Taking Control of Cancer

Steve Bland and Femi Odewale are back with another look at the ways in which cancer is making the news. This time we're looking back on a January that's featured an update on King Charles's treatment, a new screening checker to see if YOU qualify for any screening programmes (click here), a cancer diagnosis for a football legend and a call from a Yorkshire woman diagnosed with early stage breast cancer to make sure women who qualify for a mammogram actually attend their appointment.

Plus, it's Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (Jan 19-25) and Steve and Femi are myth-busting! For example, did you know that cervical screening doesn't actually look for cancer?! Cervical screening usually looks for high-risk HPV, not cancer itself. If HPV is found, the sample is then checked for cell changes that could develop into cancer if untreated. Find out more here.

For more info, visit the Eve Appeal or for info on the alliance Health Hubs, head to the North East London Cancer Alliance website.

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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.