A new four-part podcast series from BCfm Radio is helping people across Bristol, Wiltshire, Somerset and Gloucestershire recognise the early signs of cancer and feel more confident about seeking medical advice.
The Early Cancer Diagnosis Podcast, produced by BCfm Radio with support from the NHS Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire (SWAG) Cancer Alliance, brings together NHS clinicians with broadcasters Laura Rawlings and Patrick Hart, who both have lived experience of cancer.
The series focuses on breast, prostate, lung and bowel cancer, combining clinical expertise, personal experience and practical advice in a conversational and accessible format.
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in the UK, with nearly 3.5m people currently living with the disease. In the South West alone, more than 722,000 new cancer cases are expected between now and 2040. Significant inequalities also persist, particularly for people living in low-income areas, where late diagnosis, difficulty accessing care and preventable risks can affect outcomes.
The project has a particular focus on underserved communities and aims to break down some of the fear, stigma and practical barriers that can stop people getting symptoms checked early.
Laura Rawlings, broadcaster and co-presenter of the series, was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer and underwent chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy, as well as taking part in a clinical trial.
Laura Rawlings said:
“When you have been through cancer yourself, you realise how important it is to know your body and act when something changes. It can be frightening to make that first call or go for a test, but finding cancer earlier can make an enormous difference.
“We wanted these conversations to feel open and human. There is no judgement and no question is too embarrassing.”
Co-presenter Patrick Hart has also experienced cancer, undergoing intensive chemotherapy and subsequent maintenance treatment following a diagnosis of lymphoma.
Patrick Hart said:
“Laura and I know what it feels like to be on the patient side of these conversations. We also know how easy it is to put things off or worry that you are wasting the doctor’s time.
“One of the strongest messages from the whole series is simple: if something has changed or you are worried, get it checked. We want people, families and communities to talk more openly and look out for each other.”
Dr Rachel Brown, Primary Care and Neighbourhood Lead for SWAG Cancer Alliance said:
“Finding cancer early gives people the best chance of successful treatment and improved outcomes, but we know that some communities continue to face barriers to getting symptoms checked or accessing screening programmes.
That’s why we’re so pleased to support BCfm in developing this podcast series because it brings important health information directly into communities in a way that is accessible, relatable and engaging. By bringing together clinical advice with the personal experiences of Laura and Patrick, these conversations will hopefully help demystify cancer, challenge common misconceptions and encourage people to seek help when something doesn’t feel right.
Our message is simple: if you notice a change in your body or have concerns about your health, please don’t put it off. Getting checked early could make all the difference.”
The four episodes
- The Breast Cancer episode features Miss Michelle Mullan, Oncologist and Breast Surgeon at Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, discussing breast awareness, screening, symptoms and inequalities in diagnosis.
- The Prostate Cancer episode features Professor Jonathan Aning, Consultant Urological Surgeon at Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, covering symptoms, risk factors, PSA testing and common misconceptions around getting checked.
- The Lung Cancer episode features Dr Anna Bibby, Respiratory Physician at Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and Clinical Director for SWAG Cancer Alliance’s Lung Cancer Screening Programme, exploring symptoms, screening and the misconception that lung cancer only affects smokers.
- The Bowel Cancer episode features Dr Thomas Strawson-Smith, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, discussing bowel symptoms, screening kits, colonoscopies and why embarrassment should never stop someone seeking help.
The full Early Cancer Diagnosis series is available above and via BCfm Podcasts, also Apple Podcasts and Amazon Audible, and will be shared through community and health networks across the South West.
