Radiotherapy team feature on BBC Radio 5 Live

NGH Radiotherapy team

As part of the recent World Cancer Day (Wednesday 4 February) coverage, BBC Radio 5 Live asked their listeners to nominate their Cancer Stars – those teams and individuals who had a positive impact on their diagnosis, treatment and aftercare following a cancer diagnosis.

On last Tuesday’s breakfast show presenter Rachel Burden spoke to Carolyn, a cervical cancer patient at Northampton General Hospital (NGH), who had nominated the radiotherapy team at NGH as her Cancer Stars. Carolyn had her diagnosis in September 2025 and has undertaken five weeks of both chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Carolyn said about the team: “They’ve been fantastic throughout. They’ve kept our spirits up, treating us like people - not a number, not a patient. They make everyone as happy as they can be as they go through, what is basically not a very nice process to go through."

Presenter Rachel also spoke to Steve from the Radiotherapy team at NGH about receiving this nomination, what that recognition feels like and what it’s like working in the department. Steve explained:

“We want to make sure that we tailor the treatment to each person. We’re lucky enough to see them every day for a few weeks, so we want to find out about them and what works for them and make the treatment as easy as possible.”

When asked about the pressures and experiences of working in the radiotherapy team, Steve acknowledged the benefits of working with patients like Carolyn.

“One of the best things on my job is that people will come in and ask me what I did over the weekend, or what did we do as a family. The patients are often the most giving people. They’re always interested in hearing about other things as well as asking them how they’re getting on with their journey.”

At NGH, people with a diagnosis of cancer, and their families, can access support by accessing the Macmillan cancer support hub, or by visiting the dedicated Maggie’s Centre.

Carolyn sums her experience by adding a special thanks to the team. “They are making it so much easier for everyone there. I could not thank them enough”.

Listen to the full interview with Carolyn and Steve on BBC Sounds. The interview starts at 2 hours and 45 minutes.