GPs Talk Cancer

Cancer and learning disability – change, consent and access to care

GPs Talk Cancer

Show Notes

GPs Rebecca and Sarah sit down with Julian Hallett, Services Development Manager at the Down Syndrome Association to discuss cancer diagnosis and screening for people with learning disabilities. The team covers challenges like diagnostic overshadowing, barriers to screening uptake, the importance of reasonable adjustments, and personalised approaches to care. Practical tips include engaging with family and support staff, using accessible resources and being a "detective" when symptoms don’t fit the standard profile. The conversation highlights the need to avoid assumptions and ensure equitable cancer care for all.

If you loved this episode and would like to hear more like this, please send your review to [email protected] and share the series with a colleague. This episode is produced by GatewayC in collaboration with Listening Dog Media.

DISCLAIMER: We know this podcast might be of interest to anybody, however it is aimed at primary care health professionals. All patient cases are based on real stories from our clinical practice as GPs. They are fully anonymised with no identifiable patient data. All featured statistics are accurate at the time of recording. All views expressed by guest speakers are their own. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More from GPs Talk Cancer

Oct 13, 2026

Sarah and Rebecca discuss the crucial assessment of neck lumps, focusing on when to investigate, persistent symptoms in adults and children, and why rigorous safety netting is essential. The conversation explored referral pathways, risks of head and neck cancers, especially in those over 35, and the importance of not dismissing suspicious lumps, even in the presence of normal blood tests.

Sep 22, 2026

GPs Sarah and Rebecca discuss whether breast pain is a symptom of breast cancer, drawing on research and clinical experience. The episode explores why breast pain alone is not associated with breast cancer, when further investigation is indicated, and practical approaches for managing symptoms. Discussion covers family history, cyclical versus non-cyclical pain, and effective reassurance strategies for patients.

Sep 15, 2026

GPs Rebecca and Sarah are joined by consultant urologist at Salford Royal and former Director of Urology for the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, Mr Sotonye Tolofari to unpack the complexities of prostate cancer screening, PSA testing, and referral pathways in primary care. This episode covers risk factors—including family history, BRCA variants, Black ethnicity, and age—alongside in-depth discussion on when to offer PSA and DRE, the implications of screening, and the latest updates on targeted programmes. The hosts and guest also address patient counselling, overdiagnosis, and the evolving landscape of evidence and policy around early prostate cancer detection.

Sep 1, 2026

GPs Rebecca and Sarah talk to Georgia Kennedy about her experience of being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma as a teenager, exploring the challenges of recognising cancer in young people. The episode covers missed opportunities for diagnosis, how communication styles and life experience impact patient presentations, and the importance of continuity and thorough clinical questioning in primary care. Tips and reflections focus on recognising persistent symptoms, being vigilant even with young patients, and applying learning points such as Jess’s Rule and continuity of care.

Aug 18, 2026

GPs discuss the rising incidence of bowel cancer in patients under 50, the challenges of recognising symptoms in younger adults, and the importance of thorough history-taking, family risk assessment, and continuity of care. The conversation explores diagnostic pitfalls such as attributing persistent symptoms to benign causes like IBS or piles, the role of FIT testing, and strategies for prompt follow-up. Key advice is offered for GPs when coding consultations and safety netting for those with ongoing concerns.

See all episodes →