The Thing About Cancer

Introducing Cancer Council podcasts, where host Julie McCrossin joins experts to answer the big questions about early stage and advanced cancer. The Thing About Cancer podcast explores issues that may impact people who have just been diagnosed with early stage cancer, such as coping with the initial diagnosis and deciding on treatment. Our other podcast The Thing About Advanced Cancer, is specifically for people with a diagnosis of advanced cancer, and their families and friends. In this podcast, we explore what advanced cancer means, the latest treatment options, caring for someone with advanced cancer, and much more.

How does cancer change family relationships? Can you avoid conflict and misunderstandings? Julie McCrossin chats with social worker Ray Araullo and psychologist Cath Adams about how to manage the impact of cancer as a family.

Why does cancer involve so many tests? Julie McCrossin chats with medical oncologist Dr Lorraine Chantrill about all the different tests you might need − from blood tests and biopsies to CT, MRI and PET scans.

Are you finding it hard to concentrate or remember things during or after cancer treatment? Julie McCrossin chats with medical oncologist Professor Janette Vardy about her research into this "chemo brain" issue and finds out what you can do about it.

Does cancer always mean pain? And if pain occurs, what can you do about it? Julie McCrossin chats with pain expert Professor Paul Glare about practical strategies for managing acute or chronic pain.

What can you do if cancer is disrupting your sleep? Julie chats with psychiatrist Dr Catherine Mason about why cancer affects sleep and how to get the sleep you need.

What can you do if you feel overwhelmed by your fears? Julie McCrossin chats to psychologist Cath Adams about how you can manage fear and anxiety after a cancer diagnosis.

How can you look after your own needs if you are caring for someone with cancer? Julie McCrossin chats to health psychologist Ben Britton about the carer's role. Listen now to find out more.

Why is cancer called a genetic disease and what does that mean for you? Julie McCrossin chats to genetic oncologist Dr Hilda High about what genetic tests can tell us about cancer. Listen now to find out more.

What are immunotherapy and targeted therapy? How are they transforming cancer treatment? Julie McCrossin chats to medical oncologist Dr Steven Kao. Listen now to find out more.

How do you keep eating when you are feeling sick? Julie McCrossin chats to dietitian Merran Findlay about ways to ensure your body is well nourished throughout cancer treatment.

How do you decide on the best cancer treatment pathway for you? Julie McCrossin joins Lyndal Trevena, a practising GP and Professor of Primary Health Care at Sydney University, to tackle this question and more.

What coping strategies can you turn to when faced with the life-changing news of a cancer diagnosis? Julie McCrossin chats with psychologist Cath Adams about life after a cancer diagnosis, and how to ride the emotional roller-coaster that often follows.

Will your sex life change after cancer? Julie McCrossin talks with Professor Jane Ussher about the impact of cancer on sex and intimacy, and why it’s so important to have open and honest conversations about sex with your doctor and your partner.

Why can cancer make you so tired and what can you do about it? Julie McCrossin chats with Dr Haryana Dhillon about how cancer fatigue is different to normal tiredness and outlines strategies such as pacing and gentle exercise.