Queenslanders affected by cancer can now tune in to a new podcast series to help them navigate through their cancer journey.
The new series, ‘The Thing About Cancer’, includes 10 information podcasts designed for people affected by cancer, including carers, family members and friends.
Cancer Council Queensland CEO Ms Chris McMillan said as more people looked to access their information online and on-the-go, the podcasts were a vital resource to offer.
“Podcasts increase access to cancer information, particularly for people who are time poor or feel too unwell to read, and those who have low literacy or low vision,” Ms McMillan said.
“In Queensland one person is diagnosed with cancer every 20 minutes – more than 27,000 each year.
“At least one third of patients will experience significant psychological distress as a result of their diagnosis and treatment, and need relevant information and support to help them through.
“The podcast series will be another source of trusted information for people to turn to, complementing our existing cancer information resources, which are available in print and online.
“Podcasts are an increasingly popular way for people to gain information and we are always exploring new and innovative ways for people to access support that is relevant to them.”
The podcasts, produced by Cancer Council NSW, is hosted by radio broadcaster and cancer survivor, Julie McCrossin, and feature expert guests and people with personal experiences of cancer.
The podcast series includes topics like coping with cancer, explaining cancer to kids, how cancer can affect the carer, and sex and cancer.
Ms McCrossin said that podcasts were a pivotal step forward in being able to provide information to those affected by cancer.
“Patients are often dealing with complex decisions that require an understanding of cancer, its treatment, and its ongoing management,” Ms McCrossin said.
“That’s why this podcast series is such a great resource for people affected by cancer. It covers topics as diverse as considering treatment options, sex and cancer, coping with fatigue and explaining cancer to kids.
“The episode ‘Explaining cancer to kids’ is one that I think will resonate with a lot of Australian families. The thing about cancer is that it can feel like a really tough thing to explain to kids. You ask yourself – how much do they need to know? Isn’t it better to protect them? Won’t it just confuse and scare them?
“In this particular episode we’ll talk to an expert who has supported kids affected by the cancer diagnosis of a parent or someone else close to them.”
The free podcasts are available to download from the Cancer Council NSW website or via the iTunes store. For more information about the series and upcoming episodes, visit cancercouncil.com.au/podcasts.
For more information about Cancer Council Queensland or support, visit cancerqld.org.au or phone 13 11 20.
For more information or interviews, please contact: