Cancer is an ever-evolving experience and our talk series aims to keep up with it.
At Wessex Cancer Support, we understand that experiencing cancer yourself, through a loved one or as a health professional is a constantly changing landscape. It’s not only the diagnosis and treatments that develop, our understanding of how it can affect our wider life, work and wellbeing grows too. Working with some key thought leaders and specialists from across the UK, we therefore aim to host regular online talks on the broadest possible topics that we think will help. They are completely free and anyone with an interest is very welcome to attend.
Just email us at careteam@wessexcancer.org.uk to book and you will be sent the joining information.
Forthcoming talks
Support for parents affected by cancer | Tuesday 27 January 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm
−Hosted by Professor Caroline Leek, Fruitfly Collective
Caroline Leek is the founder of Fruitfly Collective, which empowers people with a cancer diagnosis to navigate family life and to support their children. Caroline set up Fruitfly Collective to give the kind of support she wished she’d had when her own father died when she was 12 years old.
The talk is aimed at parents impacted by cancer, and will help with tips and tools to manage conversations with children.
Book your place by contacting our teamUsing The Cancer Care Map as A Support Tool | Tuesday 17 February 2pm-3pm
+‘Using The Cancer Care Map as A Support Tool’ with Robin Pritchard.
Cancer Care Map is an online resource to help people living with cancer find care and support services in their local area, anywhere in the UK. The website is run by cancer charity, The Richard Dimbleby Cancer Fund.
People with cancer, their friends and family and healthcare professionals can search for any cancer-related service, free of charge. There are services supporting people with cancer around the UK, but it can be hard to find out about them, and online information is often out of date. The aim is to make sure that no one goes unsupported because they are not aware of a service in their local area.
You can find out more here
Menopause and Cancer | Thursday 26 March 12:30pm - 1:30pm
+This talk helps individuals navigate the diagnosis of cancer while they also manage the menopause. The session will be delivered by Anna Goldsmith, from Menopause and Cancer.
Book your place by contacting our team
About Anna Goldsmith
I have been a nurse for over 25 years, and in recent years I’ve specialised as a menopause nurse. My own menopause journey began at 45, and HRT was truly life-changing for me. However, in 2023 I was diagnosed with breast cancer, which meant the end of my HRT. Since then, I’ve learned to manage my menopause symptoms without it.
I now volunteer with Menopause and Cancer, an organisation that has supported me—and so many other women—in navigating menopause after a cancer diagnosis. Knowing that we have options, and that we’re not alone on this journey, is both comforting and empowering
About Menopause and Cancer
Dani Binnington founded Menopause and Cancer after being thrown into surgical menopause at 39, following a cancer diagnosis 5 years earlier, and receiving no information or support. She has made it her mission to change that:
It is our mission to ensure every cancer patient receives the information and support they need to navigate menopause after cancer. We bring together a community of experts with our community of patients to connect, share and educate.
Further dates and topics for 2026 will be announced as soon as they are confirmed.
Previous talksÂ
Some of our recent topics have included:
The impact of hormonal therapy on men with prostate cancer
−Hosted by Jyoti Shah MBE Macmillan, Consultant Urological Surgeon at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust
Jyoti Shah MBE is a Macmillan Consultant Urological Surgeon at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust. She was previously at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust.
Ms Shah MBE is interested in general urology, prostate cancer, innovative techniques and teaching. She has established a unique one-stop PSA clinic, undertakes prostate biopsies, performs a one-stop haematuria clinic, and general urology clinics.
Ms Shah MBE is a passionate campaigner for health & well-being within communities and for equality. Her pioneering campaign Inspire Health: Fighting Prostate Cancer Screening, has been going into the local communities to raise awareness of prostate cancer.
With the support of Burton Albion Football Club and Burton Albion Community Trust, the campaign has been doing prostate cancer screening at the Pirelli Stadium and diversifying further afield with the Rotary Clubs Freemasons and African Caribbean Community.
Let's talk cancer
+Led by Diane Cutler, Chair of Trustees for Wessex Cancer Support, and Suzanne Bannister, Director of Services, this talk provided an overview of what cancer is, how it impacts, and highlighted some of the latest research.
Self care with a cancer diagnosis
+Hosted by Leanne Styles, Wessex Cancer Support Complimentary Therapist, this talk was looking at self-care and how to ensure you take the time to prioritise yourself.
Recurrence and Cancer Genomics
+Deborah Porter, Deputy Director Transformation, Genomics Unit, NHS England explored the opportunities for personalising cancer treatments for individuals, including earlier identification for clinical trials and less invasive blood-testing.Â
Employment Rights for cancer patients
+ Paul Archer, an Employment Lawyer and Employment Law trainer working with Citizens Advice, reviewed the employment rights for people affected by cancer and undergoing treatment. Â
Advances in data driven cancer research: Early diagnosis and vaccines
+Dr Victoria Goss is Head of Early Diagnosis and Translational Research at the University of Southampton.
Menopause and cancer
+Dani Binnington was astonished by the lack of advice and information available when she entered early menopause due to cancer treatment, which led her to found Menopause and Cancer, an organisation which supports anyone who is affected by cancer and going through the menopause.
Nutrition whilst on active treatment for cancer
+Jaana Jeffery is a Senior Lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics and a Specialist Oncology Dietitian. She explored the opportunities for our diet to supplement formal medical treatments.
For more information about any past talks, please email our team at careteam@wessexcancer.org.uk
How to refer
If you are new to Wessex Cancer Support and have not already had a wellbeing assessment with one of our friendly team, we ask that you contact us to make a referral for an appointment. Our team will provide you with further information and availability of any activities you both decide on. As a new client, we’ll add you to our email newsletter list so you can keep an eye on forthcoming activities, too.
Alternatively, you can email careteam@wessexcancer.org.uk to book your initial chat or drop into your local cancer support centre in person.
Where do the talks take place?
All our talks take place online, so you can join us from wherever you are. They are open to anyone, including health professionals and people working with those affected by cancer. These practical sessions can provide a wealth of information and knowledge. We encourage anyone affected by cancer to sign up now. They are open to anyone, including health professionals and people working with those affected by cancer. Some of the presentations are interactive by nature and some are more formal, but after each presentation there will be time for any topic related questions you may wish to ask.
Donate to support an
online talk session
Your donation helps make services like our online talk sessions possible. Our online talk sessions provide information and guidance on a range of different topics for people affected by cancer. From wellbeing, to nutrition, finance and more, our online talks provide accessible information for clients needing advice at a difficult time in their lives. £40 could help support the cost of a session for a client, giving them the guidance they need.
Online talk sessions are generously funded by people who donate, fundraise, and shop with us. Every penny you donate makes a huge difference. From everyone at Wessex Cancer Support, thank you.
