RadioTherapy

**TRIGGER WARNING** This episode contains medical content about sexual health and wellbeing. Please listen with caution In this episode of RadioTherapy, Grace is joined by psychosexual therapist Caroline Wilson and sexual health researcher Professor Kirsten Mitchell for an honest and enlightening conversation about sexual health, sexual wellbeing, and why these topics matter for young people, especially those affected by cancer. Together, they explore body image, relationships, confidence, intimacy, communication, and the challenges of navigating sexuality after treatment. It's a reassuring discussion packed with expert advice and practical support Episode Highlights • What sexual health and sexual wellbeing really mean. • Why communication is the most important sexual skill. • The impact of cancer treatment on confidence, intimacy and relationships. • Challenging myths and unrealistic expectations around sex. • The influence of pornography and social media on young people. • Why pleasure, consent, respect and self-esteem all matter. • How psychosexual therapy can help. • Advice for young people feeling anxious, isolated or "behind" their peers. • Where to find trusted sexual health information and support. Useful resources https://www.healthyrespect.co.uk/   Bish https://www.bishuk.com/   C-Card https://www.ccard.org.uk/   Chalmers webpages https://www.lothiansexualhealth.scot/   SARCS https://www.nhsinform.scot/help-after-a-rape-or-sexual-assault/   Brook https://www.brook.org.uk/ RadioTherapy podcast is sponsored by the Beatson Cancer Charity Home | Beatson Cancer Charity and The National Lottery Community Fund Young Start programme, Young Start | The National Lottery Community Fund and is recorded by Go Radio in Glasgow Go Radio | 90's 00's & Now | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West (thisisgo.co.uk) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiotherapypodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radiotherapypod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/radio-therapy-podcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiotherapypodcast

This episode shines a light on the incredible role charities and peer support programmes play in helping young people navigate cancer treatment and recovery. Through personal stories, Andrew and Carson share how support from youth workers, charities, and fellow patients helped them build friendships, create positive memories, and feel less alone during some of life's toughest moments. Podcast Synopsis When you're facing cancer as a teenager, having the right support can make all the difference. In this episode of The Radiotherapy Podcast, Andrew and Carson discuss how charities, youth support programs, and peer support groups helped them through treatment and beyond. They share stories of meeting other young people who truly understood what they were going through, taking part in unforgettable trips and activities, and finding opportunities to simply be teenagers again. From sailing adventures and theme park trips to special holidays, charity-funded experiences, and lifelong friendships, this conversation highlights the positive impact that support networks can have on young people and their families during and after cancer treatment. · What peer support means and why connecting with others in similar situations is so valuable. · The role of Youth Support Coordinators and how they help young people during treatment. · Building friendships through Teenage Cancer Trust activities and events. · Annual peer support trips, including weekends at Crieff Hydro. · Andrew and Carson's experiences on the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust sailing trip. · How charities helped families both emotionally and financially during treatment. · Carson's experience with Calum's Cabin and a restorative family break after treatment. · Support from Young Lives vs Cancer, Dreamflight, SuperShoes, and other charitable organisations. · The importance of giving back through fundraising and supporting the charities that helped them. RadioTherapy podcast is sponsored by the Beatson Cancer Charity Home | Beatson Cancer Charity and The National Lottery Community Fund Young Start programme, Young Start | The National Lottery Community Fund and is recorded by Go Radio in Glasgow Go Radio | 90's 00's & Now | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West (thisisgo.co.uk) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiotherapypodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radiotherapypod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/radio-therapy-podcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiotherapypodcast  

In this powerful episode of Radio Therapy, host Hollie is joined by Rowan, Rosa and Max, who share their experiences of being diagnosed with cancer during their early teenage years and the challenges of navigating friendships, school, and everyday life during and after treatment. The conversation explores the realities of returning to school after cancer, coping with rumours and misunderstandings, and the emotional impact of feeling different from peers who struggle to understand what life with cancer is really like. The young people also discuss the invaluable role of peer support, the friendships they've built through organisations like Teenage Cancer Trust, and why connecting with others who truly understand has been life-changing. Honest, heartfelt and often humorous, this episode shines a light on the importance of friendship, support and belonging throughout the teenage cancer experience. Episode Highlights • Growing up with a cancer diagnosis and how friendships changed during treatment. • The challenges of explaining cancer to classmates and peers. • Returning to school and facing rumours, awkward conversations and new realities. • Why peer support and cancer friendships can make all the difference. • Residential trips, shared experiences and finding people who truly understand. • Learning to navigate friendships after treatment ends. • Using humour to cope with difficult moments and challenges. • Advice for young people facing a diagnosis and for friends wanting to offer support. RadioTherapy podcast is sponsored by the Beatson Cancer Charity Home | Beatson Cancer Charity and The National Lottery Community Fund Young Start programme, Young Start | The National Lottery Community Fund and is recorded by Go Radio in Glasgow Go Radio | 90's 00's & Now | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West (thisisgo.co.uk) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiotherapypodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radiotherapypod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/radio-therapy-podcast  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiotherapypodcast  

This episode offers a powerful and uplifting look at what life is really like for teenagers navigating cancer treatment. Through honest conversations, Andrew and Carson share their experiences of being diagnosed at a young age, missing school, staying connected with friends, coping with treatment, and finding their way back to everyday life. What happens when cancer interrupts your teenage years? In this heartfelt episode of The Radiotherapy Podcast, Stuart sits down with Andrew and Carson, two young cancer survivors, to discuss the realities of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery during some of the most important years of growing up. From being away from school and managing friendships to finding support from family, hospital staff, and fellow patients, they share candid stories of resilience, humour, and hope. The conversation explores the challenges of returning to normal life after treatment, rebuilding confidence, and discovering new strengths along the way. Their advice for other young people facing a similar journey is both practical and inspiring. • Andrew and Carson share their cancer diagnosis stories and treatment experiences. • The impact of long periods away from school and staying connected with classmates. • Managing friendships, social life, and concerns about what others might think. • The importance of peer support and meeting other young people facing similar challenges. • How family relationships became stronger throughout treatment. • Life on the Teen Cancer Trust ward and the difference dedicated support spaces can make. • Andrew's experience travelling to Manchester for proton therapy. • Carson's journey back to fitness, including running half marathons after treatment. • The role of charities, special experiences, and community support during recovery. • Honest advice for young people currently going through treatment: trust your medical team and listen to your body. RadioTherapy podcast is sponsored by the Beatson Cancer Charity Home | Beatson Cancer Charity and The National Lottery Community Fund Young Start programme, Young Start | The National Lottery Community Fund and is recorded by Go Radio in Glasgow Go Radio | 90's 00's & Now | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West (thisisgo.co.uk) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiotherapypodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radiotherapypod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/radio-therapy-podcast  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiotherapypodcast  

In this powerful episode of Radio Therapy, host Grace sits down with Max and Rowan to discuss what it is really like to be diagnosed with cancer during your early teenage years. From recognising symptoms and receiving life-changing diagnoses to navigating treatment, school, sport and friendships, they share honest and deeply personal insights into their experiences. Together, they explore the challenges of returning to school while still undergoing treatment, the impact cancer has on confidence and identity, and the frustration of missing out on the activities and dreams that once defined them. The conversation also highlights the importance of peer support, opening up about emotions, and finding friendships with people who truly understand what cancer is like. With honesty, humour and resilience, this episode offers an important perspective on teenage cancer and the need for greater awareness, support and understanding for young people facing a diagnosis. Episode Highlights • The first symptoms that led to a cancer diagnosis and how easy they were to overlook. • Why cancer awareness and education for young people is so important. • Returning to school during treatment and adjusting to a new normal. • The impact cancer can have on sport, hobbies and future ambitions. • Body confidence, weight changes and losing control during treatment. • Different ways young people cope with diagnosis and uncertainty. • Building meaningful friendships through peer support and shared experiences. • Advice for young people facing treatment and those supporting them. RadioTherapy podcast is sponsored by the Beatson Cancer Charity Home | Beatson Cancer Charity and The National Lottery Community Fund Young Start programme, Young Start | The National Lottery Community Fund and is recorded by Go Radio in Glasgow Go Radio | 90's 00's & Now | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West (thisisgo.co.uk) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiotherapypodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radiotherapypod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/radio-therapy-podcast  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiotherapypodcast  

In this heartfelt episode of Radio Therapy, host Grace is joined by Rosa and Marina, who share their experiences of being diagnosed with cancer as teenagers and the lasting impact it had on their lives. Together, they discuss the shock of diagnosis, losing independence, navigating school and friendships during treatment, and the challenges of returning to everyday life after cancer. With remarkable honesty, they open up about body confidence, hair loss, fatigue, feeling isolated from friends, and the emotional reality of growing up while facing a life-changing illness. The conversation also highlights the importance of support networks, cancer friendships, and finding hope beyond treatment. This episode offers an authentic and moving insight into the teenage cancer experience, told by the young people who lived it. Key Highlights • The moment everything changed: receiving a cancer diagnosis as a teenager. • Losing independence and adjusting to life during treatment. • How friendships changed during long hospital stays. • Returning to school and the unseen challenges of recovery. • Body image, hair loss, and rebuilding confidence. • The reality of cancer-related fatigue and brain fog. • Why cancer friendships can be so powerful and lasting. • Advice and encouragement for young people starting their own cancer journey. RadioTherapy podcast is sponsored by the Beatson Cancer Charity Home | Beatson Cancer Charity and The National Lottery Community Fund Young Start programme, Young Start | The National Lottery Community Fund and is recorded by Go Radio in Glasgow Go Radio | 90's 00's & Now | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West (thisisgo.co.uk) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiotherapypodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radiotherapypod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/radio-therapy-podcast  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiotherapypodcast  

In this special bonus episode of Radiotherapy, Holly is joined by Sandyford consultants Dr Kay McAllister and Dr Janine Simpson for an open and honest conversation about sexual health and wellbeing after cancer treatment. Drawing on years of experience supporting patients, they explore the often-overlooked impact cancer can have on fertility, contraception, menopause, body confidence, intimacy and sexual function. The discussion tackles the challenges young people face when treatment disrupts education, friendships and normal conversations about sex, as well as the growing influence of social media on sexual health information. The episode also highlights where to find trusted support, why these conversations matter, and how specialist services like Sandyford can help people regain confidence and improve their quality of life after cancer. Episode Highlights • Why sexual health often becomes the forgotten part of cancer recovery. • Fertility, contraception and the realities of hormone-related treatments. • Early menopause and the long-term health impacts survivors should know about. • The connection between physical recovery, mental wellbeing and intimacy. • How social media and online content are shaping young people's understanding of sex. • The effects of medical trauma, body image changes and rebuilding confidence. • Practical advice on accessing confidential support and specialist service RadioTherapy podcast is sponsored by the Beatson Cancer Charity Home | Beatson Cancer Charity and The National Lottery Community Fund Young Start programme, Young Start | The National Lottery Community Fund and is recorded by Go Radio in Glasgow Go Radio | 90's 00's & Now | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West (thisisgo.co.uk)   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiotherapypodcast    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radiotherapypod    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/radio-therapy-podcast    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiotherapypodcast   

In this powerful and deeply insightful episode host Erin sits down with Dr. Jen Sassarini, a gynaecologist and menopause specialist, and Dani Binnington, founder of Menopause and Cancer, to unpack the often-overlooked connection between cancer treatment, early menopause, and young people’s fertility.  Together, they shed light on what menopause really is, why it’s so different for young people - especially those navigating life after cancer - and how symptoms can impact mental health, identity, relationships, and long-term wellbeing. From practical explanations of medical terms like FSH and AMH to frank conversations about sexual health, brain fog, anxiety, and the sense of “loss” many young patients feel, this episode offers clarity, validation, and hope.  Listeners will learn about treatment options such as HRT, non-hormonal alternatives, and lifestyle approaches, and why there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Erin, Dr. Jen, and Dani emphasise empowerment, self-advocacy, and the critical importance of community, support services, and speaking openly about menopause, fertility and post-cancer recovery.   RadioTherapy podcast is sponsored by the Beatson Cancer Charity Home | Beatson Cancer Charity and The National Lottery Community Fund Young Start programme, Young Start | The National Lottery Community Fund and is recorded by Go Radio in Glasgow Go Radio | 90's 00's & Now | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West (thisisgo.co.uk)   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiotherapypodcast    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radiotherapypod    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/radio-therapy-podcast    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiotherapypodcast 

In this candid and emotionally rich episode Fiona sits down with Emma and Katie to unpack the complex, often overwhelming world of fertility when you're diagnosed with cancer as a young person. Across honest stories and shared frustrations, the trio explore the decisions they faced, the pressure of time, the emotional toll of uncertainty, and the long‑term impact treatment has had on their bodies, hormones, and sense of future.  From egg-freezing dilemmas to early menopause symptoms, irregular periods, and the awkwardness of fertility discussions at a young age, the conversation shines a light on the realities young people rarely expect to confront. They also reflect on the loneliness of being “the youngest in the waiting room,” the slow pace of non‑urgent referrals, and the constant feeling of living in the unknown.  It’s raw, relatable, and full of moments that will resonate with anyone navigating cancer treatment, fertility decisions, or the pressure of life milestones happening around you. RadioTherapy podcast is sponsored by the Beatson Cancer Charity Home | Beatson Cancer Charity and The National Lottery Community Fund Young Start programme, Young Start | The National Lottery Community Fund and is recorded by Go Radio in Glasgow Go Radio | 90's 00's & Now | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West (thisisgo.co.uk)   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiotherapypodcast    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radiotherapypod    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/radio-therapy-podcast    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiotherapypodcast 

In this episode host Erin sits down with Hannah and Ed, a young couple navigating the emotional, physical, and life‑altering journey of cancer, treatment, and fertility challenges. At just 22 years old, Hannah was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer; an experience that led to rapid medical decisions, intense treatment, and a sudden confrontation with her future fertility.  Together, Hannah and Ed open up about coping with the diagnosis, gruelling chemo cycles, the trauma of hair loss, early menopause, and the emotional toll of uncertainty. With honesty and humour, they share the realities of supporting a partner through illness, the strain and strength in their relationship, and the difficult fertility conversations no couple expects to have so young.  Despite the challenges, this episode is full of resilience, unexpected laughter, and hope. Hannah reflects on the importance of support networks, finding joy in small moments, and rediscovering herself after treatment, while the couple looks ahead to new beginnings, including their first home and getting back on their motorbikes.  RadioTherapy podcast is sponsored by the Beatson Cancer Charity Home | Beatson Cancer Charity and The National Lottery Community Fund Young Start programme, Young Start | The National Lottery Community Fund and is recorded by Go Radio in Glasgow Go Radio | 90's 00's & Now | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West (thisisgo.co.uk)   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiotherapypodcast    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radiotherapypod    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/radio-therapy-podcast    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiotherapypodcast