 2025
    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.

    We would love to hear from you! If you have any feedback about this episode, please fill in this short survey or reach out to us at professionalspodcast@macmillan.org.uk.

    This series is brought to you by Macmillan Cancer Support. If you work in health or social care, visit www.macmillan.org.uk/learning or The Macmillan education and training open community page for more information about free education and training from Macmillan Cancer Support. 

    Links from the episode:
    Chill South Devon | Chill CIC - Cold Water Sessions
    www.facebook.com/chillsouthdevon/
    www.instagram.com/chillsouthdevon/

    Contact Ellie:
    ellie@chilluk.org
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Understanding agency: Alleviating suffering in cancer care

    Understanding agency: Alleviating suffering in cancer care
    Jan 1 2025
    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.

    We would love to hear from you! If you have any feedback about this episode, please fill in this short survey or reach out to us at professionalspodcast@macmillan.org.uk.

    This series is brought to you by Macmillan Cancer Support. If you work in health or social care, visit www.macmillan.org.uk/learning or The Macmillan education and training open community page for more information about free education and training from Macmillan Cancer Support. 

    Please note: To access the course 'Understanding and enriching agency in palliative and end of life care' - which is discussed in detail during the episode, you will need to be signed up to The Macmillan Learning Hub. Visit Education and Training | Healthcare professionals | Macmillan Cancer Support and follow the instructions to sign up.
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    46 mins
  • Bonus episode: Reflections from professionals at the Macmillan Conference 2024

    Bonus episode: Reflections from professionals at the Macmillan Conference 2024
    Dec 18 2024
    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! If you have any feedback about this episode, please fill in this short survey or reach out to us at professionalspodcast@macmillan.org.uk.

    This series is brought to you by Macmillan Cancer Support. If you work in health or social care, visit www.macmillan.org.uk/learning or The Macmillan education and training open community page for more information about free education and training from Macmillan Cancer Support.
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    15 mins
  • The importance of person-centred communication in cancer care

    The importance of person-centred communication in cancer care
    Dec 4 2024
    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, 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.

    We would love to hear from you! If you have any feedback about this episode, please fill in this short survey or reach out to us at professionalspodcast@macmillan.org.uk.

    This series is brought to you by Macmillan Cancer Support. If you work in health or social care, visit www.macmillan.org.uk/learning or The Macmillan education and training open community page for more information about free education and training from Macmillan Cancer Support. 

    Links from the episode:
    Effective communication in cancer care promotional page - Macmillan
    NHS England » What does compassionate and inclusive leadership mean to us?
    NHS England » Professional nurse advocate
    MoonWalk | Breast Cancer Charity |Walk the Walk
    The Men's Virtual Meet Up
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    1 hr and 3 mins