Let's Talk Cancer

Podcast “Let's Talk Cancer” – People-centred are and the power of the patient voiceKaren Nakawala speaks of her experience with cervical cancer, the foundation of Teal Sisters, a UICC member organisation, and the benefits of a people-centred approach to healthcare delivery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of World Cancer Day on 4 February and the new campaign, ‘United by Unique,' focusing on people-centred care, this episode of Let's Talk Cancer highlights "Rewriting Cancer," a series of short films produced by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions for UICC. These films feature the experiences of people with cancer, their loved ones, caregivers, medical professionals, and volunteers worldwide. The series aims to dispel myths and highlight advancements in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care. With Gemma Jennings, Vice President at BBC StoryWorks, and James Waddington from the American Cancer Society, a prostate cancer survivor and advocate for early screening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Antimicrobial resistance, also known as AMR or drug resistance, is among the top 10 public health threats facing humanity, according to the World Health Organization.Antimicrobial resistance happens when the medicines, including antiotics, are no longer able to fight infections from bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites.For cancer patients, the situation is particularly concerning. They have particularly weak immune systems due to the cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, they are receiving and are therefore more prone to infections. As many as 1 in 5 cancer patients undergoing treatment are hospitalised due to infection. Antibiotics are critical to treat them.Moreover, the growth of drug-resistant bacteria is undermining the key advances that have been made in surgery, radiotherapy and immunotherapies, as treatment is delayed or stopped to treat rising infections.Malin Grape is Sweden's – and the world's – first Ambassador on AMR, working to counteract AMR and its consequences in the EU and internationally. She joins us for this episode of “Let's Talk Cancer” ahead of the upcoming UN high-level meeting in September on AMR. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The past few decades have witnessed significant strides in how cancer is detected, diagnosed and treated, leading to a noticeable decrease in mortality rates in many countries.These improvements are largely due to new discoveries about why and how cancer develops, generating new ways of treating cancer to help people live longer, healthier lives.From immunotherapy and AI to cancer vaccines - Cary Adams, CEO of UICC speaks with Dr Laszlo Radvanyi, President and Scientific Director of the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, an internationally renowned research institute located in Toronto, Canada, who is at the forefront of some of the most ground-breaking work in cancer research. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Around 8 million people die because of tobacco consumption every single year, leading the tobacco industry to search for new users. Increasingly, it is targeting youth in the hope of hooking a new generation to tobacco products and creating lifelong consumers. To protect youth from tobacco industry interference, we must ensure that their perspectives are heard.In this episode of Let's Talk Cancer, Cary Adams, CEO of UICC speaks with Agamroop Kaur, National Youth Advocate of the Year of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and​​​​​​ David Planas Maluenda, global health policymaker at the Spanish Association Against Cancer in Zaragoza and Youth Ambassador Against Cancer at the European Cancer Leagues. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Diagnosed with Stage 3 brain cancer and given a few years to live, Iain Ward has made it his life goal to break the world record for the most money raised for charity running a marathon. Listen to his unique story of purpose and perseverance, as we discuss everything from his innovative use of social media as a fundraising tool, to the importance of mental health and cancer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WHO has released new global cancer figures, showing stark inequities in preventing and treating cancer, with rising numbers of cases and cancer-related deaths expected to affect the countries least equipped to cope.In this episode of "Let's Talk Cancer", Isabelle Soerjomataram, researcher and epidemiologist at the International Agency for Research on Cancer, WHO's cancer branch, analyses and interprets these global cancer trends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Auste's experience with a brain tumour and inadequate treatment options in the Philippines inspired the creation of Cancer Warriors Philippines to support those unable to afford care. As CEO of the organisaiton, his mother Carmen Auste continues to advocate for equitable cancer treatment and systemic health reforms in the country.In this episode, Carmen Auste discusses her leadership in cancer advocacy, exploring ways to empower people with lived experience and influence healthcare policy by steering policymakers toward prioritising cancer care. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Soma Ghosh was diagnosed with cancer in August 2016, she was 41 years old and given just 6 months to live by one of India's leading oncologists. Her family moved countries - from India to the United States in search of the best treatment in the world, consulted several doctors, and changed schools and jobs. Soma passed away in December last year, 6 and a half years later.Sukanti Ghosh, her husband, joins us today to discuss this chapter of their lives - his role as a caregiver, the toll taken by cancer on their family, the critical importance of a supportive caregiving framework of employers, family and friends - and the fact that he believes there is a role for him to play in celebrating Soma's cancer journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Drug resistance is one of the most serious health threats facing humanity. Bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites are learning more and more to resist the medicines that are meant to kill them. These 'superbugs' can spread easily, increasing the risk of prolonged illness, or even death, from common infections. And the danger for cancer patients is particularly high. One of the reasons is the overuse and misuse of antimicrobial medicines. By 2050, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) could cause 10 million deaths per year and cost more than USD 100 trillion to public health - if no action is taken.On the occasion of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week from 18-23 November, Cary Adams, UICC's CEO speaks with Professor Dame Sally Davies, UK Special Envoy on Antimicrobial Resistance and former Chief Medical Officer for England.Cary Adams, UICC's CEO speaks with Professor Dame Sally Davies, UK Special Envoy on Antimicrobial Resistance and former Chief Medical Officer for England. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Millions of people around the world are living and dying in terrible and preventable pain.Pain is unfortunately a common symptom in many types of cancer, or a side effect of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation. However, the production and distribution of medicines, such as morphine, tend to be heavily regulated. The burden is unevenly shared. 50% of the world's poorest populations live in countries that receive only 1% of the opioid pain relief medicines distributed worldwide. This episode of Let's Talk Cancer explores the pain relief divide with Elizabeth Saenz, from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Michel Kazatchkine, former Executive Director of the Global Fund and a member of the Global Commission on Drug Policy, a group of high-level personalities who advocate for the strict legal regulation of psychoactive substances. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Space offers unique opportunities for scientific exploration, including cancer research. Dr Peggy Whitson, America's most experienced astronaut, and Dr Catriona Jamieson, Director of Sanford Stem Cell Institute, join us to discuss the “Cancer in low-Earth orbit” project. Tune in to find out how discoveries in space can help save lives on earth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Half the world's population still lacks access to essential health services, including cancer care. Universal health coverage is key in changing this. Senator Dr Sania Nishtar, former Federal Minister of Health of Pakistan, provides insights into the often-overlooked issue of integrating comprehensive cancer services into national health benefits packages and the challenges faced by governments in achieving this goal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Attempts to cure cancer have spanned centuries and been influenced by culture, region and religion. Those working to understand and treat cancer have faced similar problems throughout history.Thanks to modern medicine, we are constantly seeing better survival rates. Yet cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide. Looking at the past can provide valuable lessons in understanding cancer and managing innovation.In this episode, Cary Adams, CEO of UICC, speaks with Professor Yolanda Eraso, from London Metropolitan University, and with Carsten Timmermann, from the University of Manchester. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Black, Indigenous and People of Colour face healthcare disparities in many forms, including in their experience of cancer. The reasons are complex and involve numerous economic, social and biological factors. This was the experience of Michelle Audoin, a Black woman diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at age 40. Asked to decide whether or not she wanted reconstructive breast surgery, she could find no images of Black women to help her make an informed choice. With the aim of raising awareness of the experiences of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour living with breast cancer, Michelle came up with the idea of Uncovered, A Breast Recognition Project, a resource created in collaboration with ReThink Breast Cancer, an organisation based in Canada. Through powerful photographs and stories of BIPOC living with breast cancer, Uncovered seeks to shine a light on these inequities, and help educate all people about the unmet needs of the Black, Indigenous and People of Colour community. We're speaking with Michelle Audoin, the creator of Uncovered, and MJ DeCoteau, Founder and Executive Director of Rethink Breast Cancer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A staggering 99% of the population is breathing air that exceeds safe quality limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO). This polluted air, filled with fine particulate matter from various sources like fossil fuel combustion, wildfires, and construction sites, poses significant health risks – notably, an increased risk of cancer. This episode of "Let's talk cancer" delves into this public health crisis with Dr Maria Neira, Director of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health at WHO. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Drug shortages - from antibiotics to vital cancer drugs - have grown into a global concern, and the unavailability of these medicines hits lower-income countries hardest. In this episode of Let's talk cancer, Cary Adams together with Hans Hogerzeil, formerly of WHO, and Charles Gore of Medicines Patent Pool, explains the reasons behind this, and ways to ensure that everyone receives the medicines they need, when they need them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fake science, front groups and the promise of happiness: uncover the tactics used by the tobacco and alcohol industries to market their products, particularly to vulnerable populations, as well as ways to counter them.In this podcast, Cary Adams, CEO of UICC, is joined by Dr Adriana Blanco Marquizo, Head of the Secretariat of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, and Maik Dunnbier, Director of Strategy and Advocacy at Movendi International. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Around 13% of adults are considered obese and 40% overweight. Once a concern only for high-income countries, excess body weight now affects people across different regions and income levels and has become one of the world's biggest public health concerns. Excess body weight is a risk factor for many diseases including more than a dozen types of cancer. But too often, individuals are seen as solely responsible for their weight, and people who “obese” or “overweight” – who have a high body mass index – are stigmatised if not discriminated against. They are told to simply “eat less” and “exercise more”, and made to feel responsible for their poor health, when in truth, the reasons are complex and numerous, ranging from genetics to a low socioeconomic background and a lack of opportunity to make informed choices about their health. Many people also live in environments where healthy foods and the ability to exercise are less available, accessible or affordable. In this podcast, Cary Adams, CEO of UICC, speaks with Fiona Bull, Head of Physical Activity at the Department of Health Promotion, at the World Health Organization, and Kendra Chow, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at the World Cancer Research Fund International, and a registered dietician, about the world's obesity and nutrition problem. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know that the LGBTQI community may face a higher risk of cancer than those who identify as heterosexual?Discrimination can have a significant impact on the health of LGBTQI individuals. Coping with stigma and marginalisation can lead to unhealthy behaviours, such as drinking and smoking, which can contribute to an increased risk of cancer. And negative experiences in healthcare can lead to delayed in diagnosis and treatment.In the latest episode, Mandi Pratt-Chapman from the George Washington Cancer Center sheds light on the microaggressions and other barriers faced by LGBTQI community in accessing cancer services. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A highly promising field in cancer research is the development of blood tests that can detect different cancers at the earliest stages. Referred to as multi-cancer early detection (MCED), this technology has the potential to become a game-changer for cancer control worldwide. Dr Dan Milner, Executive Director of the Access to Oncology Medicines Coalition (ATOM) explains how MCED works and why he is optimistic that it will help us turn the tide on cancer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Olympic gymnast Shannon Miller speaks about her experience of ovarian cancer and offers advice to women, encouraging them to focus on their health. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Cary Adams, CEO of UICC speaks with Deputy Commissioner Johanne Morne, who leads the newly formed Office of Health Equity and Human Rights at the New York State Department of Health in the US, about these barriers to accessing health services and cancer care and how they can be addressed. #WorldCancerDay #CloseTheCareGap Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jim Tennermann has been diagnosed with cancer eight times since first discovering he had a brain tumour almost 30 years ago.He was first diagnosed with a brain tumour in 1995. His journey with cancer had just begun. In subsequent years, he was diagnosed with two types of skin cancer, kidney cancer in both kidneys, prostate cancer, lung cancer, and two rare cancers: pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma.A long series of treatments followed – from hormonal treatment and radiation to surgeries on his brain, abdomen, lung and skin. In the lead-up to World Cancer Day on 4 February – a global awareness day led by UICC – Cary Adams speaks with Jim about his extraordinary patient journey, the life lessons he has drawn from this ongoing experience, and the knowledge he can impart to the millions around the world living with a cancer diagnosis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ms Gautami Tadimalla, a celebrated Bollywood actress, talks about what it means to receive a cancer diagnosis, especially as a public figure. She describes how experience continues to affect life even after remission, and how developing and surviving cancer translates into advocating for better cancer care for everyone.Ms Tadimalla is also the founder of Life Again Foundation, whose mission is to reduce the social and economic impact of cancer in India and improve the education of Indian youth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Antimicrobial resistance - or drug resistance - is one of the most serious health threats facing humanity. It could cause 10 million deaths per year and cost overall USD 100 trillion to the global economy by 2050. Dr Cary Adams, CEO of the Union for International Cancer Control and Kevin Outterson, Professor of Law at Boston University and Executive Director at CarbX discuss this rising global health risk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Lydia Pace speaks about the global rise in breast cancer cases, the significant disparities in survival rates between income settings, promising innovations and male breast cancer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If someone is in unbearable pain, terminally ill or suffering an incurable condition, should they legally be provided assistance to die if they wish to do so? The age-old controversy around assisted suicide or medically assisted dying is complex and multi-faceted. It raises questions about individual self-determination, the distinction between physical and psychological suffering, and the commitment of medical professionals to “do no harm”. Access for cancer patients to medically assisted dying is also cause for debate, particularly in the case where life-saving treatment exists but is unavailable – as is the case in many low-and lower-middle income countries. Should the patient be allowed to die or left to suffer? Samia Hurst, a physician, bioethicist and Director at the University of Geneva, helps explain the different views around the topic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More than half of people with cancer are 65 or older. And yet, the quality of care given to them often doesn't meet their specific needs and can be inferior to younger adults. Why is this?Dr Cary Adams, CEO of UICC, speaks with Dr Enrique Soto, from the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition in Mexico, about the need for more patient-centred care and geriatric oncology expertise in caring for older adults with cancer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Around 400 000 children and adolescents develop cancer each year. But while survival rates for children in high-income countries is about 80%, in low-income settings it is under 30%.This significant disparity is not an unsolvable problem. There is a path forward so that children everywhere do not die of cancer.Rick Shadyac speaks to Cary Adams in this episode of Let's Talk Cancer about the underlying challenges with childhood cancer and the actions being taken to overcome them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cervical cancer is one of the most highly preventable and curable forms of cancer. And yet it remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in women in over 40 countries. What are the causes of inequity? Why do so many women lack access to life-saving services due to where they live or other socioeconomic factors? How we overcome these barriers? What role can innovation and technology play?Dr Chemtai Mungo, Assistant Professor of obstetrics and gynecology at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and UICC Young Leader, explains the challenges and progress in cervical cancer care and looks at how technological innovation, effective national cancer control plans, and other advances and strategies can help close the gap in cancer care. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most people will have heard of cancer stages 1,2,3 and 4 but may not know exactly what they mean or where they come from. These terms form the basis of the international TNM Classification system, which describe how advanced a cancer is when it is diagnosed. This system has proven to be groundbreaking in healthcare, as it allows doctors to explain the cancer to their patients, prescribe the appropriate treatment plan, and improve information sharing and research across populations and regions. The Union for International Cancer Control has pioneered the TNM Classification for the past 50 years. With us for this next episode of Let's Talk Cancer is Dr Mary Gospodarowicz, UICC Past-president and Co-chair of the UICC TNM Project. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The global obesity rate has almost tripled since 1975. The World Health Organization reckons that worldwide 39% of adults are overweight, and 13% are obese. Too much body fat increases a person's chances of developing illnesses such as cancer. More than a dozen types of cancer are linked to excess body weight. Usually, obesity results from inherited, physiological and environmental factors, combined with diet and physical activity choices.Fortunately, even modest weight loss can improve or prevent the health problems associated with obesity. Public health actions to support healthier lifestyles include education, advertising bans, and higher taxes on sugar and food labels.Dr Elisabete Weiderpass, Director of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) joins us for this episode of Let's Talk Cancer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Ulysses Dorotheo talks to Dr Cary Adams about the harms caused by tobacco to the environment and measures to take to improve tobacco control. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Ben Newton of GE Healthcare talks about advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment that improve the early detection of cancer, as well as patients' chances of survival and experiences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why must we integrate cancer control into Universal Health Coverage? Universal Health Coverage (UHC) means that all people can benefit from quality health services, where and when they need them, without suffering financial hardship.At least half of the world's population, however, still do not have access to the full range of essential health services, including cancer care and treatment. And the cost of cancer treatment and care may push many patients and their families into poverty or further into poverty due to out-of-pocket spendingIn this podcast, Dr Tsetsegsaikhan Batmunkh, CEO of the National Cancer Council of Mongolia, draws on her experience in her country and speaks to Cary Adams about how national cancer control can be integrated into UHC planning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this first podcast of a new series, Dr Cary Adams speaks to Prof. Richard Sullivan about how cancer patients are impacted by conflict and the challenges of of delivering care in zones of unrest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.