Radio Rare

Dr Emily Isham talks with Judi as she shares her remarkable cancer experience from the beginning of her diagnosis, what it's like to live with a rare cancer, her close encounter with mercury poisoning, and how she has picked up the slack when it comes to finding support.

Patient advocate and founder of the Patient Voice Initiative, Jessica Bean, discusses some topics that are central to many rare diseases, not just rare cancers, clinical trials, compassionate access, and patient advocacy.

It is common to think that a cancer journey ends once a person goes into remission and it can feel as though the parade has passed by. Professor Bogda Koczwara from Flinders University talks about the true meaning of Cancer Survivorship and how Australia's healthcare system is dealing with this phase of the cancer journey.

Professor David Thomas from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research provides a glimpse of what the future of cancer research could look like. Professor Thomas gives us an insight into the man behind the white coat, how patient experiences shape his daily work and how molecular medicine is changing things for patients of today and tomorrow.

Dr Richard Tothill from the University of Melbourne gives us a glimpse into the future of cancer treatments, particularly in CUP and NETS. His research in genomics is bringing cutting edge concepts to reality and we are on the cusp of a seismic shift. For this Genomics Group leader, it's just another day in the lab.

Christine Cockburn, Head of Support and Operations here at Rare Cancers Australia shares the emotional story of caring for her mum during her cancer journey along with the roller coaster that was her own cancer journey. Christine provides insight from not only a carers perspective but a patient perspective as well.

Adam Lynch, father of two children and founder of BEAT Bladder Cancer Australia shares the journey of his late wife Anna as she tried to overcome Bladder Cancer. Adam dives into the inspiration of founding BEAT Bladder Cancer Australia.

Scientist, advocate, mum and caregiver Dr Rebecca Kelly sits down with us to talk about the highs and lows of caring for her to 8-year-old son Ryan who was diagnosed with leukemia. Dr Kelly dives into the hurdles of a new diagnosis and being able to advocate for a sick child and keep everything else moving along.

Clinical psychologist of more then 30 years Bruce Schubert shares his observations and thoughts around the current state of physical distancing and how some are more suited to it than others. Bruce and Emily chat about what cancer patients have known for some time, that life doesn't always go the way you expected it to.

Often the glue that holds it all together when someone is diagnosed, is the carer. They don't sign up for the role and like the loved ones they care for - they don't expect it. Simone Cloake tells her story of caring for her Dad after being cancer free for 21 years and diagnosed with a rare cancer called Cholangiocarcinoma.