Taking Control of Cancer

In the first of three episodes recorded at the brand new breast cancer centre of excellence at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, host Steve Bland finds out how the idea for the groundbreaking centre came about, how it's going to transform the way breast cancer is treated in this part of London and how Barts Charity has helped fund the centre.

To do that, Steve is joined by Laura Johnson, the surgical lead at the Breast Cancer Centre, and Fiona Miller Smith, the Chief Executive of Barts Charity, who tells Steve all about the 'Here For It' campaign being run by the charity to raise money to further support the centre.

About the Breast Cancer Centre:

With support from Barts Charity, the centre, which is based across the hospital's Smithfield and Giltspur wings, brings together surgery, reconstruction, diagnostics and outpatient care under one roof — making it easier to access the right care, at the right time.

Designed to reduce delays and improve outcomes, it offers women faster diagnosis, safer surgery and fairer access to leading treatments and clinical trials. As part of the wider cancer services, it reflects the hospital's commitment to improving survival and quality of life for everyone affected by cancer.

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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.