You, Me and the Big C: Putting the can in cancer

BBC Radio 5 Live

4.8 (153)
HEALTH & FITNESS

The coolest club you never want to be a part of… The team on the You, Me & the Big C podcast are your BFF’s, your sisters, brothers, fathers and mothers. A candid look at cancer, with Steve Bland, Deborah James and Lauren Mahon. Founded by Rachael Bland.

04/30/2024

About Cancer and Creativity

Actor and writer, Rosa Hesmondhalgh hosts this legacy episode discussing cancer and the creative arts, and how to remain creative when living with cancer. Rosa is joined in the studio by Britain's Got Talent finalist and stand-up comedian, Allan Finnegan, writer of 'FUFC' and member of the New Anthem Theatre Group, Mark Jackson, and Nottingham based artist, Carole Ellis. The episode begins with an extract from Rosa's award-winning one-woman show Madame Ovary, which she wrote about her experience with ovarian cancer. Please be advised that this episode contains some strong language

54 min
03/28/2024

About The Cost Of Cancer

Lauren Mahon hosts this legacy episode discussing the cost of having cancer. She speaks with 77-year-old Helen van Bueren who is living alone in Nottingham and is struggling to heat her home, and Sarah Mills, who explains how difficult it has been to be self employed following her cancer diagnosis. Lauren is then joined in studio with Marie Curie's public policy advisor, Rini Jones, and Macmillan advisor, Christopher Jones to answer your questions about cancer and the cost of living crisis.

57 min
02/29/2024

About Single Parents Going Through Cancer

Steve Bland returns to host this legacy episode discussing cancer and single parents. Steve is joined in the studio by Sophie Blake, who is living with Stage 4 Breast Cancer and is single parent to 16-year-old Maya, Ryan Mahon who lost his wife during the pandemic, and is now single parent to Lola and Pixie, and 22-year-old Sophie White, single mother to a nearly 2 year old, Remi. Sophie suffered a seizure in June 2023, and within weeks was diagnosed with glioblastoma and told she had just 12 to 18 months to live. Steve, Ryan, and the Sophie's discuss the challenges and rewards surrounding being a single parent affected by cancer.

50 min
02/15/2024

About The Today Podcast on Cancer

We wanted to share this podcast with you. In the week in which King Charles III shared his cancer diagnosis, Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson asked why it’s important to talk about cancer. Stephen Fry talks about his own diagnosis of an aggressive prostate cancer and we also hear from Paralympian Erin Kennedy, the BBC’s international editor Jeremy Bowen, broadcaster Edward Stourton and from Steve Bland whose partner, the ‘You, Me and the Big C’ host Rachael Bland, died of cancer in 2018. Nick also talks to Amol about his own experience of cancer and they speak to Professor Pat Price, one of the country’s leading oncologists, about why survival rates in the UK are lower than other countries. Details of help and support with cancer are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

56 min
01/30/2024

About Cancer and Homelessness

Lauren Mahon returns to host this legacy episode discussing cancer and homelessness. Lauren travels to Burnley to meet with Pastor Mick from The Church on the Street, and Thomas Linford, who after years of homelessness and a liver cancer diagnosis is currently residing in Palace House Care home in Burnley. We hear from Advanced Nurse Practitioner Sheilagh Armstrong at The Wellspring, Stockport who work with those who are homeless or at the risk of losing their home. Manager of The Wellspring, Alex Knight and Project Worker, Paul Cornwall also join Lauren in the studio.

50 min
11/30/2023

About Your Cancer Staff

Presenter and broadcaster, Chris Latchem makes an emotional return to the hospital that saved his life to talk to the staff that got him through it, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester. From Sarah on reception, to John in haematology, Denise and Tracy in the blood room, and honorary consultant, Tim, we learn all about the roles, lives, and emotions of the staff who care for us. Towards the end, we also discover who's looking after the staff themselves. Don't forget, you can get in touch by using the #youmebigc across all forms of social media - spread the word and share the positive support.

40 min
10/26/2023

About Cancer And Diversity

After meeting during their treatment for breast cancer, Eloise Wynter and Lizzi Amartay host the second episode of this legacy series of podcasts, this time discussing diversity in cancer. Eloise and Lizzi are joined by founder of Black Women Rising, Leanne Pero, and director of Equality and Diversity UK, Alyson Malach. The conversation ranges from hair loss, chemotherapy and family, to community, beliefs and religion. Don't forget, you can get in touch by using the #youmebigc across all forms of social media - spread the word and share the positive support.

51 min
09/28/2023

About Losing A Parent

Good friend of the podcast, Tony Livesey hosts the first episode of this brand new series looking into the issues around losing a parent to cancer when you're young. He speaks to one of his oldest friends Dave for the first time about how they both felt when one of their parents died of cancer when they were boys. He meets Zara who lost her Mum a few years ago when she was just 13 and speaks to her father Gaz, Tony then speaks to the team at Pendleside Hospice family support who have been helping Zara's family and Stevie Goulding from Young Minds. To find out what help and advice is on offer for youngsters today. Don't forget, you can get in touch by using the #youmebigc across all forms of social media - spread the word and share the positive support.

53 min

See All (103)

4.8

out of 5

153 Ratings

Guest Speaker

04/03/2024

LesheyMartin

I am writing to express my interest in joining your podcast to share my unique journey and experiences. As someone who accepted the assignment given to me by Jesus, I believe that my story can inspire and encourage others to start their own journey towards self-discovery and fulfillment.
Thank you

03/13/2023

EnglishItalians

I have just listened (and cried) to the last broadcast. This year marks my 10 years in remission anniversary for breast cancer. All the topics you have presented over the years have been so valuable to me and many other cancer patients. Thank for the laughs, tears and support. Wishing Steve much happiness with his new family and Lauren every success in the future. Fondest wishes from a former Londoner now Florida resident🥰
bland

04/02/2023

Dogsbreath

Good show. Even with Steve, who is bland by name and bland by nature..
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

03/06/2023

crespicreme

Listening from the US as a fellow stage IV bowel cancer patient. You all feel like dear friends and have played an instrumental role my support system. Sending love from the US. Rest in power Rachel and Bowel Babe 😇
Late to the show !

07/06/2022

Usangief

I have listened to the entire podcast in the past 7 weeks . Blown away by the information, love and laughter . I have cried as much as I have laughed you are ALL so wonderful. I don’t have cancer but that doesn’t matter , I am informed now in a way that I never thought I could be . I am a hospice volunteer in Florida and I am taking all your info , love and laughter with me where ever I go . Thank you Thank you 🙏Keep Dancing DDJ and find Rachel 💃🏼💃🏼❤️❤️
Thank you

05/19/2022

3510yogi

These women helped me more than they know these last few years. I’ve laughed and cried and will likely laugh and cry more in days to come. Thank you thank you thank you.
Keeping it beautifully real. Thank you.

11/01/2019

canceravengergirl

After finding @bowelbabe
suggestions

09/19/2020

angelcitynow

this was an experiential podcast...it has become opinion based. it had tremendous value and power as a point of identification and truth. it now feels more academic and theoretical.
Obsessed

10/18/2019

masonhga

Just in awe of these amazing women (and man!) thank you!
Excellent

10/07/2019

hopeani

I am a listener from the U.S.A. I found out about it from an article I read that was about Rachel Bland. I don’t have a personal relationship with cancer, but I have heard so many scary stories about other people's experiences that I am very interested in educating myself on it. This is a very informative and honest podcast. What makes it special, is each host as their own particular relationship with cancer and it allows for very diverse conversations. I highly recommend!