PODCAST: Cancer survivors tackle normalising post-surgery bodies, mental health and career changes.

A report from Public Health Scotland in 2023 shows the risk of new cancers rose to 644 per 100,000 people, a 3.1% increase from 2019, with the most common cancers being lung, breast, bowel and prostate making up 54% of all malignancies.

Although uneasy numbers, many stories shine a light on treatment and recovery.

Rachel’s ‘Life After Cancer’ series shines the light on five individuals in remission. Speaking on topics like body image and mental health.

The stories featuring in the podcast:

Inverness cancer survivor who found out about diagnosis while helping Ukrainian refugees in Poland retrains to be a personal trainer.

Inverness NHS radiographer learns to walk and cycle again after cancer battle.

Highland broadcaster on her mastectomy and why she wants to see society normalise post-surgery bodies.

Inverness woman reclaims her body after mastectomy with tattoos, kayaking and a new career.

Inverness man who survived cancer three times urges people to talk about mental health.

We can all take a cancer-free life for granted, but stories like these remind us of the strength it takes to rebuild, redefine, and reclaim life after diagnosis — and the importance of supporting those on that journey.

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