Bonus Episode: ALK Positive Charity Short Series - Debra Montague, Founder of ALK Positive Charity

Trigger Warning: this episode discusses cancer, cancer treatment, lung cancer and medications.

Bonus Episode in collaboration with ALK+ charity.

Description: In this powerful episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara sit down with Debra Montague.

Debra founded ALK Positive UK in 2018 after a diagnosis of ALK-positive lung cancer and faced with the absence of a dedicated UK support for people living with this rare type of lung cancer. It is the leading charity for people affected with ALK-positive lung cancer and its purpose to extend the overall survival and quality of life for people living with the disease.

Debra was appointed President of Lung Cancer Europe (LuCE) in 2025, having formerly executed the role of Vice President. She is the first patient to take on the role. LuCE is the voice of people affected by lung cancer across Europe. It brings together national patient groups and supports new ones in countries where they do not exist. Debra’s other affiliations include membership of the Medscape steering committee.

This episode discusses Debra’s diagnosis, treatment pathway, how she set up the charity and the ongoing support she offers to people facing this diagnosis.

CPD Reflection Points:

1. Reflect on the lived experiences of patients and carers affected by ALK-positive lung cancer.
2. Recognise how targeted therapies and precision oncology impact patient pathways.
3. Consider how communication, empathy, and multidisciplinary teamwork can improve the patient experience and better support nervous/anxious patients.

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Links from the Episode:

• ALK Positive Charity
• Lung Cancer Europe
• Roy Castle Foundation
• EGFR positive UK

Rad Chat Links:

• Rad Chat Website
• Link Tree
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• TikTok
• BlueSky
• YouTube

Credits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke.