Taking Care of Cancer

As Sandra Lewis-Beckett was nearing the end of her life she was surrounded by the people who mattered most, in a place where the staff had known and cared for her over several years. 

We hear from Sandra’s husband Kevin Beckett about managing the late stages of her cancer journey – and the support he received from Clatterbridge staff. 

He is joined by Macmillan Clinical Nurse Specialist Palliative Care, Claire Cadwallader; and Lorraine Soudani, Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service Lead. We also hear from Teenage and Young Adult Lead Nurse Dr Laura Elder. 

The host is Caroline Kenyon.

Useful links: 

The Cancer Professionals Podcast | Podcast on Spotify

Palliative and supportive care :: The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre (clatterbridgecc.nhs.uk)

Cancer information and support centres :: The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre (clatterbridgecc.nhs.uk)

Becca Smith was aged just 29 when she was given a cancer diagnosis in 2020 – and told she had just two weeks to live. Thankfully, further tests revealed a more complex, but treatable condition causing her multiple tumours. 

She tells her remarkable story and describes how she manages the side effects of her treatment. Becca is joined by Dr Dan Monnery, Consultant in Palliative Medicine and Neuro Oncology Specialist Nurse Jill Sokratous. 

We also hear about how to manage your diet during treatment, from Lead Oncology Dietician Lauren Roberts. 

The host is Caroline Kenyon.

Useful links: 

Useful links:
Follow Becca on Instagram: @be_x_fit
ALK+ International charity on Instagram: @alk_international
Eating well, exercise and cancer care: https://www.clatterbridgecc.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/treatment-and-care/health-advice-eating-well-exercise-and-cancer-care
Eating well and coping with side effects: https://www.clatterbridgecc.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/treatment-and-care/patient-information/eating-well-and-coping-with-side-effects
Spotting signs of malnutrition: https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/malnutrition.html
Tackling food myths and cancer risk: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/stories-and-media/blogs/diet-myths-and-cancer-risk

Two years ago, Adrian Taylor was told the secondary cancer in his lungs could not be cured, not helped with traditional treatments. He was devastated. But the offer of a clinical trial here at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. In this episode, we hear from Adrian about his experience as the first person in the world to benefit from the cancer vaccine trial, pioneered here at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. 

 Also in this episode, we hear from Medical Director Sheena Khanduri and Professor Christian Ottensmeier, who is leading on the cancer vaccine trials, as well as Katrina Bury, CEO of Clatterbridge Cancer Charity on how the charity is supporting our patients. 

He is joined by Clatterbridge Medical Director Dr Sheena Khanduri; and we hear from Professor Christian Ottensmeier who is leading clinical research at the Trust; and from the Chief Executive of Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, Katrina Bury.

Useful links: 

Research at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – animation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkvnlIgehCs

Clinical trial patient Adrian Taylor: https://youtu.be/Vgc9w5KQltU

Adrian Taylor and Professor Christian Ottensmeier: https://youtu.be/tB-IGzSmHGc

Professor Christian Ottensmeier on ITV news: https://www.itv.com/news/2022-02-04/first-uk-patient-to-try-bespoke-cancer-vaccine-looking-for-a-brighter-future

As a fit and healthy 38-year-old, Chris Knight at first ignored symptoms of colo-rectal cancer. It was his girlfriend who urged him to see his GP – and within weeks Chris was diagnosed and undergoing treatment. 

Chris tells his cancer story, alongside Consultant Clinical Oncologist Dr Rick Walshaw and Ward Manager Rachael Gregory, who describe the different treatment options – and what to expect when you attend Clatterbridge chemotherapy day unit. 

We also hear how to get ready for treatment, from Consultant Clinical Oncologist Dr Rachel Brooker.

Find out more about Chris’s fundraising:
https://longestdaygolf.macmillan.org.uk/Team/therevenueclub

A patient who nearly missed the routine scan which detected her cancer shares her story in this episode focussing on diagnostics.

Kim Jones describes it as a ‘sliding doors’ moment which could have saved her life. She is joined by Consultant Radiologist Dr Dave White of Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; and GP Dr Debbie Harvey, Primary Care Lead at Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance.

We also hear from Dr Rosie Lord, Deputy Medical Director at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, about how genetics is helping to predict some cancers.

Useful links:

Breast screening | Cancer Research UK

In this first episode of Taking Care of Cancer, The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre Chief Executive Liz Bishop shares her insights into how and why cancer happens and who is most at risk.
She is joined by Public Health Consultant Charlotte Smith; clinical trial patient Moira Griffiths-Parr; and Jo Trask, Health Inequalities and Public Engagement Lead, Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance. The host is Caroline Kenyon.

You may also like to view:

Video interview with Moira Griffiths-Parr: https://youtu.be/pvIoo8pYaBg