Episode 65: Moving forward together

In this episode of Taking Control of Cancer, host Steve Bland is joined by North East London Cancer Alliance, the charity MOVE Against Cancer, and people at the heart of the inspiring 5k Your Way movement. Together, they explore how physical activity can play a powerful role in cancer prevention, treatment, recovery, and quality of life.

The conversation features Caroline Frith, a 5k Your Way ambassador from north east London who is living with cancer, sharing her personal experience of staying active during and after treatment. Caroline reflects on how 5k Your Way has provided not just motivation to move, but also a supportive community that understands the realities of cancer, creating space for people to take part at their own pace, whether that’s walking, jogging, volunteering, or simply showing up.

Steve is also joined by Dr Lucy Gossage, oncologist and co-founder of MOVE Against Cancer, who brings clinical insight into why exercise matters at every stage of the cancer pathway. Lucy discusses the growing evidence that physical activity can reduce the risk of certain cancers, help people tolerate treatment better, reduce side effects, and improve both physical and mental wellbeing.

The episode connects this message to the work of North East London Cancer Alliance, particularly its focus on prehabilitation, supporting people to prepare physically and mentally for cancer treatment, and wider initiatives such as the Community Games, which aim to remove barriers and help people discover new ways to be active in their local area.

Together, the guests highlight a simple but powerful idea: movement doesn’t have to be extreme to be effective. By encouraging realistic, inclusive, and community-based activity, initiatives like 5k Your Way are helping people affected by cancer feel more in control, more connected, and more hopeful—one step at a time.

5k Your Way is just one of the charity's projects and has over 110 groups set up at various Park Runs all over Uk & Ireland, with more opening each month. All are supported by volunteer Ambassadors who each have their own reasons to turn up and help others.

Lucy is an oncologist in Nottingham and a former professional athlete who runs 250 miles for fun these days.  More information is on their website: https://www.moveagainstcancer.org/

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YouTube: https://bit.ly/4yZUCl7

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