TV presenter Julia Bradbury has launched a new podcast series in collaboration with a London NHS Trust to educate and support people diagnosed with cancer.
The 10-part series, called Now What?, follows the stories of 11 current and past cancer patients at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust and covers their diagnosis, treatment and how they are living with the disease.
Ms Bradbury, 53, revealed in 2021 that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and later underwent a mastectomy. She is now in remission.
Every patient participating in the series has battled a different form of the disease including breast, prostate, bladder, oesophageal and bowel cancers. They will share first-hand accounts of their diagnosis, how they told their loved ones and the decision to have surgery.
The series aims to tackle common myths around the disease and provide comfort and support for those who have received a diagnosis.
Ms Bradbury said: “I know first-hand what it’s like to have your life upended by this disease, and the havoc it can wreak on your body, mind and everything in between.
“I also know that with a little bit of luck and a lot of expertise, that surviving cancer isn’t just possible, it is becoming more and more likely with every passing year. I hope this series can provide some answers for patients, their family and loved ones.”
It comes two weeks after Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles would undergo treatment for an unspecified cancer. He was diagnosed after a “separate issue of concern was noted” and investigated while he was being treated for his benign enlarged prostate.
Brian Pestell, 71, was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in 2018 and had surgery at Guy’s and St Thomas’ as part of his treatment.
He said: “My motivation in taking part in this project was that I want to inspire people going through this experience that life doesn’t have to come to an end with your diagnosis - there is hope out there.
"I have been successfully, almost miraculously treated. Oesophageal cancer is one of the cancers with a relatively low survival rate yet here I am five years later, right as nine-pence, going on with my normal life and playing tennis three or four times a week."
The series, which is funded by Guy's Cancer Charity, can be accessed through the Guy’s and St Thomas’ website and streamed through Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.
