The Cancer Tapestry: Storytelling and connection through art

What if art could say the things people find hardest to put into words?In this special live episode from Macmillan’s 2026 Professionals Conference, we explore The Cancer Tapestry- a global community art project bringing together over 1,000 volunteers to stitch their lived experiences of cancer into a powerful collective story.Joined by artist Andrew Crummy MBE, surgeon Rodney Mountain, and Macmillan’s Eleanor Ogilvie, we discuss how creative expression, storytelling, and community-based art can support emotional wellbeing, reduce isolation, and enhance personalised cancer care. This inspiring conversation highlights the role of arts in healthcare, social prescribing, and person-centred approaches to cancer support.Discover how creativity can transform cancer care experiences, spark meaningful conversations beyond clinical settings, and connect individuals, families, and communities around the world.Content warning: This episode contains conversations about lived experience of cancer which you may find upsetting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.Find out more about becoming a Macmillan Affiliate memberIf you are a health or social care professional working in cancer care, visit membership.macmillan.org.uk to find out more about our Macmillan Membership which includes a range of education and training resources and access to our Learning Hub.Links from the episode:'A Good Thing To Do: Andrew Crummy's Cancer Tapestry' documentaryAndrew Crummy's websiteCanDu charity website Macmillan information and resources for people affected by cancer:Head and neck cancer Talking about cancerHow cancer may affect you emotionallyThis episode aligns with Macmillan's strategic objectives to reach everyone, especially those who need us most, and to make cancer care fair for everyone. Read more about Macmillan's strategy.Please complete this short, anonymous survey to help us understand your experience as a listener- what you find most useful, how you've been able to apply insights from the podcast in your role, and where we can improve. It will only take around 15 minutes to complete: The Cancer Professionals Podcast- listener surveyIf you work in health or social care, visit www.macmillan.org.uk/learning or Macmillan’s Learning Hub for more information about free education and training from Macmillan Cancer Support.Disclaimer: The content and information in these episodes is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All examples discussed in episodes are UK based and reflect UK health systems at the time of recording. No material within this series is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified and registered healthcare providers.