You, Me and the Big C: Putting the can in cancer

Actor and writer, Rosa Hesmondhalgh hosts this legacy episode discussing cancer and the creative arts, and how to remain creative when living with cancer. Rosa is joined in the studio by Britain's Got Talent finalist and stand-up comedian, Allan Finnegan, writer of 'FUFC' and member of the New Anthem Theatre Group, Mark Jackson, and Nottingham based artist, Carole Ellis. The episode begins with an extract from Rosa's award-winning one-woman show Madame Ovary, which she wrote about her experience with ovarian cancer.

Please be advised that this episode contains some strong language

Lauren Mahon hosts this legacy episode discussing the cost of having cancer. She speaks with 77-year-old Helen van Bueren who is living alone in Nottingham and is struggling to heat her home, and Sarah Mills, who explains how difficult it has been to be self employed following her cancer diagnosis.

Steve Bland returns to host this legacy episode discussing cancer and single parents. Steve is joined in the studio by Sophie Blake, who is living with Stage 4 Breast Cancer and is single parent to 16-year-old Maya, Ryan Mahon who lost his wife during the pandemic, and is now single parent to Lola and Pixie, and 22-year-old Sophie White, single mother to a nearly 2 year old, Remi. Sophie suffered a seizure in June 2023, and within weeks was diagnosed with glioblastoma and told she had just 12 to 18 months to live. Steve, Ryan, and the Sophie's discuss the challenges and rewards surrounding being a single parent affected by cancer.

We wanted to share this podcast with you. In the week in which King Charles III shared his cancer diagnosis, Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson asked why it’s important to talk about cancer. Stephen Fry talks about his own diagnosis of an aggressive prostate cancer and we also hear from Paralympian Erin Kennedy, the BBC’s international editor Jeremy Bowen, broadcaster Edward Stourton and from Steve Bland whose partner, the ‘You, Me and the Big C’ host Rachael Bland, died of cancer in 2018.

Nick also talks to Amol about his own experience of cancer and they speak to Professor Pat Price, one of the country’s leading oncologists, about why survival rates in the UK are lower than other countries. Details of help and support with cancer are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Lauren Mahon returns to host this legacy episode discussing cancer and homelessness.

Lauren travels to Burnley to meet with Pastor Mick from The Church on the Street, and Thomas Linford, who after years of homelessness and a liver cancer diagnosis is currently residing in Palace House Care home in Burnley.

We hear from Advanced Nurse Practitioner Sheilagh Armstrong at The Wellspring, Stockport who work with those who are homeless or at the risk of losing their home. Manager of The Wellspring, Alex Knight and Project Worker, Paul Cornwall also join Lauren in the studio.

Presenter and broadcaster, Chris Latchem makes an emotional return to the hospital that saved his life to talk to the staff that got him through it, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester. From Sarah on reception, to John in haematology, Denise and Tracy in the blood room, and honorary consultant, Tim, we learn all about the roles, lives, and emotions of the staff who care for us. Towards the end, we also discover who's looking after the staff themselves.

Don't forget, you can get in touch by using the #youmebigc across all forms of social media - spread the word and share the positive support.

After meeting during their treatment for breast cancer, Eloise Wynter and Lizzi Amartay host the second episode of this legacy series of podcasts, this time discussing diversity in cancer.

Eloise and Lizzi are joined by founder of Black Women Rising, Leanne Pero, and director of Equality and Diversity UK, Alyson Malach. The conversation ranges from hair loss, chemotherapy and family, to community, beliefs and religion.

Don't forget, you can get in touch by using the #youmebigc across all forms of social media - spread the word and share the positive support.

Good friend of the podcast, Tony Livesey hosts the first episode of this brand new series looking into the issues around losing a parent to cancer when you're young. He speaks to one of his oldest friends Dave for the first time about how they both felt when one of their parents died of cancer when they were boys.

He meets Zara who lost her Mum a few years ago when she was just 13 and speaks to her father Gaz, Tony then speaks to the team at Pendleside Hospice family support who have been helping Zara's family and Stevie Goulding from Young Minds. To find out what help and advice is on offer for youngsters today.

Don't forget, you can get in touch by using the #youmebigc across all forms of social media - spread the word and share the positive support.

The legacy continues as Lauren Mahon has an exciting announcement about the next series of the 'You, Me and the Big C' podcasts. Episode one with Tony Livesey is out on Thursday.

Lights, camera, reaction! The #YouMeBigC team share their thoughts on the extraordinary documentary about Dame Debs.

'Deborah James: Bowelbabe in her own words' is available now on BBC iPlayer and airs at 21:00, 17th April 2023 on BBC Two.

Lauren Mahon, Steve Bland and producers Mike Holt and Al Entwistle got a sneak preview.

They catch-up to find out more about how it was put together with executive producer Lucie Kon, director Sara Hardy and film editor Gwyn Jones.

On the night of the premiere, they spoke to friends and family, including Deborah's mum and dad, Heather and Alistair, former pod guests, Jay McLaughlin and Emma Campbell, plus some of Debs' closest friends.

Don't forget to use #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media - spread the word, share the positive support and tell us about your thoughts on the film, which is available now on the BBC iPlayer…. Just search for 'Deborah James Bowelbabe In Her Own Words'