The Cancer Professionals Podcast

Macmillan Cancer Support
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 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.

Episodes

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

    1 OCT

    Alleviating the side effects: Skin care during cancer treatment

    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

    58 min
  2. Understanding immunotherapy: What it is and how it feels

    4 SEPT

    Understanding immunotherapy: What it is and how it feels

    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

    50 min
  3. Advance care planning: Conversations about an uncertain future

    3 JUL

    Advance care planning: Conversations about an uncertain future

    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 enhancing advance care planning practices. We explore practical strategies, challenges, and the impact this planning has on healthcare professionals, patients and their families. We explore Claire’s British Journal of Nursing award nomination and how her dedication and innovative approach has transformed patient care. This episode is filled with inspiring moments and valuable insights into the importance of thoughtful planning in cancer care.  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 podcast: UKONS - Home Complex Cancer Conversations: Hints and Tips Toolkit | Podcast on Spotify Best practice for palliative and end of life care | Macmillan Cancer Support If you have any feedback about this episode, we would love to hear from you, please reach out to us at professionalspodcast@macmillan.org.uk

    57 min
  4. The weight of empathy: Understanding vicarious trauma in cancer care (Part 1)

    1 MAY

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

    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 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.  Join us to gain insights into this critical aspect of healthcare and learn how to take proactive steps to address and mitigate its overwhelming effects in cancer care teams.  Content warning: This episode contains conversations about emotional trauma, which you may find upsetting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised. 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 or The Macmillan education and training open community page for more information about free education and training from #Macmillan Cancer Support. Links from the podcast: Vicarious Traumatisation - Website UKONS - Website If you have any feedback about this episode, we would love to hear from you, please reach out to us at professionalspodcast@macmillan.org.uk

    53 min
  5. Working together towards inclusive cancer care for the LGBTIQ+ community

    6 MAR

    Working together towards inclusive cancer care for the LGBTIQ+ community

    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. 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. Links from podcast: OUTpatients is the UK’s only LGBTIQ+ cancer charity. We’re proudly led by and for LGBTIQ+ people affected by cancer, and work hard to support and advocate for our community. OUTpatients - LGBTIQ+ Cancer Charity Trans and gender-diverse people frequently experience inequitable access to health and care services, and the same is true for care at the end of life.This report uses real-world experience to highlight the needs of these communities, and sets out recommendations for what hospices and palliative care professionals can do to make end of life care more equitable and accessible for everyone. I Just Want To Be Me | Hospice UK If you have any feedback about this episode please reach out to us at professionalspodcast@macmillan.org.uk

    44 min
4.8
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

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 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.

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