Let's Talk Cancer

Hosted by UICC (Union for International Cancer Control)

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May 2026

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About the show

In this award-winning podcast, leading thinkers share their insights and knowledge on the challenges and progress of cancer control. Explore a wealth of topics from tobacco to universal health coverage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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42 recent

June 16, 202621 min

Cancer awareness and prevention in younger adults

In this new episode of Let’s Talk Cancer, Cary Adams speaks with Jaym O’Esso, a performer, songwriter, dancer, who lost both parents to cancer and was himself diagnosed twice at a young age, about prevention, early awareness, and the lived experience of younger adults.Together they explore Jaym’s personal journey – from his life and creative career before being treated twice for colorectal cancer – and how this experience reshaped his perspective on health, priorities and the future. The conversation highlights the rise of early-onset cancers and the importance of recognising symptoms, listening to one's body, and seeking care without delay.Jaym reflects on the power of community, storytelling, and connection throughout his treatment, and how he now uses his platform to advocate for greater awareness and prevention-focused conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 27, 202624 min

The vital role of oncology nurses and patient navigators

 Cary Adams, CEO of UICC, and Rani Khetarpal, President of AONN+ (the Academy of Oncology Nurses and Patient Navigators), a UICC member, explore what patient navigation means in practice, how navigators and oncology nurses work side by side across the cancer care continuum, and why this human connection is increasingly important as cancer care becomes more complex. The conversation highlights how navigators help patients and families overcome clinical, psychosocial and financial barriers, ensure continuity of care, and support better outcomes by keeping people on treatment and connected to services.The episode also looks at the pressures facing the navigation and nursing workforce, including burnout, workforce shortages and sustainability challenges, as well as emerging policy and financing developments — such as the reimbursement of navigation services — that are beginning to change how navigation is valued and scaled within health systems. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

April 15, 202623 min

Building sustainable access to oncology medicines in low‑resource settings

This new episode of Let’s Talk Cancer, Cary Adams speaks with Dr Jackson Orem of the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), a UICC member, about a key driver of equity in cancer care: improving access to oncology medicines in low-resource settings.Together they explore the current landscape of cancer care in Uganda and the wider region, what it takes to strengthen cancer services sustainably, and how collaborative partnerships such as UICC-led Access to Oncology Medicines (ATOM) Coalition are supporting countries to build the systems, skills, and financing needed for reliable access to quality-assured oncology medicines and diagnostics, to ensure that essential medicines and diagnostics reach the right people and the right time – safely, affordably, and consistently.Dr Orem is a medical oncologist trained at Makerere University and the Karolinska Institute, and he has led the Institute’s expansion in cancer treatment, research, and international partnerships, contributing significantly to cancer care in Uganda and across Africa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

March 19, 202622 min

mproving women’s health with culturally appropriate cancer care

Cary Adams, CEO of UICC, explores with Ms Kirsty Sword Gusmão, former First Lady of Timor-Leste and Founder of UICC member the Alola Foundation what actions are taking place to improve women’s access to culturally appropriate cancer prevention, detection, and support across the Indo‑Pacific region. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

February 25, 202625 min

Providing supportive cancer care in Egypt

This new episode of the award-winning Let’s Talk Cancer builds on the recent World Cancer Day campaign theme 'United by Unique' about people-centred cancer care, exploring how comprehensive support can transform the breast cancer journey for women in Egypt and across the region.Cary Adams speaks with Dr Yomna Sherif, Patient Navigation Manager and breast surgeon at the Baheya Foundation in Egypt, a UICC member organisation dedicated to improving outcomes for women with breast cancer, and winner of the World Cancer Day Campaign award in 2024.Together, they look at how Baheya puts people-centred care into practice through services such as patient navigation, practical skills support, and help with transport and accommodation – and how patient-led organisations can shape more responsive, compassionate cancer services in their countries and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

January 23, 202523 min

World Cancer Day 2025: People Centred Cancer Care with Karen Nakawala

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.

December 16, 202420 min

Rewriting Cancer: stories of resilience and change in cancer care

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.

September 20, 202426 min

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR): a rising threat to cancer treatment

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.

June 18, 202431 min

The future of oncology: new technologies and tailored treatment

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.

May 15, 202427 min

Protecting youth from tobacco industry interference

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.