Revolutionising Cancer Care: Yes to Life's Charter for Oncology
Episode Overview
Introduction of Yes to Life's Charter for Oncology Focus on patient-centred care and autonomy Importance of integrative approaches in cancer treatment Stories from cancer survivors highlighting hope and resilience Call to action for public support of the Charter
The time has come for patients to say loud and clear what they're looking for and to tell the NHS how well it is, or isn't, meeting their needs
In this episode of the Yes to Life Show, host Robin Daly introduces a ground-breaking initiative from the Yes to Life charity: the Charter for Oncology. Celebrating the charity's 20th anniversary, Robin reflects on the journey from focusing solely on patient choice to recognising the need for a radical cultural shift in oncology. He passionately argues that patient-centred care is still lacking in the NHS, where mechanistic systems often overshadow genuine compassion and empathy.
Through conversations with cancer survivors, oncologists, and experts, the episode highlights the dire need for a healthcare environment that respects and supports patient autonomy and individuality. You'll hear inspiring stories from people like Sarah, who found hope and new possibilities through integrative approaches after her breast cancer diagnosis. The episode also features insights from Dr. Penny Kejoglu, a senior NHS clinical oncologist, and Chris Lewis, a tireless campaigner for cancer patients' rights.
They discuss the immense benefits of combining conventional treatments with lifestyle interventions and complementary therapies. The Charter for Oncology advocates for principles such as hope, empathy, aspiration, respect, trust, and open-mindedness. Robin urges everyone to support this initiative, aiming to transform the culture of oncology into one that genuinely cares for and empowers patients. Don't miss this episode if you're looking for a heartfelt discussion on how we can make cancer care more humane and effective.