Taking Control of Cancer

The weather is changing and the summer holidays are almost here so we're talking skin cancer on this episode of Taking Control of Cancer. Host Steve Bland is joined by Dr Tom McLeod, the Clinical Lead for the Skin Expert Reference Group, and Rosie O’Dea, who is a Project Manager in the Diagnosis & Treatment at the NHS North East London Cancer Alliance, for a life-saving conversation about better skin care, smarter skin cancer detection, and how rapid diagnosis is changing outcomes.

As the summer holidays approach, many of us look forward to enjoying the sun, but without proper precautions, that sunshine can carry serious risks. In this episode, we explore how skin cancer, one of the most common forms of cancer in the UK, can often be prevented or cured if caught early.

Tom and Rosie talk about the essential steps individuals and families can take to protect their skin both at home and abroad, from choosing the right sunscreen, how to apply it to kids, and recognising early warning signs, to knowing when to seek medical advice.

We also go behind the scenes to explore the groundbreaking work underway to revolutionise skin cancer diagnosis. From Artificial Intelligence tools helping clinicians prioritise and assess images faster, to streamlined referral systems and digital dermatology services, innovation is helping provide quicker reassurance for the majority and faster treatment for those who need it most.

For information about the latest campaign from the cancer alliance on sun safety visit: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/LDN-get-sun-set

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What is Taking Control of Cancer?

Welcome to Taking Control of Cancer, the podcast from the North East London Cancer Alliance. Think of us as your ‘how to’ guide when it comes to busting common cancer myths, overcoming fears and barriers, and improving cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care.

This series aims to provide both patients and healthcare professionals with tangible things they can do to help when it comes to cancer. Whilst we know not all cancers are preventable, there are things we can all do that could make a positive difference to the health and wellbeing of our family, friends and colleagues.

There are two underlying themes across all episodes – the importance of early diagnosis, and reducing health inequalities.

Host:
Steve Bland is an award-winning podcaster and producer and one of the three presenters of the BBC podcast You, Me and the Big C, which was set up by his first wife - BBC presenter Rachael Bland - before her death from triple negative breast cancer in 2018.

Regular guests:
Dr Angela Wong, Chief Medical Officer, North East London Cancer Alliance:
Angela is a driving force behind improving cancer diagnostics for residents across north east London. As Chief Medical Officer for the North East London Cancer Alliance, Angela works tirelessly on delivering innovation and service improvements for cancer patients.

Femi Odewale, Managing Director, North East London Cancer Alliance:
Femi leads the programme teams from the North East London Cancer Alliance across three core areas of work: Early Diagnosis, Diagnosis and Treatment, and Personalised Care.