The Thing About Cancer

A podcast from Cancer Council New South Wales for people affected by cancer.

In 2017, Cancer Council NSW launched The Thing About Cancer, an information podcast series for people diagnosed with cancer and their carers, families and friends. Following the initial release of 10 episodes plus a welcome episode, a further 6 episodes were released in 2018. All episodes are available on our website at cancercouncil.com.au/podcasts, as well as via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and other podcasting apps.

“I’ve been searching for anything that can help me and these are helping me immensely. I’ve been feeling so alone even though I have amazing support.” − Consumer feedback

Cancer Council information resources

Through its online and print resources, Cancer Council has a reputation for providing high quality, reliable and evidence-based consumer information. This podcast initiative extended our offering to audio, offering a new and engaging way for people affected by cancer to access trustworthy information.

Why podcasts?

Podcasts are an increasingly popular platform for accessing information. You can play them not only on your desktop computer, but also on your smartphone or tablet device. This means you can listen while you are out for a walk, exercising, in your car, cooking a meal, in a doctor’s waiting room, in a chemo chair, or lying in bed. They may especially suit people who:

  • are having trouble concentrating on written information (perhaps because of treatment side effects such as fatigue or dry eyes)
  • are time poor (perhaps because they are caring for someone with cancer)
  • may not like to read
  • want to access information discreetly (e.g. about sex after cancer)
  • are feeling isolated (the sound of the human voice is comforting and reassuring).

What do people hear?

The episodes are designed to convey information in a warm, engaging way. All episodes are in an interview format, with renowned broadcaster and cancer survivor Julie McCrossin talking with cancer experts such as oncologists, psychologists and researchers. We also hear from people with cancer and their carers.

The content is designed to complement Cancer Council’s existing print and online information resources and addresses a range of common concerns, such as managing fear, making treatment decisions, new cancer treatments, coping with fatigue, and impacts on carers and families. Through in-episode announcements and show notes on our website, we link listeners to Cancer Council NSW support programs and other information resources that are relevant to them.

For a taste of the series, listen to the welcome episode, “What is The Thing About Cancer?” at cancercouncil.com.au/podcasts/welcome-episode.

How did we produce the podcasts?

After a thorough scoping process, we decided to produce the podcast in-house with support and training from a contract podcast producer. We purchased recording equipment and sound editing software so that we could continue to add to the series over time. Each episode has a dedicated web page with a summary of the content, a list of useful links, and a full transcript of the episode. A comprehensive marketing plan included media and digital strategies and included the in-house production of short videos for sharing on social media.

How have we measured the impact?

Since its launch in July 2017 to March 2019, The Thing About Cancer podcast has had over 25,000 listens, with the top ranking episode being “Cancer Affects the Carer Too”.

We have received very positive feedback from consumers. An evaluation of the podcast collated the results of an online survey and found that the podcasts:

  • are credible, informative and easy to understand
  • increase knowledge
  • prompt further help-seeking
  • normalise the cancer experience
  • reduce isolation.

The podcast has a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts and was a finalist in the 2018 Australian Podcast Awards.

What’s next?

We’re currently working on a new series of the podcast focused on advanced cancer, to be launched in July 2019. In the meantime, people anywhere in the world can listen to our 16 episodes at cancercouncil.com.au/podcasts or via Apple Podcasts or another podcast app.

Contact details for further questions

Jenni Bruce, Publishing Editor, Cancer Information Unit, Cancer Council New South Wales  jennibr@nswcc.org.au