Breast Cancer Network Australia’s (BCNA) unique podcast, What You Don’t Know Until You Do with Clinical Psychologist and breast cancer survivor, Dr Charlotte Tottman, has launched a second series – What You Don’t Know Until You Do: Unlimited.
The second series of the podcast has recorded 3500 downloads in the first 24 hours and 10,000 in the first week.
The free, speciality podcast is an invaluable resource that validates and normalises the mental health issues of people affected by breast cancer that can present many years after hospital treatment has finished.
The podcast fills an unmet need, particularly for those on health psychologist wait lists, those living in remote areas and those who feel their post-treatment adjustment isn’t a priority in the mental health system.
“The first series about my breast cancer experience revealed a huge demand for lower-level ongoing support for those with chronic illness,” says Dr Tottman.
“The second series isn’t tailored to any individual but covers enough common ground for a broad audience including partners and family to explore and understand whether they should consider individual psychological care.”
Across 10 episodes Dr Tottman uses her unique speciality in cancer-related distress and lived experience to identify, discuss and offer strategies on what she calls ‘FONEBO’ – fear of negative evaluation by others – and how it leans into many other concerns including anxiety, behaviour change, pain and partner perspective.
With honesty and sensitivity, she gives visibility to those with metastatic breast cancer and their challenges, dispels myths and provides clarity on palliative care and rounds out the series with a rare and refreshing lens on death and dying.
“This series is probably the single most useful and accurate detail of what it’s like to go through a breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and physical and mental recovery,” says BCNA member, Anne.
“It has covered all the things that I went through with a beautifully articulated explanation or guidance to understanding the whats and whys.”
What You Don’t Know Until You Do: Unlimited with Clinical Psychologist Dr Charlotte Tottman is available via BCNA or wherever you get your podcasts.
