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

Ahead of World Cancer Day 2026, the groundbreaking podcast You, Me and the Big C is back for a special legacy episode about how it changed the cancer conversation.Hosts Lauren Mahon and Steve Bland are joined by 5 Live presenter Tony Livesey, who lost his own mum to cancer, and was also a friend to former hosts Rachael Bland and Dame Deborah James. TV Presenter Trisha Goddard, TikTok influencer Shell Rowe and Dr Anisha Patel come on to tell their own cancer stories and how this podcast has played a role in helping them get through it.Don't forget, you can spread the word and share the positive support by using #youmebigc across all forms of social media.

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. 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.

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'

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.