In this episode Steve Bland is joined by Femi Odewale and Paul Thomas, from the North East London Cancer Alliance, to dissect the big cancer stories making the news in December 2025.
In this episode:
1. The UK's National Screening Committee has recommended that only a very small group of men at high risk of prostate cancer should be screened for the disease. Read more here, check out our podcast episode with prostate cancer patients Mike and Yinka and read about the alliance's 'It's Not a Game' campaign here.
2. Adrian Chiles has revealed he’s undergone an operation to remove a cancerous patch of skin from his shoulder. The TV presenter’s diagnosis arrived after he spotted a suspicious skin patch, which a biopsy later confirmed to be cancerous. Read more here.
3. The National Cancer Patient Experience Survey (NCPES) is now live. NCPES gives people who have received cancer treatment the opportunity to share their experiences directly with the NHS. Every response plays a vital role in shaping how cancer services are designed, delivered, and improved. For more information on NCPES, click here.
4. Stand Up To Cancer returned on Friday with new campaign by Channel 4 and Cancer Research UK to drive awareness of NHS cancer screening programmes and raise funds for groundbreaking cancer research. Read more here.
And finally....we'd love to hear what you think of this podcast. We've got big plans for 2026 but this is your chance to shape what we cover! Click here to fill out our (very short) survey.
In this powerful episode of Taking Control of Cancer, the North East London Cancer Alliance shines a spotlight on prostate cancer, which is one of the most common cancers affecting men, yet one surrounded by silence, stigma, and late diagnosis.
Host Steve Bland welcomes two remarkable guests, Yinka and Mike, both prostate cancer survivors whose journeys have transformed them into advocates and community voices.
Through honesty and humour, they share how their diagnoses changed their lives, how they navigated treatment, and why they now dedicate their time to helping other men, especially those in diverse and underserved communities across north east London, recognise the importance of knowing their risk and getting checked early.
For more prostate cancer advice, check out the resources available at Prostate Cancer UK.
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In this episode, Steve Bland is joined by Sarah Koya, Patient Experience and Engagement Lead, at the North East London Cancer Alliance, and patients Samina Hussain and Dawn Williams to discuss the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey (NCPES) — an important national initiative that gives people living with and beyond cancer the opportunity to share their views on the care they receive.
The survey, commissioned by NHS England and conducted annually, is sent to patients who have received cancer treatment as an inpatient or outpatient during a specific period (April, May & June). It asks about every stage of the cancer journey, from diagnosis, tests, and treatment, through to support after care, giving patients the chance to share what went well and what could be improved.
The feedback from tens of thousands of patients across England helps the NHS understand what matters most to those affected by cancer. It plays a vital role in shaping how services are designed and delivered, from improving communication between healthcare teams, to ensuring timely diagnosis, better emotional support, and equitable access to care.
However, in North East London, as in other parts of the country, some communities are underrepresented in the survey responses, particularly patients from Black African and Caribbean backgrounds. This means that their voices and experiences may not be fully reflected in how services are improved, which is why encouraging greater participation from all communities is so important.
In our latest round up of all the ways in which cancer is making the news, host Steve Bland and Femi Odewale, the managing director the North East London Cancer Alliance, talk Movember, find out why ultra-processed foods are being linked with bowel cancer and discuss a survey carried out by Cancer Research UK which found that more than half of Britons who have a possible cancer symptom do not contact their GP over fears they won't be able to get an appointment.
Steve and Femi also celebrate the news that Taking Control of Cancer has been downloaded in 50 countries around the world AND introduce the Alliance's new WhatsApp channel, launched to share all the latest news from the Alliance. You can access the channel using this link https://bit.ly/4oSF8Ku.
Please let us know what you think of our podcasts and complete this short feedback form (it will only take five minutes).
In this episode Steve Bland and guests talk pancreatic cancer - a cancer often called the “silent cancer” because its symptoms can be subtle and easy to miss. But awareness can make a life-saving difference.
Steve is joined by Alfie Bailey-Bearfield, Head of Influencing and Health Improvement at Pancreatic Cancer UK, and Rishi Athwal, Early Diagnosis Project Manager, North East London Cancer Alliance, to shine a light on one of the toughest cancers to detect.
Together, they discuss the key signs and symptoms everyone should know, along with the latest facts and statistics about pancreatic cancer in the UK. Alfie also shares exciting developments in research, including a new breath test that could transform early detection, and explains why spotting pancreatic cancer early is so critical.
The conversation also covers the work of EUROPAC, which looks at the role of genetics and family history in pancreatic cancer, and introduces Pancreatic Cancer UK’s Family History Checker, a tool designed to help people understand their own risk.
This is an essential listen for anyone who wants to understand more about pancreatic cancer, the importance of early diagnosis, and how we can all play a part in raising awareness.
For more information, visit the Pancreatic Cancer UK website: https://www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/
In the third of our special episodes looking at how cancer is making the news, Steve Bland and North East London Cancer Alliance Managing Director Femi Odewale sift through the stories that made the news in October 2025.
Steve and Femi talk Strictly, hip-shaking, Movember moustaches, breast screening and why there are calls for menopause support to be included in cancer treatment plans.
Plus Femi explains why he's excited about an article in the British Journal of Urology International on prostate cancer which was co-authored by a leading North East London surgeon. Read that right here.
This episode of Taking Control of Cancer 'Sharing Lynda’s Story: Love, loss and lessons in breast cancer care', is dedicated to Lynda Soltysiak.
In this deeply moving episode, host Steve Bland speaks to Chris Soltysiak, a patient and carer representative from the North East London Cancer Alliance, as he shares the story of his late wife, Lynda.
Lynda dedicated over 30 years of her life to the NHS, supporting others with compassion and commitment, yet when her own symptoms of breast cancer emerged, her journey through the healthcare system was marked by delays, missed opportunities, and heartbreaking loss.
Chris opens up about Lynda’s courage, her love for her family, and her enduring dedication to others, even in the final weeks of her life. He also reflects on the challenges faced by carers, the impact of missed diagnoses, and the changes that are needed in cancer awareness and support.
Through this story, Chris offers powerful lessons for patients, carers, and healthcare professionals alike — reminding us of the importance of persistence, advocacy, and compassion in the face of cancer.
In this episode host Steve Bland and guests explore a lesser known cancer that impacts thousands of people each year in England. Around 6,000 people each year in England are diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer, but because symptoms can be vague or mistaken for other conditions, diagnosis is often delayed, making awareness among both patients and healthcare professionals vital.
Steve is joined by Cathy Bouvier-Ellis, CEO and Co-Founder of Neuroendocrine Cancer UK, along with Jane Aylott, a patient sharing her lived experience, and Sarita Yaganti, Programme Lead for Personalised Cancer Care at the North East London Cancer Alliance, to discuss the challenges of diagnosing neuroendocrine cancer, the signs and symptoms to look out for, treatment options available, and the importance of connecting patients with specialist support networks.
Whether you are a patient, carer, or healthcare professional, this conversation sheds light on why early recognition matters and how support can make a huge difference for patients with neuroendocrine cancer.
Key facts and stats
· Around 6,000 people are diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) each year in the UK.
· NETs account for about 1–2% of all cancers, but incidence has been increasing over the past two decades.
· Many patients experience delays of 5–7 years on average before receiving an accurate diagnosis.
· Common sites include the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and lungs.
In the second of our special episodes looking at how cancer is making the news, Steve Bland and North East London Cancer Alliance Managing Director Femi Odewale sift through the stories making the news in September 2025.
From two of sport's biggest names inspiring through talking about their own cancer stories, to a chart topper rerturning to the stage after breast cancer surgery, this episode has it all. Plus we cover what's going on in Demmark to set them apart when it comes to early diagnosis.
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.
In this special two-part episode of Taking Control of Cancer, we’re diving into a topic that could save lives - breast screening. Every year, breast screening helps detect cancer early, when it's most treatable. Yet many people still feel unsure, anxious, or even avoid making the appointment.
So in these episodes Steve Bland is joined by Mansi Tara, Health Promotion Lead, and Claire Mabena, Lead Nurse, both from the North London and Central and East London Breast Screening Service to take you through everything you need to know, from what actually happens at a breast screening appointment to why it’s so important, and what the latest facts and figures tell us.
We also address some of the most common concerns and misconceptions, as we know that fear, confusion, and lack of information can be real barriers. Whether you’ve never been for a screening before or you’re encouraging a friend or family member to go, we want to offer clarity, reassurance, and honest answers. Breast screening isn’t just another appointment, it’s a powerful step in protecting your health.
The first part of this episode will be a ‘back-to-basics’ guide, covering every aspect of the patient’s journey, from receiving the invite letter to making the appointment, attending and receiving the results. It will look at why it is so important, what it checks for and what the age ranges are.
The second part will look at some of the myths and barriers to attending and how we can overcome these to help increase the uptake.
In this special two-part episode of Taking Control of Cancer, we’re diving into a topic that could save lives - breast screening. Every year, breast screening helps detect cancer early, when it's most treatable. Yet many people still feel unsure, anxious, or even avoid making the appointment.
So in this episode Steve Bland is joined by Mansi Tara, Health Promotion Lead, and Claire Mabena, Lead Nurse, both from the North London and Central and East London Breast Screening Service to take you through everything you need to know, from what actually happens at a breast screening appointment to why it’s so important, and what the latest facts and figures tell us.
We also address some of the most common concerns and misconceptions, as we know that fear, confusion, and lack of information can be real barriers. Whether you’ve never been for a screening before or you’re encouraging a friend or family member to go, we want to offer clarity, reassurance, and honest answers. Breast screening isn’t just another appointment, it’s a powerful step in protecting your health.
The first part of this episode will be a ‘back-to-basics’ guide, covering every aspect of the patient’s journey, from receiving the invite letter to making the appointment, attending and receiving the results. It will look at why it is so important, what it checks for and what the age ranges are.
The second part will look at some of the myths and barriers to attending and how we can overcome these to help increase the uptake.
For many patients, completing their cancer treatment is only just the start of difficult times ahead. Life After Cancer, a specialist charity led by founder Steph Davies, is aiming to change that. That's because 92% of their cancer community told them they find life after cancer harder than cancer treatment.
In this episode host Steve Bland is joined by Steph and Sarita Yaganti, the Programme Lead for Personalised Cancer Care at the North East London Cancer Alliance, to explore some of these challenges in more detail and offer some top tips for cancer patients in how they can improve their quality of life after going through their cancer treatment.
From practical, every day steps people can introduce to their daily routine, to more in-depth levels of support, this podcast is a must for cancer patients, and their families, friends and colleagues.
Steph Davies is an ICF trained coach, NLP Practitioner and Mental Health First Aider. She facilitates our support groups and coaching programmes.
After completing chemotherapy for Hodgkins Lymphoma, Steph realised that the world was a very different colour post cancer. Cancer shaped her life, so she created this space to support others in shaping theirs. Visit https://www.life-aftercancer.co.uk/.
In the first of a new mini-series of monthly episodes looking at cancer in the news, host Steve Bland is joined by Femi Odewale, Managing Director, and Paul Thomas, Communications and Engagement Lead, from North East London Cancer Alliance.
Together, they unpack the latest cancer headlines from across England, exploring what they mean for patients, cancer services, and the work of the Alliance. From new research developments and celebrities speaking out about their experiences, to updates in cancer care and Formula 1 drivers, this is your monthly round-up of the news that matters.
To find out more about the projects mentioned in this podcast, visit https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/
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
Did you know that testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in boys and young men, but when found early, it's over 99% curable? This episode - in two parts because it was THAT good we didn't want to cut it short - 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.
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
The weather is changing and the summer holidays are almost here so we're talking skin cancer on this episode of Taking Control of Cancer. Host Steve Bland is joined by Dr Tom McLeod, the Clinical Lead for the Skin Expert Reference Group, and Rosie O’Dea, who is a Project Manager in the Diagnosis & Treatment at the NHS North East London Cancer Alliance, for a life-saving conversation about better skin care, smarter skin cancer detection, and how rapid diagnosis is changing outcomes.
As the summer holidays approach, many of us look forward to enjoying the sun, but without proper precautions, that sunshine can carry serious risks. In this episode, we explore how skin cancer, one of the most common forms of cancer in the UK, can often be prevented or cured if caught early.
Tom and Rosie talk about the essential steps individuals and families can take to protect their skin both at home and abroad, from choosing the right sunscreen, how to apply it to kids, and recognising early warning signs, to knowing when to seek medical advice.
We also go behind the scenes to explore the groundbreaking work underway to revolutionise skin cancer diagnosis. From Artificial Intelligence tools helping clinicians prioritise and assess images faster, to streamlined referral systems and digital dermatology services, innovation is helping provide quicker reassurance for the majority and faster treatment for those who need it most.
For information about the latest campaign from the cancer alliance on sun safety visit: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/LDN-get-sun-set
In this episode host Steve Bland explores the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cancer diagnosis with Oliver Hawkins, Senior Project Manager, at the North East London Cancer Alliance; Angela Wong, the Chief Medical Officer at the North East London Cancer Alliance; and Basab Bhattacharya, who is a Consultant radiologist with an interest in body imaging, clinical informatics and artificial intelligence, at the Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust.
In particular, we're looking at a project in North East London which aims to reduce the wait time for chest X-ray results from three weeks to just three days for scans with significant findings (https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/news/using-artificial-intelligence-faster-chest-x-ray-results)
In collaboration with Sectra and Qure.ai, North East London Cancer Alliance is using the Sectra Amplifier services integrating Qure.ai qXR AI tool to help radiologists and reporting radiographers prioritise urgent cases, enhance decision-making, and streamline the patient journey.
By prioritising urgent cases and quickly sorting through unremarkable ones, the AI system reduces delays in diagnosing critical conditions like lung cancer. This means patients can receive faster treatment when needed, improving their outcomes by ensuring timely care. For those without cancer, the system provides quicker reassurance, giving them peace of mind sooner.
This podcast discusses the benefits of using AI, as well as the challenges and barriers. It also focuses on patient safety as a key priority and helps explain how the nee technology is being introduced safely into cancer care.
In part two of our special from the UK Oncology Forum in Harrogate, Steve Bland is once again joined by Wayne Douglas, Programme Lead for Diagnosis and Treatment at the North East London Cancer Alliance, to talk about a potentially life-saving pilot project between the alliance and Natera, who are a world-leader in cell-free DNA testing with a focus on women’s health, oncology and organ health.
Steve and Wayne are joined by Dr Francesca Jackson-Spence, Clinical Research fellow in Genitourinary oncology at Bart’s Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, PhD candidate; and Dr Angel A. Rodriguez, MD Oncology and Senior Medical Director at Natera.
The project will evaluate the real-world impact in an NHS setting of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) testing using Signatera™ to inform follow-on treatment decisions of early stage urothelial and gastro-intestinal cancer patients. Signatera™ is a personalised and highly sensitive tumour-informed cDNA test for molecular residual disease detection (MRD), to inform treatment decisions for cancer patients with solid tumours.
This pilot will help better select the patients who need treatments, and de-escalate therapy for those who don’t need it
This special episode (in two parts) comes from day one of the UK Oncology Forum in Harrogate.
In part one, Steve Bland is joined by Wayne Douglas, Programme Lead for Diagnosis and Treatment; and Project Manager Rosie O'Dea, both from the North East London Cancer Alliance; and Molly Pipping, Senior Programme Lead for Workforce & Education at the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, to talk about innovation and collaboration between the cancer alliances.
This episode explores how cutting-edge innovation is transforming cancer diagnosis and treatment. We spotlight the game-changing role of AI, emerging technologies, and the power of cancer alliances in delivering faster, more accurate diagnostics - and ultimately, saving lives.
We also reflect on the vital role of collaboration, both across cancer alliances and with wider system partners, as a driving force behind progress.
Look out for part two!