Rad Chat

Trigger Warning: this episode discusses cancer, cancer treatment and body image.

Episode 207: Part of the Living With and Beyond Cancer Series (Part 71)

Description: In this powerful episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara sit down with Emily Spillman.

Emily is the Physical Activity Lead at Penny Brohn UK, where she develops and delivers exercise programmes supporting people living with and beyond cancer. A registered nurse with over a decade of experience across oncology, community, and specialist bladder and bowel care, she has also worked at GenesisCare in Bristol. Emily combines medical expertise with a compassionate, whole-person approach, making movement accessible and empowering for people at every stage of their cancer journey. Alongside her role at Penny Brohn, she runs her own gym and clinic, specialising in women’s health, pelvic health, and strength-based rehabilitation.

This episode Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara explore Emily’s career to current role, role of exercise for people living with and beyond cancer, and Penny Brohn UK charity.

CPD Reflection Points:
Why is prehabilitation (“prehab”) important before cancer treatment, and how can it improve a patient’s recovery and wellbeing?
What are the main parts of prehab, and why is it important that patients complete all aspects rather than just one?
How can healthcare professionals encourage and support patients to fully engage with prehab before starting cancer treatment?
Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form.

Links from the Episode:
American College of Sports Medicine Guidelines
Moving Medicine Consultation guide
Benefits of Physical Activity for Colon Cancer Survivors
Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy pelvic floor guide
Navigating vaginal dryness post-breast cancer 
Penny Brohn UK 
Rad Chat Links:
Rad Chat Website
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Credits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke.

© Rad Chat 2025. All rights reserved.  
We (or our licensors) own all intellectual property rights in this podcast and all related content, online and offline.  
You may not use, copy, modify, download, archive, reproduce, distribute, display, publish, licence, create derivative works from or commercially exploit any part of our content unless we expressly agree in writing.  
You must not use any images, audio, video, graphics or clips separately from their accompanying context.  
Please acknowledge Rad Chat (and any identified contributors) clearly whenever referencing or sharing our content.

Trigger Warning: this episode discusses cancer, cancer treatment, challenges and failures.

Episode 206: Part of the Leadership Series (Part 33)

Description: In this insightful episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara hear about Kevin’s amazing career, future of radiotherapy and how industry partners can support you.

Kevin is a therapeutic radiographer and healthcare transformation leader with over two decades of experience across the NHS, global partnerships, and industry. Formerly Divisional Manager at UCLH, he oversaw complex hospital operations, led cancer service redesign across London, and advised government on major health programmes. Kevin now works internationally to expand access to high-quality cancer care, partnering with health systems, research institutions, and industry innovators. Known for his strategic clarity, collaborative style, and commitment to improving patient outcomes, he’s also an active runner, vegan cook, and father who finds balance in the countryside with his growing family.

CPD Reflection Points:
Reflect on your own leadership style.
Consider what values you associate with your own leadership style.
Consider the values needed to become a leader in cancer care.
Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form.

Links from the Episode:
Kevin Sullivan
Siemens Healthineers
Rad Chat Links:
Rad Chat Website
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Facebook
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YouTube
Credits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke.

Trigger Warning: this episode discusses cancer, cancer treatment, internal radiotherapy and side effects.

Episode 205: Part of the Education and Workforce Series (Part 68)

Description: In this educational episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara Annie Prescott, a Therapeutic Radiographer at Rosemere Cancer Centre in Preston part-time, whilst she studies towards an MSc in Clinical Research, at Lancaster University with the support of the NIHR INSIGHT programme.

Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara talk to Annie about her work focusing on gynaecological brachytherapy, including various topics such as the use of non-pharmacological interventions and workforce education in radiotherapy. 

CPD Reflection Points:
After reading this paper and this paper, write a structured reflection (approx. 500–700 words) using a reflective model (e.g., Gibbs or Rolfe).
Key Areas to Consider:
Emotional impact on patientsAnxiety, embarrassment, vulnerability, and fear described in both studies

Communication and information gapsHow well patients understood procedures
Timing, clarity, and consistency of information provided

Physical vs psychological careWere emotional needs addressed as much as physical ones?

Dignity and privacyParticularly in intimate procedures like brachytherapy

Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form.

Links from the Episode:
Mummy’s Star Charity
Bright Spot Network
Cancer and pregnancy register
Brachytherapy
NIHR INSIGHTS programme
Research links from the Episode:
Humphrey, P., Bennett, C. and Cramp, F.(2018)‘The experiences of women receiving brachytherapy for cervical cancer: A systematic literature review’, Radiography, 24(4), pp. 396-403. 10.1016/j.radi.2018.06.002 
Powlesland, C., MacGregor, F. and Swainston, K.(2023)‘Women’s experiences of information, education and support when undergoing pelvis radiotherapy for gynaecological cancer: An exploratory qualitative study’, Radiography, 29,pp. 70-75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2022.10.004
Rad Chat Links:
Rad Chat Website
Link Tree
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
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BlueSky
YouTube
Credits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke.

© Rad Chat 2025. All rights reserved.  
We (or our licensors) own all intellectual property rights in this podcast and all related content, online and offline.  
You may not use, copy, modify, download, archive, reproduce, distribute, display, publish, licence, create derivative works from or commercially exploit any part of our content unless we expressly agree in writing.  
You must not use any images, audio, video, graphics or clips separately from their accompanying context.  
Please acknowledge Rad Chat (and any identified contributors) clearly whenever referencing or sharing our content.

Trigger Warning: this episode talks about cancer, HPV, anal cancer, cancer treatment, side effects, sec and intimacy, clinical trials and stigma.

Supported by an unrestricted grant from Incyte Biosciences. Incyte had no involvement in the development, content, or editorial review of the activities associated with this initiative.

Description:In this educational episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara sit down with Michael Anderson. This episode is a deep dive into Michael’s diagnosis, treatment, side effects, clinical trials and Bottomline charity he founded.

Michael worked in policy and research for many years and was was diagnosed with anal cancer in 2020. He set up the Bottom Line support group for people living with anal cancer in 2021 which became a charity in 2024. He worked as a patient expert on the National Cancer Plan in 2025 and speaks regularly at conferences, seminars and training events. 

CPD Reflection Points:
Consider how this episode has influenced your understanding of the role that sexual orientation and identity can play in a patient’s cancer journey, and how might this shape the way you deliver more inclusive, person-centred care in the future?
Reflect on your confidence in discussing sex and intimacy with men who have sex with men.
What insights have you gained on the importance of support networks  and how could you incorporate signposting to such services into your clinical practice?
Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form.

Links from the Episode:
Bottomline Charity
Symptoms of Anal Cancer
Sex and Cancer
Anal Cancer BMJ Best Practice 
Breakthrough in anal cancer treatment
PLATO Act 3, 4 and 5
Nigro Protocol
Rad Chat Links:
Rad Chat Website
Link Tree
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
BlueSky
YouTube
Credits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke.

© Rad Chat 2025. All rights reserved.  
We (or our licensors) own all intellectual property rights in this podcast and all related content, online and offline.  
You may not use, copy, modify, download, archive, reproduce, distribute, display, publish, licence, create derivative works from or commercially exploit any part of our content unless we expressly agree in writing.  
You must not use any images, audio, video, graphics or clips separately from their accompanying context.  
Please acknowledge Rad Chat (and any identified contributors) clearly whenever referencing or sharing our content.

Trigger Warning: this episode talks about cancer, HPV, anal cancer, cancer treatment, clinical trials and stigma.

Supported by an unrestricted grant from Incyte Biosciences. Incyte had no involvement in the development, content, or editorial review of the activities associated with this initiative.

Description: In this educational episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara sit down with Prof. David Sebag-Montefiore. This episode is a deep dive into the role radiotherapy plays in the treatment of anal cancer along with clinical trials. 

David is the Audrey and Stanley Burton Professor of Clinical Oncology at the University of Leeds. He is the Director of the Leeds Cancer Research UK Radiotherapy Research Centre of Excellence, Clinical Director (Radiotherapy) at Leeds Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit, and previous Director of the Leeds Cancer Research Centre. David received the Royal College of Radiologists Rohan Williams medal in 1989, and its Gold Medal in 2019 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the field of clinical oncology.

His research focuses on improving outcomes for patients with rectal and anal cancer through radiotherapy and clinical trials. He has led several landmark studies, including MRC CR07, CRUK ACT2, ARISTOTLE, STAR-TREC, and PLATO ACT3, ACT4 and ACT5 trials, and has authored two Research Excellence Framework Impact Case Studies in anal and rectal cancer. He recently presented the practice-changing ACT4 trial results that show shorter lower-dose radiotherapy achieves high cure rates with fewer side-effects - the first anal cancer trial to change practice in nearly 30 years. His work continues to define clinical practice and improve patient outcomes on a national and international scale.

CPD Reflection Points:
How might the evidence from the PLATO (ACT4) trial influence the current approach to prescribing radiotherapy dose and duration for patients with early-stage anal cancer?
What strategies can you implement in your practice to better assess and address treatment-related toxicities and quality-of-life outcomes in patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy for anal cancer?
How can increased awareness and participation in clinical trials improve treatment outcomes and shape future standards of care in anal cancer?
Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form.

Links from the Episode:
Symptoms of Anal Cancer
Anal Cancer BMJ Best Practice 
Breakthrough in anal cancer treatment
PLATO Act 3, 4 and 5
Cancer Research UK RadNet Leeds
Rad Chat Links:
Rad Chat Website
Link Tree
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
BlueSky
YouTube
Credits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke.

© Rad Chat 2025. All rights reserved.  
We (or our licensors) own all intellectual property rights in this podcast and all related content, online and offline.  
You may not use, copy, modify, download, archive, reproduce, distribute, display, publish, licence, create derivative works from or commercially exploit any part of our content unless we expressly agree in writing.  
You must not use any images, audio, video, graphics or clips separately from their accompanying context.  
Please acknowledge Rad Chat (and any identified contributors) clearly whenever referencing or sharing our content.