Returning to work after cancer can be both a hopeful milestone and a daunting challenge. For many people living with and beyond cancer, work represents normality, purpose and financial security — but it can also bring anxiety, fatigue and difficult emotions.

In this episode of Taking Control of Cancer, host Steve Bland is joined by Mark Guymer, CEO of the charity Cancer Support UK, and Sarita Yaganti, from the alliance, to explore what going back to work really looks like after a cancer diagnosis, and how both employees and employers can make the process healthier, kinder and more successful.

Together, they unpack the emotional and practical realities cancer patients often face when re-entering the workplace. From managing lingering side effects such as fatigue, brain fog and pain, to navigating awkward conversations with colleagues who may not know what to say, returning to work can feel overwhelming.

The episode also addresses stigma and fear, including worries about being perceived as less capable, concerns about job security, and the very real fear of cancer recurrence that can resurface under stress.

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In this episode of Taking Control of Cancer, host Steve Bland is joined by Dr Angela Wong, Chief Medical Officer, Sarita Yaganti, Programme Lead for Personalised Cancer Care, and Yvonne Beadle, Workforce Programme Manager, all from North East London Cancer Alliance.

Together, they explore the development of the Alliance’s new Workforce Strategy and the extensive collaboration, insight, and commitment that has gone into shaping it. With cancer services facing unprecedented demand and ongoing workforce challenges, this strategy sets out a clear, ambitious plan to support, grow, and sustain the cancer workforce across north east London.

The conversation looks at why workforce planning is such a critical enabler of high-quality cancer care, and how investing in people directly translates into better experiences and outcomes for patients. Sarita and Yvonne discuss how the strategy reflects the realities of working in cancer services today, from recruitment and retention pressures to the need for new roles, new skills, and more personalised approaches to care.

Listeners will hear how the strategy has been informed by staff voices across disciplines and settings, ensuring it is grounded in real-world experience. The episode also explores how workforce development supports personalised cancer care, improves equity of access, and helps ensure that patients receive the right care, from the right professional, at the right time.

For more information about the cancer alliance’s Workforce Strategy, visit: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/our-workforce-strategy

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In this episode of Taking Control of Cancer, host Steve Bland is joined by Wayne Douglas, Diagnosis and Treatment Programme Lead, and Angela Wong, Chief Medical Officer, both from the North East London Cancer Alliance; and George Hawkins from Pathfinder Intelligence, to explore how the alliance is developing a comprehensive AI strategy aimed at improving cancer outcomes across the region.

The discussion begins by addressing the system pressures driving the strategy. Cancer incidence is rising, referrals have increased, and diagnostic services are under sustained strain.

Against this backdrop, the alliance is exploring how artificial intelligence can help shift the NHS conversation from simply digitising frontline services to improving frontline productivity and clinical capacity. Rather than adopting AI as a novelty or isolated innovation, the alliance is taking a deliberate, proactive approach to embedding it within cancer pathways.

The episode highlights how the strategy links productivity, sustainability, and patient safety. AI solutions such as chest X-ray triage illustrate how technology can prioritise urgent cases more effectively, improving safety while also reducing wasted clinician time and easing pressure on imaging services. Crucially, these productivity gains can help offset the costs of AI tools, supporting financial sustainability at a time when healthcare budgets are under pressure.

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It's that time of the month again when Steve Bland and Femi Odewale dissect the month's cancer news - and this time it's March 2026.

Steve and Femi cover National CNS Day, how the alliance is reducing cancer inequalities for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities; research from the European Code Against Cancer which says tackling air pollution should be part of government work to cut cancer rates; 30 years of Maggie's centres and a new study that has found that globally, six cancers are rising faster in younger adults than older ones.

For more information about National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Day and the videos of clinical nurse specialists, visit: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/news/national-cancer-clinical-nurse-specialist-day-16-march-2026 or watch the videos on YouTube:

• Ruth: https://youtu.be/_ZtjNhta1Is
• Jessica: https://youtu.be/0WNlMcLo0iM
• Marisa: https://youtu.be/8IOlI7qgu6U
• Message from Marisa for National Cancer CNS Day: https://youtube.com/shorts/CEXUA73tYFM?feature=share

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In this episode, host Steve Bland is joined by three international nurses currently working in cancer services across north east London - Angie Pol and Robbie Castro, Clinical Nurse Specialists at St Bartholomew’s Hospital and Kristine Mangaliag, a Clinical Nurse Specialist Lung Cancer at Whipps Cross Hospital.

Together, they explore what it truly means to be an international nurse in the UK cancer workforce, sharing personal stories, professional challenges, and moments of growth that shape both careers and patient care.

The conversation begins with personal journeys into nursing, uncovering what inspired each guest to choose the profession and what led them to take the bold step of working abroad. The nurses reflect on the realities of relocating to a new country, including the emotional and practical challenges of starting again in an unfamiliar healthcare system.

Moving into work life, the episode explores how nursing in the UK compares with practice in their home countries. Guests discuss transferable skills they bring with them, how they adapt to new clinical pathways and systems, and what it’s like navigating the NHS while maintaining high standards of compassionate cancer care.

This episode is released on National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Day, which recognises the importance of the role, raises awareness of career opportunities, and thanks all CNSs across the country for all the hard work they do.

To find out more about Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists, visit: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/cancer-clinical-nurse-specialists

Read more about National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Day: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/news/national-cancer-clinical-nurse-specialist-day-16-march-2026

#NationalCancerCNSDay

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In this episode, host Steve Bland chats to Kate Williams, the Macmillan Cancer CNS Development Lead (CDL) for North East London Cancer Alliance, and Rani Petros, a Clinical Nurse Specialist Uro Oncology at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, to delve into an exciting new pilot project that aims to transform the future of cancer nursing across London.

The CDL pilot project is a three-year initiative, delivered in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support and NHS England, designed to address workforce challenges by embedding a dedicated Development Lead role into each London Integrated Care System area.

Kate explains why the CDL role was created — highlighting the pressing need to tackle high vacancy rates, retention issues, and limited exposure to cancer nursing during initial training — and how the pilot supports newly qualified and early-career Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) to build confidence, autonomy and leadership skills.

Through a blend of one-to-one mentoring, group education sessions, and outreach activities, the CDL role also promotes the CNS career pathway and fosters a resilient, skilled workforce capable of meeting future cancer care needs.

This episode is released on National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Day, which recognises the importance of the role, raises awareness of career opportunities, and thanks all CNSs across the country for all the hard work they do.

To find out more about the Macmillan CDL pilot, visit https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/macmillan-cancer-cns-development-lead-cdl

Read more about National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Day: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/news/national-cancer-clinical-nurse-specialist-day-16-march-2026

#NationalCancerCNSDay

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The North East London Cancer Alliance has been working closely with local communities to develop a cancer inequalities strategy that aims to close the gap in cancer outcomes across the region.

In this episode, host Steve Bland is joined by Caroline Cook, Early Diagnosis Programme Lead at the North East London Cancer Alliance, and Tiago Moutela, Associate Director at Claremont. Together, they explore the extensive engagement work that brought together voices from a wide range of diverse communities across north east London.

The conversation highlights why meaningful community input is essential, how different groups shared their experiences of cancer care, and how these insights will be used to shape a strategy designed to improve access, experience and outcomes for everyone affected by cancer.

Listeners will hear how the Cancer Alliance, working in partnership with Claremont, undertook extensive engagement with a diverse range of communities, including groups who are often underrepresented in healthcare decision-making. The discussion explores the methods used to reach these communities, the insights they shared, and how their lived experiences will influence strategic priorities.

The episode demonstrates how co-production and listening to local voices can lead to more inclusive, equitable cancer care and better outcomes across north east London.

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Getting a bowel screening result is just the first step. For some, follow-up tests are needed to make sure everything is okay. In this episode of Taking Control of Cancer, host Steve Bland talks through what happens after bowel screening, what further tests might be recommended, and what you can expect from the process.

We also highlight why attending these appointments is so essential and how the NHS supports people through this journey, helping to catch problems early when they’re easiest to treat.

Clare McGeady from the bowel screening service helps explain what a colonoscopy is, what it is looking for and why you might need one. She talks through some of the myths and fears to provide reassurance for patients who are invited to attend a colonoscopy, and highlights just how essential it is to attend your appointment.

For more information about what a colonoscopy is, visit https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/colonoscopy/

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