Episode 37: Getting men to talk about their prostate

In this powerful episode of Taking Control of Cancer, the North East London Cancer Alliance shines a spotlight on prostate cancer, which is one of the most common cancers affecting men, yet one surrounded by silence, stigma, and late diagnosis.

Host Steve Bland welcomes two remarkable guests, Yinka and Mike, both prostate cancer survivors whose journeys have transformed them into advocates and community voices. 

Through honesty and humour, they share how their diagnoses changed their lives, how they navigated treatment, and why they now dedicate their time to helping other men, especially those in diverse and underserved communities across north east London, recognise the importance of knowing their risk and getting checked early.

For more prostate cancer advice, check out the resources available at Prostate Cancer UK.

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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.