Taking Control of Cancer

In this episode of Taking Control of Cancer, host Steve Bland is joined by the charity MOVE Against Cancer, and some of the people at the heart of the inspiring 5k Your Way movement. Together, they explore how physical activity can play a powerful role in cancer prevention, treatment, recovery, and quality of life.

The conversation features Caroline Frith, a 5k Your Way ambassador from North East London who is living with cancer, sharing her personal experience of staying active during and after treatment. Caroline reflects on how 5k Your Way has provided not just motivation to move, but also a supportive community that understands the realities of cancer, creating space for people to take part at their own pace, whether that’s walking, jogging, volunteering, or simply showing up.

Steve is also joined by Dr Lucy Gossage, oncologist and co-founder of MOVE Against Cancer, who brings clinical insight into why exercise matters at every stage of the cancer pathway. Lucy discusses the growing evidence that physical activity can reduce the risk of certain cancers, help people tolerate treatment better, reduce side effects, and improve both physical and mental wellbeing.

5k Your Way is just one of the charity's projects and has over 110 groups set up at various Park Runs all over Uk & Ireland, with more opening each month. All are supported by volunteer Ambassadors who each have their own reasons to turn up and help others.

More information is on their website: https://www.moveagainstcancer.org/

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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.