The Early Cancer Diagnosis Podcast

In the fourth and final episode, BCfm Radio presenters Laura Rawlings and Pat Hart are joined by Dr Thomas Strawson-Smith, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, to talk openly about bowel cancer, the symptoms to look out for and why screening and early diagnosis can save lives.   The episode explores some of the key warning signs, including blood in your poo, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, tiredness and persistent abdominal pain. It also tackles the embarrassment that can sometimes surround talking about poo, bowel symptoms and procedures such as colonoscopies, with a clear message that healthcare professionals deal with these issues every day.   The conversation also looks at the NHS bowel cancer screening programme, what happens if your home testing kit finds traces of blood, and why a positive result does not automatically mean cancer. Thomas explains how colonoscopies can identify and remove polyps before they become cancerous, and how finding bowel cancer early can mean simpler and more successful treatment.   Laura, Pat and Thomas also discuss diet and lifestyle, reducing barriers to screening, the importance of getting reliable information from trusted sources, and practical ways to prepare for medical appointments following a diagnosis.   Produced by BCfm Radio with support from the NHS Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire (SWAG) Cancer Alliance, the series combines clinical expertise, lived experience and practical guidance, with a strong emphasis on early diagnosis and reducing barriers to care.   The key message: know what is normal for you, don’t ignore changes, complete your bowel screening test when it arrives, and if something does not feel right, speak to your GP. Early diagnosis can make a huge difference.

In episode three, BCfm Radio presenters Laura Rawlings and Pat Hart are joined by Dr Anna Bibby, Respiratory Physician at Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and Clinical Director for SWAG Cancer Alliance’s Lung Cancer Screening Programme, to talk about lung cancer, the symptoms to look out for and why early diagnosis can make such a major difference.   The episode explores some of the warning signs, including a persistent cough, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss and changes in existing lung symptoms. It also challenges one of the biggest misconceptions around lung cancer: that it only affects people who smoke. As Anna explains, anyone with lungs can develop lung cancer, although smoking remains an important risk factor.   The conversation also looks at lung cancer screening, what happens during a CT scan, support for people who want to stop smoking, and the stigma that can sometimes stop people seeking help. Anna also explains how NHS screening services are being taken directly into communities, including areas experiencing higher levels of deprivation, to help reduce inequalities in early diagnosis.   Produced by BCfm Radio with support from the NHS Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire (SWAG) Cancer Alliance, the series combines clinical expertise, lived experience and practical guidance, with a particular focus on underserved communities and reducing barriers to care.   The key message: if you notice a new or persistent symptom, get it checked. If you are invited for lung cancer screening, take up the offer. Finding lung cancer early can mean more treatment options and a much better chance of successful treatment.

In episode two, BCfm Radio presenters Laura Rawlings and Pat Hart are joined by Professor Jonathan Aning, Consultant Urological Surgeon at Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, to talk openly about prostate cancer, the symptoms to be aware of and why having a conversation with your GP can be so important.   The episode explains what the prostate is, who may be at greater risk, including Black men and people with a family history of prostate cancer, and what to expect from a PSA blood test and any follow-up investigations. It also tackles some of the myths and embarrassment that can stop people from seeking help, including the misconception that getting checked automatically means having an internal examination.   Laura, Pat and Jonathan also discuss the importance of family conversations, genetic risk, the lack of routine prostate cancer screening for most men, and why people need to be proactive if they notice changes or have concerns.   Produced by BCfm Radio with support from the NHS Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire (SWAG) Cancer Alliance, the series combines clinical expertise, lived experience and practical guidance, with a focus on early diagnosis and reducing barriers to care.   The key message: know your risk, don’t ignore changes, talk about prostate cancer and if you are concerned, speak to your GP.

In this first episode, BCfm Radio presenters Laura Rawlings and Pat Hart draw on their own experiences of cancer to have an open and practical conversation about breast cancer with Miss Michelle Mullan, Oncologist and Breast Surgeon at Bristol NHS Foundation Trust.   They explore how to get to know what is normal for your body, the signs and symptoms to look out for, breast screening, common myths, clinical trials and why finding cancer early can make such a significant difference to treatment and survival.   The conversation also looks at some of the barriers that can prevent people from seeking help, particularly within underserved and global majority communities, and why nobody should feel embarrassed or worried about getting a change checked.   Produced by BCfm Radio with support from the NHS Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire (SWAG) Cancer Alliance, the series combines clinical expertise, lived experience and practical advice, with a focus on early diagnosis and reducing barriers to care.   The key message: know your body, check regularly, attend screening when invited and if something does not feel right, don’t delay in getting it checked.