Taking Control of Cancer

This part two of our episode from Highgate School, which is all about checking your balls: A life-saving guide for boys and young men to help them look out for signs of testicular cancer at an early age.

Host Steve Bland headed to Highgate School to speak to James Green, Consultant Urological Surgeon at Barts Health, and Vicky Stubbs, National Education Expert, about all things testicular cancer: the warning signs, how to self-check, and when - and how - to take action.
 
Aimed at boys, young men, parents, teachers, and anyone supporting boys’ health, this episode covers the key facts, busts common myths, and offers practical, potentially life-saving advice.
 
In part two the guests are also joined by Head of Year 7, Phil Bartlett, who shares how schools are playing a key role in raising awareness, and why talking openly about this topic could save a life.
 
The key, as with other forms of cancer, is early diagnosis. This is achieved through knowing the signs of symptoms, regular self-checking and then taking action if you do find anything. It is unlikely to be cancer or anything serious, but if there is something that needs looking into, the earlier the better as treatment is likely to be easier.
 
James and Vicky talk about the fantastic range of education resources available, co-developed with Highgate School in north London. For more information visit www.testicularhealth.info

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.