The C Word

Niya's journey hasn't been easy. She was diagnosed with cancer in the early stages of her second pregnancy as the pandemic started to kick off in the USA. She joined Helen to share her experience of healing after breast cancer.

Cheryl Carr has been living with breast cancer for 12 years. At 38 when she was first diagnosed, she was reeling from a divorce and parenting two young children, the diagnosis was a huge shock. There was no family history, she had led a healthy lifestyle. Cheryl shares her experience of the difference in approaches to stage 4 breast cancer in Australia, where she was living at the time of her diagnosis, and when she returned to New Zealand.

Meet Nadine Riwai. Nurse, cervical cancer advocate and all round superstar, Nadine leads the team at Cervical Screening Waikato. Check out her kōrero with Helen about smear tests, borrowing caravans to take smears to the people, and why the HPV vaccine can literally save lives.

Talita Kuki knew she needed to keep pushing to find out what was causing her symptoms when she experienced pain. We are lucky she did because the 28-year-old was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2020.

Constanza Roeder was just 13 when she was diagnosed with leukemia. After two years of treatment, she was left feeling defined by her cancer. When she started volunteering at an oncology ward she discovered singing for patients helped lift their spirits and manage treatment better.

Constanza Roeder was just 13 when she was diagnosed with leukemia. After two years of treatment, she was left feeling defined by her cancer. When she started volunteering at an oncology ward she discovered singing for patients helped lift their spirits and manage treatment better.

When New Zealand went into lockdown in 2020, Katy Glenie was diagnosed with breast cancer. She joins Helen in this episode of The C Word Radio to discuss what it's like to face cancer during a pandemic

Helen's guest this week Katie Rossler explains grief shaming, when people make you feel ashamed or guilty for your grief process because it makes them uncomfortable.

Alisi Jack-Kaufusi has been dealing with cancer for the past four years. She was 24-years-old when her life was turned upside down by a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Alisi struggled with anxiety and depression when her treatment ended. She found seeking help from a counsellor was a turning point for facing the huge loss cancer brings.

At 30-years-old Talia Cooper was basking in the glow of being a first time mum and settling into a new phase in life, until a breast cancer diagnosis turned everything on its head. She and Helen discuss the completely unsexy fertility process, the challenges of your body changing and the impact of cancer on relationships.

Music - Happy Days, Scott Holmes