Taking Control of Cancer

For this World Cancer Day special episode, Steve Bland and Femi Odewale, Managing Director of North East London Cancer Alliance, are joined by Dr Jagan John — a GP at Aurora Medcare, GPwSI in Cardiology at BDCHS, Personalised Care Clinical Director for NHS England (London), and Primary Care Board Representative for NEL ICB.
 
Together, they explore the significance of World Cancer Day, the launch of the National Cancer Plan for England, and what these national ambitions mean on the ground for patients and communities in north east London.
 
Following the launch of the National Cancer Plan for England, Femi talks through the key priorities of the plan and what they mean specifically for North East London Cancer Alliance. 
 
As one of the top-performing cancer alliances in the country, consistently meeting and exceeding the three national cancer standards, the Alliance is well placed to build on strong foundations. Femi reflects on what has driven this performance to date, where there is still more to do, and how the new national plan provides both opportunities and challenges for cancer alliances and the communities they serve.
 
Drawing on his frontline experience as a GP, Dr John reflects on how cancer policy translates into day-to-day primary care — from prevention and early diagnosis to personalised, compassionate support for people living with and beyond 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.