Rad Chat

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
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, 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.

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

Description: In this educational episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara sit down with Ms. Tazmin Cumming. This episode is a deep dive into the role surgery plays in the treatment of anal cancer. 

Ms Tamzin Cuming trained at the University of Cambridge and Guys and St Thomas’ Hospitals and went on to do her initial surgical training in Brighton and then completed her specialist colorectal training via the North East Thames National Training Programme. She first came across high resolution anoscopy (HRA) during this training while working at the unit at Homerton Hospital in East London. She undertook a laparoscopic colorectal fellowship at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth. 
Having completed her Certificate of Completion of Training and gaining a Distinction in a Masters in Surgical Education from Imperial College, Ms Cuming became a Consultant Surgeon at Homerton Hospital in 2013 at which time she also began training and practising in HRA.
She now runs the UK's largest AIN service with a national reach, the Homerton Anogenital Neoplasia Service (HANS). She was the President Elect of the International anal Neoplasia Society (iansociety.org) and was the Chair of the Women in Surgery Forum at the Royal College of Surgeons of England from 2021-2024.

CPD Reflection Points:

Please read the ANCHOR study paper.
How might the evidence that treating anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions reduces progression to anal cancer (by ~57%) influence my current approach to screening, referral, and management of patients living with HIV?
What practical barriers (e.g., access to high-resolution anoscopy, patient acceptability, or service availability) could affect implementation of routine screening and treatment for anal HSIL in my clinical setting, and how could these be addressed?
Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form.

Links from the Episode:
Symptoms of Anal Cancer
Anal Cancer BMJ Best Practice 
Types of Surgery for Anal Cancer 
Research links from the Episode:
ANCHOR study 
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 discusses cancer, cancer diagnosis, cancer treatment and mastectomy.

Bonus Episode

Description: In this powerful episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara features the incredible Professor Joanna Callaghan is a filmmaker and Professor of Filmmaking at the University of Sussex. Known for her boundary-pushing storytelling and distinctive approach to personal subjects, her work explores themes of resilience, transformation and the creative human spirit. Goodbye Breasts! marks an important new chapter in her artistic practice.

In this personal episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara hear about Joanna’s career, cancer treatment, body confidence and Goodbye Breasts! documentary. 

CPD Reflection Points:
Reflect on your perceptions around body confidence and the impact that cancer can have.
Consider the impact of having a genetic mutation.
Consider the psychosocial and psychosexual impact of having a mastectomy.
Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form.

Links from the Episode:
Goodbye Breasts!
Surgery for primary breast cancer
PALB2 Gene: Understanding the Mutation & Cancer Risks
National Genomics Education Programme - PALB2
CoppaFeel! Check Your Chest
Research links from the Episode:
Examination of body image perception and quality of life of women with segmental or total mastectomy: a cross-sectional study
Body image and psychosocial effects in women after treatment of breast cancer: A prospective study
Breast-Cancer Risk in Families with Mutations in PALB2
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.