In this episode of the Young Tongues Podcast, Barbara sits down with Ashleigh Sharman, a mixed methods researcher at the University of Sydney and Fellow in Survivorship and Financial Toxicity with the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia, to explore one of the most overlooked consequences of cancer: financial toxicity.

While treatment side effects are often discussed, the financial impact of cancer rarely receives the same attention. Together, Barbara and Ashleigh unpack what financial toxicity really means, from the immediate costs of treatment to the hidden, long-term effects on employment, careers, pensions, relationships and mental health.

Drawing on her research in head and neck cancer survivorship, Ashleigh explains why people affected by head and neck cancers can face unique financial challenges, including the ongoing costs of dental care, speech therapy, rehabilitation, travel, and returning to work after life-changing treatment. The conversation also explores how financial stress influences recovery, why many people delay asking for help, and how current healthcare and welfare systems often fail to support survivors once treatment has ended.

Find out more about Dr Ashleigh Sharman's work:

• ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ashleigh_Sharman2

• ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9342-5061

• Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=VfdRWAgAAAAJ&hl=en

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In this candid catch-up episode, Barbara, Stef and Jamie begin with plenty of laughter—sharing stories about theatre, summer adventures, travel plans, social media algorithms and the realities of trying to stay cool during record-breaking heatwaves. But as always, the conversation soon turns to life after tongue cancer.

Jamie opens up about the heartbreaking struggle of trying to access restorative dental treatment following radiation therapy, exposing the frustrating realities of the US healthcare and insurance system. Together, the trio discuss the long-term impact cancer treatment can have on oral health, why restorative care is about far more than appearance, and the emotional toll of having to continually fight for care.

Barbara reflects on speaking to healthcare communication professionals about what meaningful patient involvement should look like, sharing why patient organisations deserve to be treated as valued partners rather than an afterthought. The conversation explores research quality, safeguarding, tokenism and the importance of involving patients from the very beginning of research projects.

Stef marks the anniversary of her diagnosis by reflecting on finally being believed after months of being dismissed because she was "too young" for tongue cancer.

💬 Need Support?

If you’ve been diagnosed with tongue cancer (or are supporting someone who has), you can find help here:

🌍 Website

🤝 Join support groups & mailing list: via the website

💌 Contact us: podcast@youngtonguesglobal.com

We’re building this with our community — and you can be part of it:

✨ Volunteer & share your experience

🎙️ Apply to appear on the podcast

🧠 Take part in research opportunities

We’re a small charity with a big mission — and we rely on community support to keep going.

👉 Find out more how to make a donation or fundraise for us here

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can you have a healthy pregnancy after treatment for tongue cancer? What questions should you ask your medical team? And how do you cope with the fear of recurrence while preparing to become a parent? In this special panel discussion, Barbara is joined by Young Tongues community members Nat, Chloe and Sarah-Jane ("SJ") to share their honest experiences of pregnancy after tongue cancer.

Together, they explore the conversations they wish had happened at diagnosis, the uncertainty surrounding fertility and pregnancy after treatment, the emotional impact of becoming pregnant after cancer, and the anxieties that can accompany every stage of the journey. The discussion also highlights the importance of self-advocacy, the value of peer support, and the urgent need for more research and better clinical guidance for younger adults affected by tongue cancer.

Whether you're thinking about starting a family now, in the future, or simply want to better understand this often-overlooked topic, this episode offers reassurance, practical insights and the comfort of hearing from others who have walked the same path.

💬 Need Support?

If you’ve been diagnosed with tongue cancer (or are supporting someone who has), you can find help here:

🌍 Website

🤝 Join support groups & mailing list: via the website

💌 Contact us: podcast@youngtonguesglobal.com

We’re building this with our community — and you can be part of it:

✨ Volunteer & share your experience

🎙️ Apply to appear on the podcast

🧠 Take part in research opportunities

We’re a small charity with a big mission — and we rely on community support to keep going.

👉 Find out more how to make a donation or fundraise for us here

📲 Follow & Connect

Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Mailing List

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.