Episodes

  • "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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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
  • Demystifying genomics: Building knowledge for effective cancer care

    Demystifying genomics: Building knowledge for effective cancer care
    Nov 6 2024
    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 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:
    Macmillan Genomics Toolkit
    Genomics Education Programme- NHS England
    Macmillan Genomics Toolkit: Breast
    The National Genomic Test Directory
    NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) website
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    54 mins
  • Alleviating the side effects: Skin care during cancer treatment

    Alleviating the side effects: Skin care during cancer treatment
    Oct 1 2024
    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 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.

    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:
    Oncology | Cancer Support and Skincare | La Roche-Posay UK
    Our partnership with La Roche-Posay | Macmillan Cancer Support
    Future Dreams | In-person and virtual breast cancer support
    Maggie's | Everyone's home of cancer care (maggies.org)
    A leading cancer support charity - Look Good Feel Better : Look Good Feel Better
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    58 mins
  • Understanding immunotherapy: What it is and how it feels

    Understanding immunotherapy: What it is and how it feels
    Sep 4 2024
    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.

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

    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:

    The Immuno-Oncology Clinical Network - ioclinicalnetwork.co.uk
    Immuno-Oncology Education Forum - National IO Education Forum | ioclinicalnetwork.co.uk
    UK SACT (Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy) Board - Home | UK SACT Board
    What is immunotherapy and how is it given? | Macmillan Cancer Support
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    50 mins
  • Genomics and cancer care: Impactful insights and personal stories

    Genomics and cancer care: Impactful insights and personal stories
    Aug 7 2024
    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.

    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:
    Lynch Choices- Website
    Macmillan Genomics Toolkit
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    49 mins