Taking Control of Cancer

In this month's cancer news round-up, Steve Bland is joined by the Alliance's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Angela Wong, to chew over August 2026. Steve and Angela talk about news that The Office star Lucy Davis's cancer is incurable and how 12 pharmacies across the East Midlands and London are now offering the EndoSign capsule sponge test to patients with persistent heartburn or acid reflux in order to screen for oesophageal cancer.

They also talk about research that shows how regularly checking in with patients with metastatic breast cancer by way of an app to enquire about their well-being – and responding promptly – can alleviate their debilitating fatigue and make their daily lives easier. And finally, they chat through the Macmillan Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Development Lead Pilot scheme, which has been shortlisted for a 2026 HSJ Award.

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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.