We hope you enjoyed the first episode of this series about Lung Health!

In episode number 2 we talk to Dave and Amy about Targeted Lung Health Checks. These checks will be offered to people who smoke or have previously smoked and are between 55-75, to try and catch lung cancer early, before you might have any symptoms at all. Listen to find out what the check involves, so you are ready if you are offered this check.

A bit confused about what this all means, why not come and have a chat with C Aware in the office, or catch us on the fish quay, no wrong questions!

On this week's episode we went up to North Tyneside General Hospital to speak to respiratory consultant Dave Cooper and Amy Watkins, Targeted Lung Health Checks Programme Manager.

We wanted to get their take on Lung Cancer, and talk through some of the myths we have heard on the fish quay about what a lung cancer diagnosis means.

If you would like to talk to C Aware about any of the things mentioned in this episode, whether that's info about treatment, stop smoking support or support after a diagnosis, come up to our office!

https://www.northumbria.nhs.uk/media-centre/news-and-blogs/news-stories/lung-screening-programme-under-way-northumberland-and-north-tyneside

In the second part of this podcast, we talk to Paul and Thomas more about attitudes towards cancer in the community, changes in the lifestyle of fishermen in recent years and what they would like to see from C Aware as we go into 2025.

We hope you enjoy!

Drum roll please.... We have our final podcast episode of 2024, and what a treat this one is!

First we speak to Nathan, fishermen from Cumbria, who works on a trawler boat out of North Shields during the winter season, and secondly we speak to Thomas and Paul (aka Elbow, we're still not sure where this nickname come from). Fishermen from North Shields will know these fellas as the quay masters, having previously been fishermen in Ireland and in the North East. We had a good laugh but also talked about how we can make a difference to cancer outcomes in the fishing community here, and we look forward to continuing to work with everyone involved in the fishing industry in 2025!

Part 2 will be released next week!

So great to have this chat with Peter, to find out more about his journey into The Fishermen's Mission, and what has kept him motivated over the last 30 years, working across Scotland and North East England with fishermen and their famillies!

We talk about how we are working together to ensure that fishermen can get to their health appointments and screening, and the burden that can cause financially, and what support can be offered from The Fishermen's Mission. We also touch on the pastoral and welfare support Peter can offer fishermen during difficult times.

Ever wondered what it's like to manage a fish quay? Well, you're in for a treat, we chat to Nik and find out what happens behind the scenes to keep the fish quay running smoothly, and the fishermen happy!

It's been great working with Nik, and we appreciate his openness to trying new things, letting us use the different spaces on the fish quay for our events and meetings, and signing up to be a cancer champion.

http://nsfq.co.uk/

On this weeks episode we speak to Carol Elliott, SeaFit initiative Manager at The Fishermen's Mission. We delve into why SeaFit was set up, and how learning from SeaFit events has helped to shape the C Aware programme.

SeaFit is a joint initiative run by the Fishermen’s Mission and the Seafarers Hospital Society around the coastline of the UK. Based around tide times and fishing seasons, SeaFit brings essential services to the quayside. This gives fishermen easier access to health and wellbeing providers to help them make positive lifestyle choices.

For info on upcoming SeaFit events in the North East, follow this facebook page for updates:

https://www.facebook.com/FishMishNorthEastEngland

More info about SeaFit: https://www.fishermensmission.org.uk/how-we-can-help/health-and-safety/sea-fit-programme/#:~:text=SeaFit%20is%20a%20joint%20initiative,bring%20services%20to%20the%20quayside.

Find the podcast transcription on apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/reeling-in-cancer-awareness/id1758068147

We are pleased to introduce you to Brian, one of our fantastic Cancer Champions, who used to be a deep sea fisherman!

Brian comes from a family who have the BRCA mutation in their genes. These changes in the BRCA genes can increase a person's risk of developing cancer. Brian is very passionate about spreading cancer awareness amongst his friends and family, and we hope this comes across in this episode!

Association of Retired Fishermen: https://www.facebook.com/groups/412514488883145/

BRCA gene information: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/worried-about-cancer/causes-and-risk-factors/brca-gene

In the second part of our chat with Norman, former North Shields fishermen, we discuss how skippers and crew mates can support each other to look after their health, the importance of early cancer screening, improvements in treatment options and the recovery time from cancer.

Finally we discuss how easy it has been for Norman

In this episode, we hear from Norman, who comes from a big fishing family in the North East, and spent time working on trawler boats in the 70s under his uncle, before moving out of the fishing industry and setting up his own business.

As someone who has been through a cancer journey, Norman is a great supporter of the C Aware programme and is being a fantastic messenger for cancer awareness in his own community. We met Norman through the Retired Fishermen's Association, who meet socially and come together to share the history of the fishing industry and fundraise for local maritime charities and organisations.

This episode is in two parts, listen to part 2 in a fortnights time.