BBC Radio 5 Live is dedicating a full day of programming to You, Me and The Big C, reinforcing the podcast’s ongoing role in shaping conversations around cancer.
The station’s legacy day, today Tuesday 3 February, comes ahead of World Cancer Day, alongside releasing a new episode of the award-winning podcast on BBC Sounds.
This special programming marks eight years since the podcast first launched on Radio 5 Live and focuses on the impact created by its original hosts Rachael Bland and Dame Deborah James.
The new episode brings together original presenter Lauren Mahon, Steve Bland, the husband of Rachael Bland, and Radio 5 Live presenter Tony Livesey.
They are joined by guests including social media creator Shell Rowe and broadcaster Trisha Goddard, both sharing their experiences of living with and beyond cancer.
You, Me and The Big C launched in 2018 and quickly became known for its honest discussions about cancer, offering solidarity and practical support to listeners.
Rachael Bland, a BBC Radio 5 Live journalist, died later that year from breast cancer. Dame Deborah James died in 2022 after living with stage four bowel cancer for six years, during which time she became a prominent campaigner and fundraiser through the Bowelbabe Fund.
Lauren said the special episode would look back at how the podcast changed attitudes and language around cancer. She said: “Ahead of World Cancer Day, we’re looking at the pod’s legacy – changing the conversation around cancer and smashing stigmas with humour and honesty.”
Radio 5 Live’s legacy day includes interviews, listener stories and expert discussions exploring cancer treatment, care and lived experience.
Content includes an interview on 5 Live Breakfast with Heather James and Gayna Hodges, the mothers of Dame Deborah James and Rachael Bland, appearing together for the first time on the station.
Other programming includes a listener phone-in with Nicky Campbell, contributions from You, Me and The Big C guests, coverage from a cancer hospital in Liverpool with Naga Munchetty, and Matt Chorley speaking to former MPs in Westminster about their own cancer journeys.
The legacy day is on Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds across today, Tuesday 3 February.
