In this episode, host Steve Bland is joined by three international nurses currently working in cancer services across north east London - Angie Pol and Robbie Castro, Clinical Nurse Specialists at St Bartholomew’s Hospital and Kristine Mangaliag, a Clinical Nurse Specialist Lung Cancer at Whipps Cross Hospital.
Together, they explore what it truly means to be an international nurse in the UK cancer workforce, sharing personal stories, professional challenges, and moments of growth that shape both careers and patient care.
The conversation begins with personal journeys into nursing, uncovering what inspired each guest to choose the profession and what led them to take the bold step of working abroad. The nurses reflect on the realities of relocating to a new country, including the emotional and practical challenges of starting again in an unfamiliar healthcare system.
Moving into
work life, the episode explores how nursing in the UK compares with practice in their home countries. Guests discuss transferable skills they bring with them, how they adapt to new clinical pathways and systems, and what it’s like navigating the NHS while maintaining high standards of compassionate cancer care.
This episode is released on National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Day, which recognises the importance of the role, raises awareness of career opportunities, and thanks all CNSs across the country for all the hard work they do.
To find out more about Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists, visit:
https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/cancer-clinical-nurse-specialistsRead more about National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Day:
https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/news/national-cancer-clinical-nurse-specialist-day-16-march-2026#NationalCancerCNSDay
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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.