IANO Podcast

In this energising and hope-filled episode of the IANO Podcast, hosts Ada Kinneally and Sheilah Broderick speak with Dr. Emer Guinan, Associate Professor in Cancer Rehabilitation and Survivorship at Trinity College Dublin and Madeline Harney, PhD researcher at South East Technological University Waterford to explore the role of exercise in cancer recovery. Together they discuss how personalised exercise programmes — like those delivered by PERCS (Personalised Exercise Rehabilitation in Cancer Survivorship) — support patients to rebuild strength, confidence and independence throughout and after treatment.

The conversation shines a light on emerging research around restoring physical autonomy, including experiences of people recovering from brain tumours and the importance of including all patient voices — even those traditionally under-represented in research.

This episode explores:

- What PERCS offers and how personalised exercise supports recovery.

- The concept of physical autonomy after cancer and real patient experiences.

- Fatigue, treatment effects and emotional challenges during rehabilitation.

- Evidence-based exercise approaches & safety considerations.

- The role of nurses in recognising needs and signposting patients.

- How multidisciplinary and community-based programmes enhance outcomes.

- The future of exercise oncology and survivorship research in Ireland.

With practical tips, compassionate discussion and inspiring patient-centred thinking, this episode highlights exercise as a powerful, accessible tool in cancer recovery — and underscores the vital role nurses play in supporting and advocating for rehabilitation pathways.

Episode links:

PERCS website: www.cancerrehabilitation.ie

CHALLENGE trial publication: 

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2502760

Bone Metastases and Exercise Hub: https://cancerexercise.med.ubc.ca/bmehub/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/madeline-harney

https://www.exwell.ie/

https://www.sportireland.ie/participation/local-sports-partnerships

In this empowering episode of the IANO Podcast, hosts Sheilah Broderick and Ada Kinneally sit down with Sarah Tighe from the Irish Cancer Society and Terry Hanan from the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) to demystify the world of nursing research funding in Ireland.

Whether you're a nurse curious about research, considering applying for your first grant or already developing a project idea, this episode offers clear guidance and encouragement. Sarah and Terry explain what funding pathways exist for nurses, how to prepare a strong application and why nurse-led research is essential for advancing cancer care and improving patient outcomes.

This episode explores:

- Why nursing research matters — and why nurses are uniquely placed to lead it.

- Funding opportunities for nurses through the Irish Cancer Society & NCCP.

- Practical strategies for turning clinical questions into research projects.

- Tips for writing successful applications & common pitfalls to avoid.

- How to seek mentorship, collaborations and institutional support.

- Balancing research with clinical commitments — real-world examples.

Packed with insight, practical advice and inspiration this conversation highlights how every oncology nurse has the potential to drive innovation and change through research.

Episode links:

Irish Cancer Society Website (General)- www.cancer.ie

Irish Cancer Society Research (Open Calls)- https://www.cancer.ie/researchers-

hub/open-funding-calls

Irish Cancer Society Research (Mailing List)- https://www.cancer.ie/sign-up-to-our- research-newsletter

https://evidencesynthesisireland.ie/training/

https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/cancer/

In this heartfelt and informative episode of the IANO Podcast series, hosts Sheilah Broderick and Ada Kinneally sit down with Laura Cullinan, CEO of Childhood Cancer Ireland and Dr. Mairead Brennan, Principal Clinical Psychologist and Director of Psychosocial Services, to explore the realities of childhood cancer and the supports available for families across Ireland.

Through Laura’s personal lived experience as a parent of a childhood cancer survivor and her leadership within the charity sector, paired with Dr. Brennan’s clinical expertise in childhood psycho-oncology, this conversation brings together powerful perspectives on what children, parents and siblings need throughout and beyond treatment.

This episode covers:

- The mission and programmes of Childhood Cancer Ireland.

- The emotional and practical impact of childhood cancer on families.

- Psychological needs of children at different stages of illness and survivorship.

- The role of nurses in compassionate communication and patient-family support.

- How hospitals, nurses and charities can work together to improve care.

- Emerging priorities for support services and advocacy.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced by families navigating childhood cancer, as well as practical insights on how healthcare professionals - particularly oncology nurses — can provide sensitive, holistic support and guide families to appropriate resources.

Episode links:

http://www.childhoodcancer.ie/

Join IANO Podcast hosts Sheilah Broderick and Ada Kinneally as they speak with Abby Kelly, Fertility Nurse Specialist to explore fertility preservation for children, adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer — an area where clinical complexities meet profoundly personal decision-making.

Abby shares her expertise on the fertility risks associated with cancer treatment, the options currently available in Ireland and the realities of accessing timely support at diagnosis. She also highlights the vital role oncology nurses play in initiating conversations early, providing compassionate guidance and advocating for referral pathways that protect future reproductive choices.

This episode explores:

- Fertility preservation options for male and female CAYA patients.

- Timelines, eligibility and coordination at the point of cancer diagnosis.

- Sensitive communication strategies for patients and families.

- Overcoming barriers to fertility discussions in oncology settings.

- The role of multidisciplinary teamwork and psychosocial support.

- Emerging issues, including surrogacy considerations in Ireland.

With practical guidance and thoughtful reflection, Abby emphasises the importance of proactive, supportive fertility discussions — ensuring young people facing cancer can make informed decisions about their future fertility options.

Episode links:

www.merrionfertility.ie

In this episode, hosts Ada Kinneally and Sheilah Broderick are joined by Dr. Patricia Fox (UCD) and Elaine Buckley (Tobacco Free Ireland) to explore how oncology nurses can meaningfully support patients to stop smoking during and after a cancer diagnosis.

Together, they unpack:

- Key research on smoking cessation among cancer survivors

- Patient-reported barriers, motivators and lived experiences

- How to have compassionate, non-judgemental “quit” conversations

- Practical tools, services and national supports available in Ireland

- The crucial role nurses play in making smoking cessation routine in cancer care

Whether you're working at the bedside, in ambulatory cancer services or in the community, this episode offers evidence-based insights, patient-centred strategies and tangible takeaways to enhance oncology nursing practice — and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Episode links:

www.gov.ie/en/publication/4828b-stop-smoking

www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/healthwellbeing/making-every-contact-count

www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/tobaccocontrol/resources

www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/tobaccocontrol/resources/stop-smoking-medications

Fox, P., Bhardwaj, N., Lyons, A., Niranjan, V., Frazer, K., Syed, S., McCann, A., Brennan, S.,

Brennan, D., Kelly, C., Keane, M., & Fitzpatrick, P. (2024). Smoking Cessation Support: A

Marathon, Not a Sprint; The Perspectives of Cancer Patients Who Smoke. Seminars in oncology nursing, 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soncn.2024.151584

Fitzpatrick, P., Bhardwaj, N., Masalkhi, M., Lyons, A., Frazer, K., McCann, A., Syed, S., Niranjan, V., Kelleher, C. C., Brennan, S., Kavanagh, P., & Fox, P. (2023). Provision of smoking cessation support for patients following a diagnosis of cancer in Ireland. Preventive medicine reports, 32, 102158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102158.

Lyons, A., Bhardwaj, N., Masalkhi, M., Fox, P., Frazer, K., McCann, A., Syed, S., Niranjan, V., Kelleher, C. C., Kavanagh, P., & Fitzpatrick, P. (2023). Specialist cancer hospital-based smoking cessation service provision in Ireland. Irish journal of medical science, 10.1007/s11845-023-03525-0. Advance online

publication.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-023-03525-0.

In this inspiring episode of the IANO Podcast, hosts Ada Kinneally and Sheilah Broderick sit down with Caitriona Duggan, Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Oncology at Portiuncula University Hospital and PhD Candidate at the University of Galway — and former President of IANO.

Caitriona shares her personal and professional journey into doctoral research, offering an honest and encouraging insight into what it’s really like to pursue a PhD while working in oncology nursing. From shaping a meaningful research question to securing funding, balancing clinical practice with academic commitments and navigating the highs and challenges along the way, this conversation is packed with wisdom, real-world advice and motivation.

Together, we explore:

- What inspired Caitriona to pursue a PhD

- Practical steps for developing a research idea and applying for funding

- Balancing academic and clinical responsibilities

- The role of mentorship, leadership and community in research

- How research builds confidence, opportunity and professional growth

- Advice for nurses feeling curious — but unsure where to start

Whether you're actively considering a PhD, exploring research pathways or simply curious about the academic side of oncology nursing, this episode offers guidance, encouragement and practical takeaways from someone who has walked the journey.

Episode links:

www.iano.ie

www.cancernurse.eu

In this episode of the IANO Podcast, hosts Ada Kinneally and Sheilah Broderick sit down with Donna Phelan, CEO of Community Cancer Caregivers to explore how compassionate, community-based support can make a profound difference in the lives of people living with and beyond cancer.

Donna shares the story behind the charity, the vision that drives their work and the unique ways the organisation works alongside patients and families throughout their cancer journey — offering practical help, emotional support and a reassuring presence when it’s needed most.

The conversation highlights:

- The evolving needs of patients and caregivers in the community.

- The power of person-centred, non-clinical support in recovery and resilience.

- How oncology nurses can link patients with community services.

- The importance of collaboration across hospitals, charities and local supports.

- Future goals to expand outreach and impact across Ireland.

This episode offers nurses valuable insight into how local initiatives can complement clinical care — ensuring patients and families feel supported not only in treatment settings, but also at home and within their communities.

Episode links:  

 www.communitycancercaregivers.com

Hereditary predisposition to cancer has such relevance in cancer prevention and surveillance but also in terms of patient cancer treatments, their response to treatment and indeed their families. 

Join Michael Farrell as he discusses with Sheilah insights into the ever evolving topic of cancer genetics. Michael has been working in clinical cancer genetics for almost 20 years and is the CNS in Cancer Genetics at the Mater Private Hospital working with Professor David Gallagher. Prior to this, he worked as a Research Nurse in Cancer Genetics with Professor Peter Daly where he gained his Masters in Molecular Medicine from TCD.

Michael has given oral presentations at both National and International cancer conferences and is first author on 2 papers in the journal of Familial Cancer.

He has presented talks on various aspects of inherited predisposition to cancer to health care professionals, patient support groups and also supervises clinical teaching for graduate nursing and science students on various aspects of cancer genetics. 

Links mentioned in the podcast

https://www.cancer.ie/cancer-information-and-support/cancer-information/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/cancer-and-genes

https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/cancer/profinfo/hereditary-cancer-genetics/

https://www.cancer.ie/about-us/news/cancer-genetic-services-in-an-irish-context

https://engage.esgo.org/brochures/genetic-testing/

Cancer Genetics

Hereditary predisposition to cancer has such relevance in cancer prevention and surveillance but also in terms of patient cancer treatments, their response to treatment and indeed their families. 

Join Michael Farrell as he discusses with Sheilah insights into the ever evolving topic of cancer genetics. Michael has been working in clinical cancer genetics for almost 20 years and is the CNS in Cancer Genetics at the Mater Private Hospital working with Professor David Gallagher. Prior to this, he worked as a Research Nurse in Cancer Genetics with Professor Peter Daly where he gained his Masters in Molecular Medicine from TCD.

Michael has given oral presentations at both National and International cancer conferences and is first author on 2 papers in the journal of Familial Cancer.

He has presented talks on various aspects of inherited predisposition to cancer to health care professionals, patient support groups and also supervises clinical teaching for graduate nursing and science students on various aspects of cancer genetics.

Links mentioned in the podcast

https://www.cancer.ie/cancer-information-and-support/cancer-information/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/cancer-and-genes

https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/cancer/profinfo/hereditary-cancer-genetics/

https://www.cancer.ie/about-us/news/cancer-genetic-services-in-an-irish-context

https://engage.esgo.org/brochures/genetic-testing/

In this heartwarming episode, we’re joined by John Mitchell and Siobhan Kavanagh from Barrettstown Camp, an extraordinary place that offers life-changing experiences for children with serious illnesses and their families. John and Siobhan share the incredible work that takes place in the camp, from emotional healing to building resilience, and how its programs give children back a piece of their childhood that illness may have taken away.  For nurses & healthcare professionals, this episode will help you to explain what the camp offers but also, explore the nursing role and opportunities outside of the hospital setting.

Tune in to discover how Barrettstown is making a difference, one adventure at a time.

Links mentioned in the podcast

https://barretstown.org/