Taking Control of Cancer

In this episode host Steve Bland headed to Whipps Cross University Hospital to speak to hospital CEO Dr Amanjit Jhund, whose unique experience, from hospital leader to cancer patient and back, offers rare and invaluable insights. 

We explore how his personal experience with a stage 2, grade 2 pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour shaped his leadership, deepened his commitment to equity and integration, and influenced his vision for the hospital and broader healthcare services in north east London.
 
Amanjit, Harvard-trained epidemiologist, McKinsey alumnus, entrepreneur, and pancreatic cancer survivor, shares candid reflections on how becoming a patient opened his eyes to the strengths, gaps, and emotional complexities within NHS care. 
 
From witnessing integration across Whipps Cross, The Royal London, and St Bartholomew’s, to championing equality, diversity, and inclusion, his dual perspective offers a rare lens on service improvement. 
 
This heartfelt and inspiring episode will resonate with anyone interested in leadership, resilience, and the human face of cancer care.

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.