Episode 68: Telling breast cancer to 'Go and Do One'

In this episode of Taking Control of Cancer, host Steve Bland is joined by Deborah Fox, whose life changed after attending what she thought would be a routine breast screening appointment. She had no symptoms and felt completely well when she received her invitation for a mammogram. However, further tests following her screening led to a diagnosis of breast cancer.

Deborah shares her experience of receiving the news, the treatment that followed, and the emotional impact of living with cancer. She reflects on how a routine appointment may have saved her life and explains why she decided to document her journey by writing a book, Cancer Can Go and Do One!! Through her writing, Deborah hopes to offer reassurance, practical advice and hope to others who may be facing a similar diagnosis.

Joining the conversation are Mansi Tara and Yvonne Tapper from the North East London breast screening service, who explain how the NHS Breast Screening Programme works, who is eligible, what happens during a mammogram, and why screening remains one of the most effective ways of finding breast cancer early.

You can buy Deborah's book here!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cancer-Can-Go-Do-One-ebook/dp/B0HJ67H2LG/

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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.