How do you support people living with cancer who are also navigating mental health problems? In this powerful and insightful episode, we’re joined by Siobhán, who was diagnosed with breast cancer, and Dr Jeff Hanna, a registered nurse and Lecturer in Clinical Cancer Nursing, to explore just that. Siobhán shares her experience of cancer whilst managing a pre-existing mental health condition. She talks about the support she received and what she wishes healthcare professionals had done differently. 

Jeff brings his professional and academic experience to the conversation, offering advice on what best practice really looks like. He highlights how mental health care can be more inclusive and tailored to individual needs, ensuring people living with cancer feel seen, heard and supported.

Content warning: This episode contains conversations about lived experience of cancer which you may find upsetting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.

This episode is produced by The Cancer Professionals Podcast in collaboration with UKONS. This series is brought to you by Macmillan Cancer Support.

Links from the episode:
EASSi Tool paper: https://cancer.jmir.org/2020/2/e20137

Resources to share with the people you support
Find links below to resources about mental health and wellbeing for people affected by cancer:
Cancer and mental health support
Cancer and your emotions
Macmillan's Wellbeing Hub
How are you feeling? The emotional effects of cancer
Your feelings after cancer treatment
Talking about cancer
Talking about cancer and your feelings - easy read
Can-Empower A resource to help people affected by cancer manage the psychological and emotional challenges of living with cancer.

This episode aligns with Macmillan's strategic objective to offer more personal support to people affected by cancer and other health conditions. Read more about Macmillan's strategy.

We would love to hear from you! Let us know any feedback you have about this episode by completing this short survey or get in touch at [email protected].

If you work in health or social care, visit www.macmillan.org.uk/learning or Macmillan’s Learning Hub for more information about free education and training from Macmillan Cancer Support.

Disclaimer: The content and information in these episodes is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All examples discussed in episodes are UK based and reflect UK health systems at the time of recording. No material within this series is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified and registered healthcare providers.