EPISODE 22 - Oncology Unscripted: Guiding Patients Through Cancer Treatment

Breast Cancer Clinical Nurse Consultant Lisa Sheeran is joined by Maria Ftanou, Director of the Psychosocial Oncology Unit at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, for a rich conversation about supporting people through the uncertainty, fear, and emotional complexity of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Together, they explore what it really means to meet patients where they are, when the script doesn’t exist and emotions are raw.

Listen to Episode 22 for:

• Practical strategies for navigating difficult conversations across the cancer journey

• Insights into the emotional and psychological challenges patients face — and how nurses can respond with confidence and compassion

• Real-world examples of communication that supports understanding, trust, and shared decision-making

• Reflections on the vital role nurses play in helping patients feel heard, supported, and less alone

This episode is a reminder that while treatment plans matter, how we communicate can shape a patient’s entire experience of care.

With thanks to our episode sponsor, AstraZeneca/Daiichi Sankyo.