Taking Control of Cancer

This episode of Taking Control of Cancer features an inspirational breast cancer story from diagnosis to treatment and recovery. Host Steve Bland and North East London Cancer Alliance Managing Director Femi Odewale speak to Pamela Okyere, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2021.

When Pamela was diagnosed, her immediate thought was that she was going to die. However, after surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy she is now cancer free. Pamela wants to make a difference in her community by changing the narrative around cancer in minority communities and helping to raise awareness.

Pamela shares her breast cancer story, starting with her diagnosis and then moving on to her treatment and support. She introduces the great work of charity Black Women Rising, for which she is an ambassador, and talks about how we can help minority communities to come forward, like Pamela did, for life-saving treatment.

For more information on the North East London Cancer Alliance click here.

 

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.