The Cancer Professionals Podcast

Macmillan Cancer Support

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 covered in the episodes are based in the UK and reflect the UK health systems as they were at the time of recording. Listeners are reminded to always refer to their local policies and procedures to ensure they are following the guidelines of their workplace. 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.

  1. The Cancer Tapestry: Storytelling and connection through art

    5h ago

    The Cancer Tapestry: Storytelling and connection through art

    What if art could say the things people find hardest to put into words? In this special live episode from Macmillan’s 2026 Professionals Conference, we explore The Cancer Tapestry- a global community art project bringing together over 1,000 volunteers to stitch their lived experiences of cancer into a powerful collective story. Joined by artist Andrew Crummy MBE, surgeon Rodney Mountain, and Macmillan’s Eleanor Ogilvie, we discuss how creative expression, storytelling, and community-based art can support emotional wellbeing, reduce isolation, and enhance personalised cancer care. This inspiring conversation highlights the role of arts in healthcare, social prescribing, and person-centred approaches to cancer support. Discover how creativity can transform cancer care experiences, spark meaningful conversations beyond clinical settings, and connect individuals, families, and communities around the world. Content warning: This episode contains conversations about lived experience of cancer which you may find upsetting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised. Find out more about becoming a Macmillan Affiliate member If you are a health or social care professional working in cancer care, visit membership.macmillan.org.uk to find out more about our Macmillan Membership which includes a range of education and training resources and access to our Learning Hub. Links from the episode: 'A Good Thing To Do: Andrew Crummy's Cancer Tapestry' documentary Andrew Crummy's website CanDu charity website  Macmillan information and resources for people affected by cancer: Head and neck cancer Talking about cancer How cancer may affect you emotionally This episode aligns with Macmillan's strategic objectives to reach everyone, especially those who need us most, and to make cancer care fair for everyone. Read more about Macmillan's strategy. 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. 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. 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.

    1h 5m
  2. Gut health and cancer care

    Jun 3

    Gut health and cancer care

    In this episode of the Cancer Professionals Podcast, Professor Julian Marchesi and Dr Emma Nicholson explain how the gut microbiome influences immunity, digestion and treatment outcomes. We explore how interventions such as antibiotics and stem cell transplants can disrupt microbiome balance, and examine emerging approaches like faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and insights from the MAST trial. This episode highlights why microbiome diversity matters and what it could mean for improving cancer recovery and care. This episode was produced in collaboration with the UK Oncology Nursing Society (UKONS). This episode contains conversations about lived experience of cancer which you may find upsetting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised. Find out more about becoming a Macmillan Affiliate member If you are a health or social care professional working in cancer care, visit membership.macmillan.org.uk to find out more about our Macmillan Membership which includes a range of education and training resources and access to our Learning Hub. Links from the episode: Enhanced Acute Oncology - Nutrition  The MAST study: Intestinal Microbiota Transplant Prior to Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant (MAST) study Intestinal Microbiota Transplant Prior to Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant (MAST) trial: study protocol for a multicentre, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, phase IIa trial This episode aligns with Macmillan's strategic objective work with others to make sure the same treatment and support is accessible to everyone across the UK. Read more about Macmillan's strategy.  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. 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. 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.

    40 min
  3. Macmillan Membership: Sparking a revolution in cancer care

    May 20

    Macmillan Membership: Sparking a revolution in cancer care

    In this episode, recorded live at Macmillan's 2026 Professionals Conference, we explore Macmillan’s new workforce vision: Macmillan Membership. We are joined by 3 colleagues who played a key role in the development of Macmillan Membership: Kim Bowles, Dr Claire Taylor MBE and Emma Quintal. Hear how this initiative aims to build a more empowered, connected and capable cancer workforce, driving equitable and personalised care. We also discuss how Macmillan Professionals and affiliate members will be supported, recognised, and given the tools to grow, innovate, and lead change. Find out more about becoming a Macmillan Affiliate member If you are a health or social care professional working in cancer care, visit membership.macmillan.org.uk to find out more about our Macmillan Membership which includes a range of education and training resources and access to our Learning Hub. Links from the episode ACCEND course explorer This episode aligns with Macmillan's strategic objectives to reach everyone, especially those who need us most. 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. 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. 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.

    58 min
  4. Living well with HIV and cancer

    May 6

    Living well with HIV and cancer

    In this episode, we explore HIV and cancer, focusing on how to better support people navigating diagnosis and treatment. Through conversation with Roland Chesters and Emma Davey, we discuss changing outcomes in HIV care, increased cancer risk, and the challenges of navigating multiple healthcare teams.   The conversation highlights the impact of stigma, the importance of clear communication and inclusive language, and why person-centred, collaborative care is essential for people living with HIV and cancer.  Content warning: This episode contains conversations about lived experience of cancer and HIV which you may find upsetting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.  Links from the episode:  EACS Guidelines | EACSocietyPeople First Charter - HIV Language, Person First LanguageHIV Drug InteractionsHIV | Terrence Higgins TrustGeorge House TrustRoland Chesters ‘Ripples from the edge of life’To find out more about the HOPE programme for your patients: macmillan.org.uk/healthcare-professionals/for-your-patients/hope-programme.To find out more about becoming a HOPE facilitator, search ‘HOPE’ on Macmillan’s Learning Hub.  This episode aligns with Macmillan's strategic objective to offer more personal support to people affected by cancer and other health conditions. Read more about Macmillan's strategy.  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. 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. 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.

    48 min
  5. More than a diagnosis: Dementia and cancer together (Part 2)

    Apr 15

    More than a diagnosis: Dementia and cancer together (Part 2)

    In part 2 of this 2-part episode, we continue the conversation with Andy Woodhead, who is living with dementia, Rachel Daly- Academy Lead Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK, and Lorraine Burgess- Macmillan Dementia Nurse Consultant. We explore the realities of living with both dementia and cancer and why person-centred care, clear communication, and greater dementia awareness are essential in supporting people living with cancer and their families. Links from the episode: Dementia UK website This episode aligns with Macmillan's strategic objective to offer more personal support to people affected by cancer and other health conditions. Read more about Macmillan's strategy. Content warning: This episode contains conversations about lived experience of cancer and dementia, which you may find upsetting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.     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. 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. 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.

    36 min
  6. More than a diagnosis: Dementia and cancer together (Part 1)

    Apr 1

    More than a diagnosis: Dementia and cancer together (Part 1)

    In part 1 of this 2-part episode, we explore the realities of living with both dementia and cancer, and the isolation that can arise when experiences are misunderstood. Through powerful lived experience and expert insight, our guests, Andy Woodhead- who is living with dementia, Rachel Daly- Academy Lead Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK, and Lorraine Burgess- Macmillan Dementia Nurse Consultant, discuss the emotional impact of diagnosis, the challenges of treatment and decision-making, and why person-centred care, clear communication, and greater dementia awareness are essential in supporting people living with cancer and their families. Links from the episode:  Dementia UK website This episode aligns with Macmillan's strategic objective to offer more personal support to people affected by cancer and other health conditions. Read more about Macmillan's strategy. Content warning: This episode contains conversations about lived experience of cancer and dementia, which you may find upsetting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.     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. 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. 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.

    44 min
  7. Polypharmacy: The human side of prescribing

    Mar 18

    Polypharmacy: The human side of prescribing

    In this episode, we delve into the often-overlooked challenge of polypharmacy. Lelly Oboh, Consultant Pharmacist- Care of older people, and Sheetal Ladval, Chief Pharmaceutical Officers Clinical Fellow, share insights on managing multiple medications, the importance of person-centered care, and strategies to reduce the burden of complex drug regimens to improve quality of life.  Links from the episode:  Healthcare professionals: Help us promote the NHS medical exemption certificate  National overprescribing review report - GOV.UK  Understanding polypharmacy, overprescribing and deprescribing  Resources to share with the people you support:  Practical tips for caring for someone with cancer   Going home from hospital   Common questions about painkillers  Further information on polypharmacy:  SPS series of articles on polypharmacy. This includes resources , tools, videos and podcasts to support medication reviews   Health Innovation Network (HIN) – National Polypharmacy Programme (England)  NHS Scotland / Scottish Government Polypharmacy Guidance (Realistic Prescribing)  British Geriatrics Society – Polypharmacy & Older Adult Pharmacy Resources   Polypharmacy in Cancer & Long‑Term Conditions Project  We are actively seeking participants: any healthcare professional involved in cancer care or long‑term condition management (including oncology, community and practice‑based pharmacists; oncologists; GPs; oncology, primary care, community and specialist nurses; allied health professionals), as well as patients and carers, to take part in a survey exploring the barriers and enablers to effective polypharmacy management. Please reach out to Sheetal Ladva at sladva@macmillan.org.uk if interested.   Content warning: This episode contains conversations about lived experience of cancer which you may find upsetting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.  This episode aligns with Macmillan's strategic objective to offer more personal support to people affected by cancer and other health conditions. Read more about Macmillan's strategy.  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. 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. 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.

    38 min
  8. Immunotherapy and its late effects

    Mar 4

    Immunotherapy and its late effects

    In this episode, we explore the complex physical and psychological late impacts of immunotherapy treatment, emphasising the importance of early recognition, ongoing support, and person-centred care. Our guests, Charlotte Killeya who has experience of receiving immunotherapy, and Jo Bird, Nurse Consultant in Melanoma and Immunotherapy Late Effects , share personal experiences and clinical insights to better understand what happens long after treatment ends. This episode is produced by Macmillan Cancer Support in collaboration with UKONS. Links from the episode: UK Oncology Nursing Society Macmillan website- What is immunotherapy This episode aligns with Macmillan's strategic objective to work with others to make sure the same treatment and support is accessible to everyone across the UK. Read more about Macmillan's strategy. 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! Let us know any feedback you have about this episode by completing this short survey or get in touch at professionalspodcast@macmillan.org.uk. 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. 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.

    44 min
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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 covered in the episodes are based in the UK and reflect the UK health systems as they were at the time of recording. Listeners are reminded to always refer to their local policies and procedures to ensure they are following the guidelines of their workplace. 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Macmillan Cancer Support
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Macmillan Cancer Support
  • Show Website
    The Cancer Professionals Podcast

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