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

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

By BBC Radio 5 Live

The coolest club you never want to be a part of…

The team on the You, Me & the Big C podcast are your BFF’s, your sisters, brothers, fathers and mothers.

A candid look at cancer, with Steve Bland, Deborah James and Lauren Mahon. Founded by Rachael Bland.

Episodes

About Cancer and Creativity

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
30/04/2454m 12s

About The Cost Of Cancer

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. Lauren is then joined in studio with Marie Curie's public policy advisor, Rini Jones, and Macmillan advisor, Christopher Jones to answer your questions about cancer and the cost of living crisis.
28/03/2456m 39s

About Single Parents Going Through Cancer

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.
29/02/2450m 17s

About The Today Podcast on 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
15/02/2456m 23s

About Cancer and Homelessness

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.
30/01/2449m 35s

About Your Cancer Staff

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.
30/11/2339m 36s

About Cancer And Diversity

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.
26/10/2351m 19s

About Losing A Parent

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.
28/09/2352m 48s

About The Legacy Podcasts

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.
24/09/231m 55s

About Bowelbabe In Her Own Words

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'
17/04/231h 6m

About The Last Five Years

Lauren Mahon and Steve Bland, alongside producers Mike Holt and Al Entwistle, get together to reflect on the fifth anniversary of You, Me and the Big C.They share their funniest, proudest and toughest moments, as well as fond memories of the podcast's founder Rachael Bland and Dame Deborah James.Don't forget to use #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media - spread the word and share the positive support.
08/03/231h 7m

The Live Show

Deborah James' family, medical professionals and members of the cancer community come together to celebrate five years and recognise how the podcast has changed the national conversation about cancer.5:36 - Victoria Ekanoye and Dr Sacha Howell 22:58 - Tony Livesey 32:57 - Sarah Mills 42:10 - Leanne Pero, Jay McLaughlin and Vicki Woodall 59:03 - Ben James and Sarah Wieczorek (Deborah's brother and sister) 1:14:10 - Audience Q&A
29/01/231h 37m

About The Big Announcements

Lauren Mahon and Steve Bland get together for a long awaited catch up. They then bring in producers Mike Holt and Al Entwistle for a very exciting You, Me and the Big C announcement about something we are planning to do in January. We also hear from film director Sara Hardy, who tells us about an amazing project she's been working on - all about our dearly missed friend Dame Deborah James.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.
19/12/2239m 2s

About Our Debs

Lauren Mahon, Steve Bland, producers Mike Holt and Al Entwistle recount treasured stories and memories of Deborah James: friend, broadcaster, campaigner, fundraiser, author, computer scientist, Dame.
05/07/221h 4m

5 Live's tribute to Dame Deborah James

BBC Radio 5 Live's Tony Livesey celebrates the life of You, Me & The Big C broadcaster Dame Deborah James.
29/06/2234m 40s

Deborah James' Last Dance

As Deborah James stops active treatment for her cancer, she speaks with Producer Mike one last time.Join the conversation and the online community to share positive support by using #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media.
10/05/2228m 13s

About Where Debs Is At Right Now & Saying Goodbye

Lozza and Steve catch up with Deborah about her hospital recordings, how she feels now and what the immediate future looks like. We also say bon voyage to producer Al Entwistle, who has been an important member of our original You, Me and the Big C family from day one. Don't forget, you can get in touch by using #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media - spread the word and share the positive support. Email youmebigc@bbc.co.uk
10/03/2245m 37s

About When Debs Thought She Was Going Home

After three weeks in hospital Deborah James is finally told she can go home. But nothing ever seems to run smoothly. Little did Debs know that she’s about to embark on another emotional roller coaster that would taker her to absolutely rock bottom. This is the third and final part of her hospital recordings.This is a raw, powerful and honest account that some listeners my find upsetting.Don't forget, you can get in touch by using #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media - spread the word and share the positive support.Email youmebigc@bbc.co.uk
24/02/2234m 17s

About The Days In Hospital

Deborah is joined by Lauren as they go through some of recordings she made in hospital. The conversation and recording range from the challenges Debs faced while in hospital to thoughts on social media, religion to night terrors, Covid rules and having a fifth operation to try and put in a stent. This is a raw, powerful and honest account that some listeners my find upsetting. Don't forget, you can get in touch by using #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media - spread the word and share the positive support. Email youmebigc@bbc.co.uk
17/02/2259m 8s

About Debs' Near Death Experience

On the day our previous podcast came out Deborah James suffered a serious medical emergency. While in hospital she started recording her experiences. This is the first part of those recordings. This is a raw, powerful and honest account that some listeners my find distressing. Don't forget, you can get in touch by using #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media - spread the word and share the positive support. Email youmebigc@bbc.co.uk
10/02/2245m 19s

About Debs' Current Situation

After five months away from the pod, the team are back together and Deborah updates Lauren and Steve on the latest developments with her health.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.Email youmebigc@bbc.co.uk
06/01/2254m 20s

About Debs Recording Live From The Chemo Chair

Steve and Lauren check in with Deborah from her hospital chemo chair. They all talk about life now the Covid restrictions have been lifted and what that means for cancer patients. Then end this series by reading out a few of your amazing stories of hope.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.Email youmebigc@bbc.co.uk
22/07/2154m 31s

About Getting Men Talking

Steve Bland is flying solo this week as he asks why men sometimes find it hard to talk and to share their stories. He’s joined by Danny de Brabander, who has stage four bowel cancer, and Joe Bellman, whose mum died from cancer in late 2019, to talk about the challenges and benefits of taking your story public and leaning on mates for support when the going gets tough.Steve also asks grief expert and counsellor Jenni Thomas OBE if and why men find it harder to open up – and whether actually they might just take a different approach to grief and the trauma of cancer and serious illness.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.Email youmebigc@bbc.co.uk
15/07/211h 5m

About Hitting Rock Bottom

Deborah James is joined by fellow stage four’ers Emma Campbell and Darren Roberts to talk about hitting rock bottom, what happens physically, mentally and how they get through the day.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.Email youmebigc@bbc.co.uk
08/07/211h 7m

About Deborah’s 13th Operation

Deborah speaks with Lauren and Steve about the latest changes with her cancer, the complications, resulting adjustments to her treatment and what the next steps are.For the second week running, we also hear from a team mum! Debs' mum Heather puts on the headphones to share how things have been going from a parent's perspective.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.Email youmebigc@bbc.co.uk
01/07/2141m 44s

About The Fear Of Recurrence

For the first time Lauren sits down with her mum, Tina, who is 31 years on from her own cancer diagnosis, to discuss the fear of cancer recurrence. Lauren is also joined by Dr Joy Mueller, a counselling psychologist and relationship therapist, who listened to their conversation and explores some of the psychological impacts a fear of recurrence can cause.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.Email youmebigc@bbc.co.uk
24/06/211h 11m

About Nightbirde, Homework and Speculums

Deborah James, Lauren Mahon and Steve Bland are back together again to talk cancer headlines, geek of the week and share your 'laugh or you'd cry' stories.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.Email youmebigc@bbc.co.uk
17/06/2134m 21s

About Intimacy and Sex After Treatment

Lauren is joined by relationship and sex psychotherapist Miranda Christophers to answer your questions on how to regain confidence and intimacy following cancer treatment.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.Email youmebigc@bbc.co.uk
10/06/211h 2m

About Deborah and the Organoid

The team get together for an update on Debs' latest developments, discover what organoids are, reflect on reactions to the last two #YouMeBigC episodes. They discuss the cancer storyline in Motherland, Covid vaccines and read some of your 'laugh or you’d cry' cancer stories.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.Email youmebigc@bbc.co.uk
03/06/2152m 17s

About Love, Grief and Cancer

Julia Samuel, a psychotherapist who has spent over 30 years working with bereaved families and TV chef Tim Bilton who has a rare stage 4 melanoma join Steve Bland. They talk about the difficulties of finding love again and dealing with loved ones when the future looks uncertain.Steve also sits down for a frank and honest chat with Amy, who he has been in a relationship with for the past year and a half. She talks about some of the challenges of dating a widower.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.Email youmebigc@bbc.co.uk
27/05/2159m 51s

About Cancer and Covid

Deborah James hosts a special podcast talking about the challenges of dealing with cancer treatment and diagnosis during the Covid-19 pandemic. She's joined by Jay McLaughlin and Darren Roberts to discuss the practical and psychological difficulties they've all faced. The group share their personal coping mechanisms and approaches.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.Email youmebigc@bbc.co.uk
20/05/2151m 43s

About Turning The Mics Back On

Deborah, Steve and Lauren are back for a new series. Debs shares how her treatment is going, including an explanation of the latest cutting-edge trial treatment she's undergone - 'NanoKnife' - and the gang outline a fresh approach for future episodes. 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.Email youmebigc@bbc.co.uk
13/05/2142m 54s

About Trying To Find The Positives In 2020

It’s been a very testing 12 months for everyone, so Deborah, Lauren and Steve finish 2020 hearing some positive stories, outlooks and reflections on the year from listeners.Dr Phillipa Kay from This Morning, Carly Moosah, Tim Brown, Rhian Horne and Wendy Peake all share what's happened to them in 2020 and how they've got through it.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.
17/12/201h 38m

About Surrogacy

Lauren and Steve are joined by Kreena Dhiman, Sophie Beresiner and Laura Boyd to discuss their experiences of surrogacy and cancer.Each share a very different story and varied approaches to surrogacy.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.
10/12/201h 16m

About Sex and Cancer

Sex, dating and relationships educator Lala and Sinead Collins from GM Cancer, also previously an oncology advanced practitioner, join Debs Lauren and Steve to share their knowledge and experience about the emotional and sexual impact of cancer.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.
26/11/201h 41m

About Skin Cancers

Medical Advisor for Melanoma UK and Clinical Lead for Skin Cancer at the Royal Stoke University Hospital, Wayne Jaffe, joins #YouMeBigC. Kate Cochrane also joins Debs, Lauren and Steve to talk about her experiences of having melanoma.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.
19/11/2054m 58s

About Pancreatic Cancer

Dr Naureen Starling, a Consultant Medical Oncologist specialising in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers and Cariad Lloyd, presenter of the Griefcast podcast, whose father died of pancreatic cancer when she was young, join Debs, Lauren and Steve.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.
12/11/201h 11m

About Supporting From Afar During Lockdown

Steph Blackwell, finalist from The Great British Bake Off and her dad, Roger, who has prostate and bowel cancer, join Debs, Lauren and Steve.They discuss the challenges of living apart whilst undergoing cancer treatment during the coronavirus lockdowns.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.
05/11/2048m 43s

About Lung Cancer

Professor Charlie Swanton, Cancer Research UK's Chief Clinician, who is leading ground-breaking studies into lung cancer and Joanna Heard, who was diagnosed with a rare genetic version of the disease, join Deborah, Lauren and Steve. They discuss stigmas around a cancer so closely linked to smoking, the future of treatments and how important it is to go to your doctor as early as possible if you develop symptoms. Don’t forget, you can get in touch by using the #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media – spread the word and share positive support.
29/10/201h 12m

About The Goodbye To All This Podcast

Internationally acclaimed audio storyteller Sophie Townsend joins Deborah, Lauren and Steve to discuss the story and experiences behind her new podcast ‘Goodbye To All This’.It’s a love story about life, loss and grief and coming back out the other side and we include episode one alongside our interview with Sophie.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.
22/10/201h 4m

About The Future Of Cancer Detection

Dr David Crosby, Head of Prevention and Early Detection Research at Cancer Research UK, joins Deborah, Lauren and Steve to talk about what the future of cancer may look like. He sets out a roadmap of how we can try and get to a point where nobody gets a late stage cancer diagnosis.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.
15/10/2050m 44s

About Female and Male Breast Cancer

Lauren, Debs and Steve mark the start of Breast Cancer Awareness month with a jam packed episode!Dr Zoe Williams joins the team to talk about early diagnosis, Laura Middleton-Hughes discusses secondary breast cancer, plus David Aggett and Dave Talbot reveal how they're raising awareness about male breast cancer.Don't forget you can get in touch by using #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media - spread the word and share the positive support.
08/10/201h 14m

About Cancer Treatment and Covid-19

Karol Sikora, an oncologist for 50 years and former Director of the World Health Organisation's cancer programme and Katharina Hauck, a Reader in Health Economics at the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at the Imperial College London both join Lauren, Deborah and Steve to look at where we are now in terms of cancer treatment and the Covid-19 pandemic.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.
01/10/201h 15m

Gamechangers: Grief

Emma Dutton co-founder of Untangle Grief and the artist behind Grief Kid join Lauren, Debs and Steve to discuss how they are helping people come to terms with grief.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.
04/08/201h 13m

Gamechangers: Mobile Cancer Care

Tina Seymour, chief executive of Hope For Tomorrow, joins Debs, Lauren and Steve to talk about how the charity provides mobile cancer care units to NHS Trusts and the challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic.The #YouMeBigC team are also joined by Madelaine McLaughlin who uses the service and Pat Dyminski, who is a lead clinical nurse and MSCC Coordinator at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, to discuss the impact mobile units can make to rural communities.
28/07/2055m 56s

Gamechangers: Leanne Fisher

After the death of her son, aged just 23 months, Leanne Fisher and her husband co-founded Fletcher's Fund - a small charity with the aim of providing fun things to children going through cancer treatment.Leanne talks to Lauren, Deborah and Steve about her story, why she set up the charity and what they aim do to help children facing cancer. She also highlights the challenges facing small charities in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.You can get in touch by using the #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media.
21/07/201h 3m

About Panorama Part 2: Behind the camera

Executive producer Lucie Kon and director Chris Alcock of Panorama’s 'Britain’s Cancer Crisis' join Deborah, Lauren and Steve to give a fascinating insight into how the film was made. Plus Neil Bayman, Associate Medical Director at the Christie, shares his response to the Panorama. He discusses the challenges of giving cancer care during the pandemic and talks about the impact Kelly Smith had at the hospital.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.
14/07/201h 13m

About Panorama Part 1: Kelly's Story

Kelly Smith, known on social media as Kickass Kell, talks to Deborah, Lauren and Steve about her cancer treatment during the coronavirus pandemic. We also hear from Kelly's mum Mandy who was caring for her. Ten days after recording, Kelly sadly died.Parts of this podcast were filmed for a special Panorama documentary called 'Britain's Cancer Crisis', where Deborah investigates fears that the coronavirus pandemic could cause a crisis in cancer care in the UK, how the NHS has managed cancer care during lockdown and she meets more fellow patients to discover what the pandemic has meant for them.
06/07/201h 32m

Gamechangers: Leanne Pero

Before lockdown, we'd started to record a new series speaking to gamechangers in the cancer community. Our first recording was with Leanne Pero and Charlotte Crowl, but due to Covid-19 everything was put on hold.In this episode we catch up with Leanne. You'll hear the original recording from back in early March, alongside her thoughts of what's happened and changed since.Leanne and Charlotte do a new podcast called 'Black Women Rising: The Untold Cancer Stories' where you can find out more about their amazing work - it's available in all the usual podcast places.We aim to return to the cancer gamechangers series in the next few episodes, so if there's someone making a difference in your cancer community please tell us all about them by using #youmebigc across all forms of social media.This episode is dedicated to our dear friend (and previous guest on the pod) Saima Thompson.
30/06/201h 15m

About the Mental Heath Impacts of Lockdown

Leyla Hussein OBE, a psychotherapist and social activist joins Lauren, Deborah and Steve to talk about the impact of the coronavirus lockdown on cancer patients’ mental health and shares some helpful advice.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.
23/06/2059m 20s

About the Impact of Coronavirus on Cancer

Michelle Mitchell the CEO of Cancer Research UK and Lucy Gossage, a consultant oncologist working in Nottingham University Hospitals join Lauren, Deborah and Steve to talk about the impact of Covid-19 on cancer diagnosis and treatment in the UK during lockdown.We'd like to dedicate this podcast to Kelly Smith, Alex Jackson and those who have lost their lives during this global pandemic.
16/06/201h 13m

About the World Cancer Day Takeover

Deborah, Lauren and Steve do a #youmebigc takeover of Sarah Brett’s late night 5 Live radio show on World Cancer Day. They catch up with the person in charge of Deborah’s cancer treatment, Professor Cunningham. Hear some great news from the 5 Live Breakfast sports reader Chris Latcham on his leukemia, plus a catch up with Errol McKellar on his prostate campaigning and speak to a few people who called into the show.
05/02/201h 8m

About The Best Friends

Lauren, Steve and Deborah speak one to one with their best friends, Lereese, David and Sarah, about how they approach supporting them through the impact of cancer.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.
06/01/201h 21m

About The Year

Deborah, Lauren and Steve take a look back at 2019 and catch up with some good friends of the podcast.
30/12/1958m 54s

About The Legacy

Jess Mills, daughter of Baroness Tessa Jowell and Grant, father of #YouMeBigC friend Jack Morgan, join Deborah James, Lauren Mahon and Steve Bland. We discuss the things they’ve all done in memory of their love ones.
16/12/191h 34m

About The Proton Beam

The #YouMeBigC team visit the Christie in Manchester to find about the UK’s first ever NHS Proton Beam centre. John Archer, the centre’s clinical manager, takes us on an all access tour of the facility. Deborah, Lauren and Steve speak to Dr Ed Smith, the proton beam clinical lead, to find out how the treatment works.They also chat to Angela Mulholland whose 5-year-old son, Aidan, has Ewing’s Sarcoma and is currently undergoing proton treatment for a tumour in his spine.Produced by Mike Holt and Alex Entwistle.
25/11/191h 29m

About Male Specific Cancers

Newcastle Falcons' Johnny Williams, who was recently diagnosed with testicular cancer, and specialist prostate nurse Meg Burgess from Prostate Cancer UK, join Steve Bland and Lauren Mahon to talk about two of the biggest male specific cancers.You can get in touch by using the #youmebigc across all forms of social media.
11/11/1957m 24s

About The Technology

Matthew Gould the Chief Executive Officer for NHSX, a new body set up to ensure that staff and patients have the technology they need, and Paul Landau, founder and CEO of Careology, who saw a need for a better use of app-based technology when he was supporting his wife through cancer, both join Deborah James, Lauren Mahon and Steve Bland to discuss the use of technology in cancer care.You can get in touch by using the #youmebigc across all forms of social media.
04/11/191h 8m

About The Gynaecological Cancers

CEO of The Eve Appeal Athena Lamnisos, author of The Gynae Geek Dr Anita Mitra, cancer information officer and comedian Karen Hobbs discuss all things gynae cancer with the team.Please get in touch with us by using the #youmebigc across all forms of social media.Deborah, Lauren and Steve x
28/10/191h 20m

About Cancer on Coronation Street

The #youmebigc team look at the way cancer storylines are told in soaps and take a trip to television's most famous cobbles – Coronation Street.Debs, Lauren and Steve speak to the two actors involved in one of the biggest soap stories of the year – Katie McGlynn and Rob Mallard, who play Sinead and Daniel Osbourne. We speak to Corrie legend Sally Dynevor, who plays Sally Metcalfe, formerly Webster and Seddon and tells us how she was diagnosed with breast cancer in real-life, just days after her character was diagnosed in the soap.Plus, we're joined by Corrie story producer Lindsay Williams and Pete Wallroth from Mummy's Star, a charity dedicated to women and their families affected by cancer during pregnancy, who worked as an adviser on Sinead and Daniel's storyline.
21/10/191h 25m

About The Second Opinion

Alex Jackson, who was diagnosed with sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, shares her experience and frustrations of looking for more treatment options. Richard Johnson, a oncoplastic breast surgeon, who Rachael went to see for a second opinion, gives us his views. And Dr Rebecca Leon is back to provide a GP's perspective on the subject.They all join Deborah James, Lauren Mahon and Steve Bland as they discuss the process and fears around asking for a second medical opinion.Please get in touch with us by using the #youmebigc across all forms of social media.
14/10/191h 15m

About The Primary Care

Rebecca Leon, a cancer education lead, works with the Christie in Manchester and is a practicing GP in the North West of England. Dr Rebecca joins Deborah James, Lauren Mahon and Steve Bland to discuss primary care. Everyone’s cancer journey is different but we all start in same place... at the primary care stage.Please get in touch with us by using the #youmebigc across all forms of social media.
07/10/191h 9m

About Dating and Relationships

Deborah, Lauren and Steve are back for a new series. They start by talking about dating with cancer and the impact it can have on relationships.They speak to listeners of #youmebigc to find out what their experiences of dating with cancer have been - good, bad and life-changing.This episode is dedicated to our special friends (and previous guests on the pod) Jack Morgan and Tierney Kinsella.
30/09/191h 17m

About Remembering Rachael One Year On

To mark a year on from Rachael Bland’s death her husband Steve Bland introduces a collection of moments from the pod, some previously unheard clips and one of her final ever appearances on BBC 5 live with Deborah James and Lauren Mahon.Please get in touch with us by using the #youmebigc across all forms of social media.
05/09/1942m 4s

About The Rare Cancers

BBC newsreader Kate Williams and Jack Morgan join Deborah James, Lauren Mahon and Steve Bland to talk about the challenges they’ve both faced after being diagnosed with rare cancers.Plus Dr Paul Huang, a team leader in molecular and systems oncology from the Institute of Cancer Research, answers their questions and explains some of the difficulties when researching into uncommon cancers.You can get in touch by using #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media.
04/07/191h 22m

About Your Questions – Part 2

Lauren, Deborah and Steve answer more of your questions on cancer (and anything else you wanted to ask them) in the second of this special two part podcast. Thank you to everyone who posted a question using #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media.
27/06/1938m 55s

About Your Questions – Part 1

Lauren, Deborah and Steve answer your questions on cancer (and anything else you wanted to ask them) in this special two part podcast. Thank you to everyone who posted a question using #YouMeBigC across all forms of social media.
21/06/1949m 52s

About Putting Life On Hold

Head of features for ITV’s Lorraine, Helen Addis, talks about taking a break from work after finding out she had breast cancer and launched a campaign as a result. She also reveals how important a role Deborah played in her finding out she had cancer. Lorraine Kelly joins us to discuss the impact it's had on the production team.Former England Cricket captain Andrew Strauss, who stepped down as the ECB's director of cricket after his wife Ruth was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer, has an in depth conversation about how the illness and death of his wife affected the family.
13/06/191h 33m

About The Fundraising

Actor Larry Lamb, TV's Bill Turnbull and many others at the Marsden March speak to Deborah, Steve and (eventually) Lauren about the cancer charities and reasons they're walking.The team also catch up with Vicki and Woody Woodhall, their two sons, Alex and George, to get the latest update on their million pound target.
24/05/191h 7m

About Recurrence

Author (with ‘ongoing cancer sizzle’) Emma Campbell and Anne Crook, counsellor and cognitive behavioural therapist at The Christie, join #YouMeBigC to talk about recurrent cancer.
16/05/191h 22m

About Representation

Following a recent campaign that provoked a strong reaction Debs, Lauren and Steve are joined by Delyth Morgan the Chief Executive of Breast Cancer Now to talk about what wrong. Laura Bailey, AKA That Mum With Cancer, joins us to shed light on why the cancer community reacted the way it did.
09/05/191h 14m

About the London Marathon

Eastenders' Jake Wood, Great British Bake Off’s Candice Brown, TV presenter Helen Skelton and Charlie Webster join the #YouMeBigC team for a London Marathon behind the scenes special.We track Steve, who ran in memory of his wife and our podcast founder Rachael Bland.Plus, hear the stories of other competitors, whilst Deborah and Lauren face their own challenge to keep up with #TeamRachael in the London crowds.
29/04/191h 9m

About The Operation

Lauren Mahon and Steve Bland join Deborah James at the Royal Marsden Hospital as Debs goes in for an operation for the ablation of her liver tumours. We hear from Consultant Interventional Radiologist, Dr Nicos Fotiadis and Consultant Anaesthetist and Dr Torsten Beutlhauser who will be in charge of her procedure.Also Steve and Lozza go meet Mr Declan Cahill, a Consultant Urological Surgeon and his team. Declan takes them into his operating theatre as he oversees and performs an actual real life prostatectomy by robotic surgery. They then go and see Debs after her operation and catch up again with Dr Nicos Fotiadis.The whole #youmebigc team would like to thank the Royal Marsden Hospital for providing us with this incredible opportunity.
11/04/191h 44m

About The Update

No guests, but a quick update on the #YouMeBigC team from Lauren Mahon, Deborah James and Steve Bland.
21/03/1921m 4s

About Child Cancer

Vicki Woodall, whose son George was diagnosed at the age of five, shares her experiences with Lauren Mahon, Deborah James and Steve Bland.Tierney Kinsella, who was diagnosed with cancer at 14 and has been in treatment for the past four years, tells her story. Plus Dr Julia Chisholm, Consultant Paediatric and Adolescent Oncologist at the Royal Marsden, joins the team to answer their questions and talk about the intricacies of treating children with cancer.Radio 1’s Chris Stark, who played a big role in getting You, Me and the Big C to the top of the podcast charts, calls in for a quick chat.
07/03/191h 26m

About The Food

Deborah James, Lauren Mahon and Steve Bland talk all about food and diet when you have cancer. They do some myth busting with Toral Shah, a nutritional scientist and founder of the Urban Kitchen. The food stylist and founder of Life Kitchen, Ryan Riley, discusses maximizing flavour from food after a loss or change of taste due to treatments.
28/02/191h 19m

About The Book

Marking the release of Rachael Bland's book to her son Fred, Deborah James, Lauren Mahon and Rachael's husband Steve talk about the challenges she went through writing it in the final months of her life.They also discuss the positives and negatives of sharing their cancer stories so publicly. Deborah's son Hugo gives his thoughts on how he feels about it..
21/02/1956m 14s

About Palliative Care

CoppaFeel’s Kris Hallenga joins Deborah, Lauren and Steve alongside Kathryn Mannix, who’s worked in palliative care since 1986, and Adrienne Betteley, specialist advisor for end of life care at Macmillan Cancer Support.
14/02/191h 36m

About The Hope

Deborah James and Lauren Mahon visit the Francis Crick Institute to explore the hope in cancer research. They talk to Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s CEO and Dr Sam Godfrey. Given a guided tour around one of the labs by PhD student, Edurne Mugarza. Professor Julian Downward, Associate Research Director at the Crick, discusses how his work led to the development of drugs such as Herceptin and panitumumab and we find out his hopes for the future.
04/02/191h 34m

About Cultures

Deborah James and Lauren Mahon are joined by Saima Thompson, a restauranteur who was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer, to explore how different cultures view cancer.They talk to Cary Adams the Chief Executive Officer at the Union for International Cancer Control. Plus, Errol McKellar, a former car mechanic who now dedicates his life to encouraging men to get tested for prostate cancer, shares his incredible story. You can suggest future topics and join in the conversation on social media by using #youmebigc
31/01/191h 20m

About Exercise

The benefits of exercise pre and post cancer are discussed by Deborah James, Lauren Mahon and Steve Bland.   Project leader Zoe Merchant and personal trainer Kirsty Rowlinson talk about ‘Prehab4Cancer’ - a programme in Greater Manchester aimed to prepare cancer patients going into treatment.   Cancer rehabilitation specialist and founder of MOVE charity Gemma Hillier-Moses talks about her use of exercise in the recovery process.   Oncologist and tri-athlete Lucy Gossage, who has 12 Ironman wins, shares her experiences and gives her much needed triathlon tips to the team.
24/01/191h 31m

About Cancer At Christmas

Deborah James and Lauren Mahon are joined by Steve Bland to talk about cancer at Christmas. The first part was recorded a month before Christmas. In the second part the three come back together 10 days before the big day. Debs shares an important update and they all reveal how their feelings have changed.
20/12/1852m 53s

About The Loss

Steve Bland joins Deborah and Lauren to talk publicly for the first time about the loss of Rachael.A year after the sudden tragic death of his wife Gemma, Simon Thomas shares some of his experiences and the impact on his family.Specialist bereavement counsellor and founder of Grief Encounter, Shelley Gilbert, also joins Deborah, Lauren and Steve to share some advice about processing grief.
14/11/181h 49m

About The New Normal

In Rachael’s final podcast with Deborah and Lauren they discuss the 'new normal'. This term is commonly used by doctors and cancer communities when people are finding a sense of normality in their lives after diagnosis and treatment. Dr Liz O'Riordan, who has recurrent breast cancer, joins the #YouMeBigC girls to talk about her experiences. This podcast was released at the request of Rachael and her husband Steve.
13/09/181h 13m

About Our Rachael

Deborah James AKA Bowelbabe, Lauren Mahon AKA Girl vs Cancer, producers Mike Holt AKA 'The Bear' and Al Entwistle AKA 'Vid Skills' talk about Rachael’s final days, the podcast and what our very special friend meant to us. This podcast also includes clips of tributes on BBC 5 Live after Rachael’s death on Tuesday 5th September 2018.
06/09/181h 6m

About The Pain

Rachael, Deborah and Lauren talk about dealing with the pain caused by cancer. Plus Dr Matthew Brown, a consultant in pain medicine and anaesthetics from the Royal Marsden Hospital, joins the girls to share his experiences of treating the discomfort cancer patients can suffer.
30/08/181h

About Dating and Intimacy

The girls discuss how cancer has had an impact on dating and intimacy with their partners. They speak to author Annie Belasco who wrote a book on her experiences of dating. Then Gynae Cancer Nurse Specialist Tracie Miles from the Eve Appeal answers some of your questions about the impact of cancer on a sex life.
22/08/181h 12m

About Death

Why do some people have such a problem talking about death? Rachael, Deborah and Lauren are joined by the actor Greg Wise, who took care of his dying sister, to discuss some of the hang ups people have around the subject.They also give us an update on their current health situations after taking a short break from podcasting.
15/08/181h 35m

About The Future

The girls look into the future of cancer care. They talk to Dr Fiona Thistlethwaite from The Christie who is looking after Rachael’s current drug trial. They also speak to Professor David Cunningham from the Royal Marsden who over sees Deborah’s medical team about his thoughts on where cancer treatment is heading.
31/05/181h 35m

About The Friends

Rachael talks about receiving some bad news. The #YouMeBigC team discuss the different reactions they've had from friends and the public about going public with their cancer. Plus, Kelly Smith, a 29 year old online friend with bowel cancer, meets the girls for the first time.
24/05/181h 20m

About The Alternatives

Jules Peters, the wife of The Alarm frontman Mike Peters, and Jean Slocombe, a Cancer Research UK specialist information nurse, join #YouMeBigC to talk about alternative and complimentary therapies.
03/05/181h 18m

About The Doctors

Former Arsenal and Celtic footballer John Hartson and Rachael’s surgeon Richard joins #YouMeBigC as we look at the relationships between cancer patients and their medical teams.
26/04/181h 16m

About the Nearest and Dearest

Emma & Jonathan Agnew join #youmebigc The girls leave Rachael’s husband, Lauren's brother, Deborah’s father and Aggers to talk openly about the impact of their loved ones cancer.
18/04/181h 34m

About The Money

A Macmillan expert shares tips on dealing with the financial pressures of cancer, plus Hollyoaks and The Bill star Ben Richards talks about acting while fighting bowel cancer.
11/04/181h 22m

About The Body

Rachael, Deborah and Lauren talk about the effects of cancer on the body. Claire Paxman joins the girls to talk about scalp cooling during chemo and gives her expert tips.
05/04/181h 20m

About The Kids

Olympic bronze medallist Steve Parry joins Rachael, Deborah and Lauren as they talk about fertility issues around cancer. They also discuss the effects on their children and speak to Sarah Pickles who successfully had a second child after going through treatment.
29/03/181h 1m

About The Positives

Linda Nolan joins Rachael, Deborah and Lauren to discuss a few of the positives they've found with cancer, including; friendship, dating, presents and playing their cancer cards.
22/03/181h 1m

About The Chemo

The #youmebigc team, Rachael, Deborah and Lauren give you their personal guide to all things chemo. They are joined by chemotherapy nurse Kate Lewis from The Royal Marsden who shares her advice and expertise.
15/03/181h 9m

About The Head

The #youmebigc team, Rachael, Deborah and Lauren discuss how battling cancer can impact mental health. Event rider Ben Hobday shares how he maintained a positive attitude.
07/03/181h 8m

About Us

Meet the #youmebigc team. Rachael, Deborah and Lauren have or have had cancer. They are your candid guide to all the high and lows of cancer, with some laughs along the way.
07/03/181h 7m

#YouMeBigC: Rachael’s story

"I had this weird soreness... it wasn't even in my breast" : Rachael Bland, aka Big C, Little Me, talks waiting rooms and breast cancer diagnosis with Deborah and Lauren.
07/03/182m 4s

#YouMeBigC: Deborah’s story

“I have the poo cancer... There's nothing pink about my cancer, it's just brown!” : Deborah James, aka Bowel Babe, talks about her stage four bowel cancer diagnosis with Rachael and Lauren.
07/03/182m 43s

#YouMeBigC: Lauren’s story

“Does that feel normal to you?” : Lauren Mahon, aka Girl vs Cancer, initially put tiredness down to her lifestyle, but went to a walk-in centre to get checked out. She shares her breast cancer diagnosis story with Rachael and Deborah.
06/03/182m 6s
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