In this episode of Rad Chat, I join the team from Oncology Professional Care for an open and engaging discussion about communication, confidence and the very human realities of cancer care. We start light-heartedly, touching on holidays, Disney magic and my ever-growing “box of tricks” – something I believe every clinic should have – before moving into much deeper territory.

Drawing on my nursing background as a former casualty sister, I reflect on how crucial honest, compassionate conversations are with patients, particularly around topics that are often avoided or minimised. I share my unique experience of being involved in the early clinical trials of what later became known as Viagra, long before it was a household name. What began as a blue tablet with a complex compound name quickly became a catalyst for patients opening up about sexual health, intimacy and the impact of treatment on their lives.

This conversation highlights how unexpected moments in clinical practice can shape a career, and how listening properly to patients can change the way we care for them. It’s a candid, warm and informative discussion that underlines why communication matters just as much as clinical expertise – and why creating safe spaces for difficult conversations is essential in oncology care.