GPs Talk Cancer

GPs Rebecca and Sarah are joined by Stewart O’Callaghan, founder of Outpatients, to discuss the unique barriers LGBTQ patients face throughout the cancer pathway. The episode covers the importance of avoiding assumptions, creating inclusive environments, systemic challenges in cancer screening for LGBTQ populations, and how open communication improves patient outcomes. The panel shares advice on practical steps for GPs, the impact of anticipated discrimination, and the need for sensitive, person-centred cancer care—plus resources and support for both clinicians and patients navigating these issues.

Recommended cancer key articles:

Barriers to early cancer diagnosis in the trans community

Barriers to cervical screening in the LGBTQIA+ community

If you loved this episode and would like to hear more like this, please send your review to [email protected] and share the series with a colleague.

GPs Talk Cancer is the podcast series from GatewayC. GatewayC is the free early cancer diagnosis resource funded by the NHS and is part of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.

View the full shownotes for this episode at Podcast - GatewayC

Produced by GatewayC and Listening Dog Media.

DISCLAIMER: We know this podcast might be of interest to anybody, however it is aimed at primary care health professionals. All patient cases are based on real stories from our clinical practice as GPs. They are fully anonymised with no identifiable patient data. All featured statistics are accurate at the time of recording. All views expressed by guest speakers are their own.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah and Rebecca discuss the crucial assessment of neck lumps, focusing on when to investigate, persistent symptoms in adults and children, and why rigorous safety netting is essential. The conversation explored referral pathways, risks of head and neck cancers, especially in those over 35, and the importance of not dismissing suspicious lumps, even in the presence of normal blood tests.

Recommended cancer key: Assessing neck lumps

If you loved this episode and would like to hear more like this, please send your review to [email protected] and share the series with a colleague.

GPs Talk Cancer is the podcast series from GatewayC. GatewayC is the free early cancer diagnosis resource funded by the NHS and is part of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.

View the full shownotes for this episode at Podcast - GatewayC

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

GPs Sarah and Rebecca discuss whether breast pain is a symptom of breast cancer, drawing on research and clinical experience. The episode explores why breast pain alone is not associated with breast cancer, when further investigation is indicated, and practical approaches for managing symptoms. Discussion covers family history, cyclical versus non-cyclical pain, and effective reassurance strategies for patients.

Recommended cancer key: Is breast pain a symptom of breast cancer?

If you loved this episode and would like to hear more like this, please send your review to [email protected] and share the series with a colleague.

GPs Talk Cancer is the podcast series from GatewayC. GatewayC is the free early cancer diagnosis resource funded by the NHS and is part of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. 

View the full shownotes for this episode at Podcast - GatewayC

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

GPs Rebecca and Sarah are joined by consultant urologist at Salford Royal and former Director of Urology for the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, Mr Sotonye Tolofari to unpack the complexities of prostate cancer screening, PSA testing, and referral pathways in primary care. This episode covers risk factors—including family history, BRCA variants, Black ethnicity, and age—alongside in-depth discussion on when to offer PSA and DRE, the implications of screening, and the latest updates on targeted programmes. The hosts and guest also address patient counselling, overdiagnosis, and the evolving landscape of evidence and policy around early prostate cancer detection.

Recommended cancer key articles:

When should primary care be concerned about a family history of prostate cancer?

A proactive approach to reducing men's cancer risk and mortality

If you loved this episode and would like to hear more like this, please send your review to [email protected] and share the series with a colleague.

GPs Talk Cancer is the podcast series from GatewayC. GatewayC is the free early cancer diagnosis resource funded by the NHS and is part of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. 

View the full shownotes for this episode at Podcast - GatewayC

Produced by GatewayC and Listening Dog Media.

DISCLAIMER: We know this podcast might be of interest to anybody, however it is aimed at primary care health professionals. All patient cases are based on real stories from our clinical practice as GPs. They are fully anonymised with no identifiable patient data. All featured statistics are accurate at the time of recording. All views expressed by guest speakers are their own.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

GPs Rebecca and Sarah talk to Georgia Kennedy about her experience of being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma as a teenager, exploring the challenges of recognising cancer in young people. The episode covers missed opportunities for diagnosis, how communication styles and life experience impact patient presentations, and the importance of continuity and thorough clinical questioning in primary care. Tips and reflections focus on recognising persistent symptoms, being vigilant even with young patients, and applying learning points such as Jess’s Rule and continuity of care.

Recommended cancer key article:

Jess's Rule: Three strikes and we rethink - GatewayC

If you loved this episode and would like to hear more like this, please send your review to [email protected] and share the series with a colleague.

This episode is produced by GatewayC in collaboration with Listening Dog Media.

DISCLAIMER: We know this podcast might be of interest to anybody, however it is aimed at primary care health professionals. All patient cases are based on real stories from our clinical practice as GPs. They are fully anonymised with no identifiable patient data. All featured statistics are accurate at the time of recording. All views expressed by guest speakers are their own.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

GPs discuss the rising incidence of bowel cancer in patients under 50, the challenges of recognising symptoms in younger adults, and the importance of thorough history-taking, family risk assessment, and continuity of care. The conversation explores diagnostic pitfalls such as attributing persistent symptoms to benign causes like IBS or piles, the role of FIT testing, and strategies for prompt follow-up. Key advice is offered for GPs when coding consultations and safety netting for those with ongoing concerns.

Recommended cancer key: Too young for bowel cancer - GatewayC

If you loved this episode and would like to hear more like this, please send your review to [email protected] and share the series with a colleague.

GPs Talk Cancer is the podcast series from GatewayC. GatewayC is the free early cancer diagnosis resource funded by the NHS and is part of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. 

View the full shownotes for this episode at Podcast - GatewayC

Produced by GatewayC and Listening Dog Media.

DISCLAIMER: We know this podcast might be of interest to anybody, however it is aimed at primary care health professionals. All patient cases are based on real stories from our clinical practice as GPs. They are fully anonymised with no identifiable patient data. All featured statistics are accurate at the time of recording. All views expressed by guest speakers are their own.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

GPs discuss the challenges of diagnosing bladder cancer in women, focusing on how urinary symptoms can often be mistakenly attributed to UTIs, leading to delayed diagnosis. The episode explores the importance of urine testing, recognizing microscopic and frank haematuria, coding results correctly, and knowing when to refer, as well as the need for effective communication and follow-up with patients.

Recommended cancer key: Women with bladder cancer are more likely to experience late diagnosis - GatewayC

If you loved this episode and would like to hear more like this, please send your review to [email protected] and share the series with a colleague.

GPs Talk Cancer is the podcast series from GatewayC. GatewayC is the free early cancer diagnosis resource funded by the NHS and is part of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. 

View the full shownotes for this episode at Podcast - GatewayC

Produced by GatewayC and Listening Dog Media.

DISCLAIMER: We know this podcast might be of interest to anybody, however it is aimed at primary care health professionals. All patient cases are based on real stories from our clinical practice as GPs. They are fully anonymised with no identifiable patient data. All featured statistics are accurate at the time of recording. All views expressed by guest speakers are their own.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah and Rebecca discuss the important link between ovarian cancer and new-onset IBS symptoms, exploring why clinicians should be cautious when diagnosing IBS in patients aged 50 and over. They highlight key symptoms such as persistent bloating, abdominal pain, early satiety and changes in bowel habit, and explain how these can differ from the intermittent symptoms typically seen in IBS. The episode also examines the role and limitations of CA125 testing, when to consider pelvic ultrasound, and the importance of safety-netting and follow-up to help avoid missed or delayed diagnoses of ovarian cancer.

If you loved this episode and would like to hear more like this, please send your review to [email protected] and share the series with a colleague.

GPs Talk Cancer is the podcast series from GatewayC. GatewayC is the free early cancer diagnosis resource funded by the NHS and is part of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. 

View the full shownotes for this episode at Podcast - GatewayC

Produced by GatewayC and Listening Dog Media.

DISCLAIMER: We know this podcast might be of interest to anybody, however it is aimed at primary care health professionals. All patient cases are based on real stories from our clinical practice as GPs. They are fully anonymised with no identifiable patient data. All featured statistics are accurate at the time of recording. All views expressed by guest speakers are their own.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

GPs Rebecca and Sarah are joined by patient Sharon Withington to discuss her personal experience of ovarian cancer, from missed early symptoms to the realities of diagnosis and treatment. The episode explores the importance of early detection, managing patient anxieties, the significance of family history, and the role of empathetic care and active follow-up. The hosts highlight the lessons learned in safety netting and how GPs can better support patients through and beyond the cancer journey.

Recommended cancer key articles:

Overactive bladder or something more concerning?

New NICE Guidance for CA125: Why age matters

If you loved this episode and would like to hear more like this, please send your review to [email protected] and share the series with a colleague.

This episode is produced by GatewayC in collaboration with Listening Dog Media.

DISCLAIMER: We know this podcast might be of interest to anybody, however it is aimed at primary care health professionals. All patient cases are based on real stories from our clinical practice as GPs. They are fully anonymised with no identifiable patient data. All featured statistics are accurate at the time of recording. All views expressed by guest speakers are their own.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

GPs Rebecca and Sarah are joined by Dr. Clare van Halsema, Lead for HIV Services at North Manchester General Hospital and Consultant in Infectious Diseases at Manchester University Foundation Trust, to explore the intersection of HIV and cancer in primary care, highlighting key symptoms that overlap, such as weight loss, diarrhoea, and recurrent infections. The episode tackles the ongoing stigma surrounding HIV, the importance of routine and opt-out HIV testing, and how to normalize HIV screening as part of standard patient care. Key indicator conditions, updating risk assessment practices, and supporting patients living longer with HIV are discussed, along with practical guidance for GPs and the significance of multidisciplinary care.

Recommended cancer key:

Cancer or HIV? Understanding the importance of symptom overlap

If you loved this episode and would like to hear more like this, please send your review to [email protected] and share the series with a colleague.

GPs Talk Cancer is the podcast series from GatewayC. GatewayC is the free early cancer diagnosis resource funded by the NHS and is part of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. 

View the full shownotes for this episode at Podcast - GatewayC

Produced by GatewayC and Listening Dog Media.

DISCLAIMER: We know this podcast might be of interest to anybody, however it is aimed at primary care health professionals. All patient cases are based on real stories from our clinical practice as GPs. They are fully anonymised with no identifiable patient data. All featured statistics are accurate at the time of recording. All views expressed by guest speakers are their own.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.