Last updated June 18, 2024 – 9:02 AM
The C-Word, presented by John Holmes, is a new eight-part podcast series from BBC Radio 4 in which the comedian and presenter seeks to demystify illness and spark conversation.
After being diagnosed with prostate cancer last year, John realised men tended not to talk openly about their struggles with cancer, so he decided to speak to other men who had been through the same experience.
The series features John, as well as comedians Stephen Fry, Mark Steele, Richard Herring, Matt Ford and Eric Idle, actors Colin McFarlane and Ben Richards, rock star and The Alarm frontman Mike Peters, and journalists Jeremy Langmead, Nick Owen and Jeremy Bowen, all talking about their own experiences of undergoing cancer treatment.
John Holmes says: “If there had been a podcast like this when I was diagnosed – one packed with other people's stories and advice and moments of light to illuminate the darkness of an otherwise harrowing process, I would have been hooked on it. But there was nothing like it, so I spoke to Radio 4 and now there is.”
The conversations are raw, honest, difficult, often ridiculous, and, yes, entertaining in detail: from fingers up butts, to blood tests through biopsies, surgeries, catheters, stomas, feeding tubes, penis pumps, and incontinence pads.
The aim is to eliminate the stigma and embarrassment associated with these issues, raise awareness and encourage listeners to “get tested.” He wants to take the fear out of the entire diagnosis and treatment process in an easy-to-understand and fun way.
John also encourages listeners to get involved and share their own experiences, whether that be something they've experienced themselves or supporting someone living with cancer.
Editor-in-chief Leanne Roberts said: “John has been incredibly generous not only in sharing his own experience of cancer, but in creating a new space where more men can open up and talk about their experiences.”
“It's down to earth, it's full of facts, and it's as much fun as John can make it. It's a lot of fun. I hope it's a space where listeners can bond over the toughest topics.”
The C-Word with John Holmes will begin airing on BBC Radio 4 at 11pm on Tuesday 9 July, with episodes releasing weekly on BBC Sounds.
