Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Navigating Menopause After Cancer

What if tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors weren’t the only options?

For many people with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, endocrine therapy can be lifesaving – but it can also be incredibly difficult to live with. Joint pain, sleep problems, sexual health changes, bone health, weight and metabolic changes can all have a significant impact on day-to-day life.

And for some, the question becomes: what else is there?

In this episode, Dani is joined by oncologist Dr Eleonora Teplinsky, author of Beyond the Pink: Navigating Life, Health, and Breast Cancer, to explore the changing landscape of breast cancer treatment and survivorship.

One of the big topics is SERDs – a newer generation of endocrine therapies that are creating a lot of interest in the breast cancer world. What are they? How are they different from tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors? What did we learn from the LIDERA study? And could having more endocrine treatment options eventually make a meaningful difference for patients struggling with side effects?

But, as always, this isn't only about the science.

Dani also sits down with Rachel Bowman, breast cancer survivor and Director at Menopause and Cancer, to mull over what all of this actually means when you’re the person taking these treatments

Dr Teplinsky also shares the thinking behind her new book, Beyond the Pink, which brings together evidence-based, practical information about the questions people often don't have enough time to explore during an oncology appointment.

Here are the links mentioned in this episode:

Find Dr Teplinsky’s new book here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/beyond-the-pink/eleonora-teplinsky/9781538777145

Watch this Substack video with Dr Teplinsky on Serds: https://drteplinsky.substack.com/p/ob-gyn-x-oncologist-session-2-asco

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

04:31 Discussing rising early-onset cancers with Dr Teplinsky

09:05 Discussing limitations of current treatments

11:46 Uncertainty with new treatments

16:26 Acknowledging emotional struggles post-chemo

19:10 Evolving breast cancer treatment

22:07 Cancer treatment advancements discussion with Rachel

24:06 Discussing cancer drug availability

28:17 Managing menopause and cancer treatment

31:52 HRT journey in Dubai

36:08 Encouragement for endocrine therapy patients

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

After more than 200 episodes of conversations with doctors, researchers, therapists, cancer specialists and, most importantly, people navigating menopause after cancer themselves, I’ve learned a lot.

Last week, a dream came true, and we hosted our first global menopause and cancer conference for healthcare professionals - and so for this episode, I’m doing something a little different.

I’m sharing five things I now know to be true (I know, a bold statement!) about menopause after cancer. Things I’ve learned at the conference and things I’ve learned over the years.

You might disagree with me - but here are mine (for today anyway!):

There is rarely one “right” answer.

Especially when it comes to HRT after cancer, risk and personal choice.

Treatment shouldn't mean simply putting up with everything.

We need to talk about the impact of treatments such as tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors — and what can be done to help.

The things that might sound “small” can have an enormous impact.

Hair, vaginal and bladder symptoms, painful sex, body changes — these things matter.

Menopause after cancer isn't just physical.

Anxiety, sleep, confidence, relationships, identity and that feeling of “Who am I now?”

There is almost always something we can do.

We need to look beyond the medical and expand our thinking. From non-hormonal medications and symptom-specific treatments to movement, sleep, psychological support, lifestyle and community — often it's about finding your own combination of things that help.

Episode Mentions:

Episode 74 - Why Would a Menopause Specialist Who Had Breast Cancer Take HRT?

Episode 71 - Combat Hair Issues in Menopause After Cancer

Episode 75 - From Anxiety to PRSD with Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro: Four years of podcasting milestones

04:48 Reflection on September's new beginnings

12:47 Discussing treatment after cancer

17:08 Podcast impact on cancer treatment

27:31 Struggling with menopause and mental health

29:34 Finding support in online groups

34:46 Navigating menopause after cancer

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

Ah, this was a great start to such an important episode! I literally did no planning AT ALL! I just wanted to know from Dr Jordan Emont, our guest on today’s show, if there is a common question he gets asked by his patients in his clinic.

And after getting such lovely personal insights into Jordan’s life, we ended up having an evidence-based conversation about testosterone after cancer, especially for people navigating menopause after breast cancer.

We dig into why access in the US is getting harder not easier and how clinicians think about balancing quality of life with safety when the data is still limited.

This episode is so true to all the conversations we have on this podcast because it sits right in the middle of a real-world clinical grey area: patients want relief, oncologists want reassurance, and doctors are trying to make thoughtful decisions without perfect long-term trials.

Jordan also shares how this topic is evolving in guidelines, why he thinks testosterone can help some people stay on aromatase inhibitors, and where caution still makes sense.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

09:57 Challenges in Women's Health Narratives

13:37 Differences in hormone treatments

17:25 Aromatase inhibitors in breast cancer

18:55 Discussing testosterone for cancer survivors

23:15 Testosterone use and sexual health

25:54 Discussing health and energy levels

30:10 Long-term safety of testosterone use

32:10 Checking testosterone levels timing

35:58 Balancing safety and quality of life

40:54 Testosterone's role in breast cancer

44:39 Discussing hormone therapy benefits

48:47 Testosterone use after prostate cancer

Here are Dr Emont’s links:

Here is his Substack about testosterone this which he’s made free to access: https://drjordanemont.substack.com/p/testosterone-after-breast-cancer

Here’s Dr Sarah Glynne's paper on testosterone to treat menopausal symptoms: https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/fulltext/10.1097/gme.0000000000002777~use-of-transdermal-testosterone-to-treat-menopausal-symptoms

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

“Night sweats. I cannot go on like this. What are people taking who can’t take HRT?”

That was a recent post in our community and the replies came flooding in.

Venlafaxine. Oxybutynin. Acupuncture. HRT. Lifestyle changes. So many people trying different things to manage debilitating hot flushes and night sweats after cancer.

But increasingly, two new names are appearing in these conversations: fezolinetant (Veoza) and elinzanetant (Lynkuet).

These newer non-hormonal medicines have been specifically developed to treat menopausal hot flushes and night sweats. But what are they? How do they work? And, crucially for our community, can you take them after cancer?

I’m joined once again by the wonderful Dr Zoe Schaedel, NHS GP, menopause specialist and sleep expert, to give us a practical roadmap.

We discuss:

• How fezolinetant and elinzanetant work and why they're different from some of the older non-hormonal options
• What we currently know about their use following different cancers
• Side effects, contraindications and the concerns you've perhaps heard about
• How to actually access them
• Why access can vary across the NHS
• What your local formulary and its “traffic light” classification can tell you
• Whether your GP can prescribe or whether you may need a menopause specialist or oncologist

And for our listeners outside the UK, we also talk about some of the barriers to accessing these medicines elsewhere, including the frustrating issue of insurance coverage in the US.

We’ve been following this story for a while…

Way back in Episode 46, I spoke to Professor Waljit Dhillo, one of the researchers behind this new approach to treating hot flushes.

At the time, these medicines felt like an exciting glimpse into the future.

Well, the future is here.

People in our community are now taking them and we're hearing experiences like this:

“Veoza!! After a year on these, I am starting to get a few again, but still a million times better than before!”

So this episode moves the conversation from “What might be coming?” to:

Could this be an option for me and how do I get it?

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

06:23 Treating menopause with neurokinin blockers

09:36 Navigating menopause after cancer

12:02 New menopause treatment options

15:15 GP and menopause specialist roles

19:14 Discussing Vioza and cancer treatment suitability

21:59 Discussing Vyosa and cancer treatment safety

24:47 Observing NICE approval process

29:46 Helping patients stick with treatment

30:26 Discussing Vioza side effects

33:41 Discussing Vioza safety concerns

40:00 Access to new prescription approval

40:47 Understanding UK Medication Access

Here is more info about Dr Zoe Schaedel:

https://www.mylahealth.co.uk/

Other episodes mentioned today:

Ep 124 “How to Fix Your Sleep Issues – From Medication to Mindfulness”

Ep 143 “Alternatives to HRT. Prescribable Non-Hormonal Options”

Ep 146 “Your Plan For Better Sleep.”

And have a listen to Episode 46: A Revolutionary Non-Hormonal Treatment for Hot Flushes! with Professor Waljit Dhillo to hear where this story began.

As always, this podcast is for information and education and isn't a substitute for personalised medical advice. Please discuss your individual circumstances and treatment options with your healthcare team.

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

Making difficult decisions after cancer isn’t something we talk about enough.

The kind where there isn’t a clear “right” answer.

Where every option comes with trade-offs.

Where you’re weighing up your long-term health, your quality of life… and sometimes, parts of your identity.

In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Jen Delvaux — cancer survivor, podcast host, and founder of a thriving community in the US. Jen’s story is uniquely complex, with both her and her husband navigating cancer diagnoses, bringing a deeply personal perspective on survivorship.

Together, we explore the realities of life after treatment — including sexual health, bone health, basically - all aspects of the often-overlooked impact of treatment-induced menopause.

You can find Jen here: https://www.jendelvaux.com/

And this is her podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-today-cancer/id1436449587 and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jendelvaux

Podcast Episode Mentions:

Episode 215 - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/episode-215-bone-health-after-cancer-menopause-what/id1631842514?i=1000764218500

Episode 113 - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ep-113-the-impact-of-endocrine-disruptors-on/id1631842514?i=1000663146637

Get a copy of Dani’s book here: https://amzn.eu/d/bjU18OM

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

06:09 Living with cancer's emotional weight

08:19 Discussing cancer treatment decisions

12:21 First experience with symptom relief

14:08 Diet and menopause insights

17:17 Balancing health and happiness

19:26 Living life to the fullest

23:26 Coping with cancer as parents

28:43 Discussing osteoporosis diagnosis

32:04 Planning post-treatment support

39:30 Discussing difficult health decisions

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

Let's stop the toxic positivity! Just because active cancer treatment may have ended, we don't have to be endlessly positive and grateful for it all. What comes next can be hard.

That's why I invited Jessica Zucker, clinical psychologist, author of the bestselling book ‘Normalize It: Upending the Silence, Stigma, and Shame that Pervade Women's Lives’ and breast cancer survivor, to talk about the long silence that often follows women through miscarriage, breast cancer, tamoxifen and medical menopause.

Jessica and I talk about what it means to live with the aftermath of treatment, when the symptoms linger, the uncertainty stays, and the pressure to keep smiling can feel almost unbearable.

We also discuss the hidden toll of tamoxifen, the emotional impact of medical menopause, and why phrases like “you’re a warrior” or “at least” can sometimes do more harm than good.

Jessica was so open about how even she, as a psychologist, found the experience of tamoxifen and long-term side effects surprising and difficult.

We talk about exhaustion, brain fog, loss of creativity, grief, perfectionism and the illusion of control, and why so much of this still goes unsaid.

This is a conversation about naming the harder parts out loud, and making space for honesty, nuance and connection.

Key topics

• The pressure to stay positive after cancer and the harm of toxic positivity
• Jessica’s experience of tamoxifen and medical menopause
• Exhaustion, brain fog and the emotional impact of treatment side effects
• Grief, uncertainty and the pressure to make the “right” decisions

Find Jessica’s fantastic book ‘Normalize It: Upending the Silence, Stigma, and Shame That Shape Women's Lives’ here https://a.co/d/0hLfwz2z

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

04:07 Discussing the stigma of grief

09:08 Getting a life-changing diagnosis

12:43 Discussing cancer diagnosis and treatment

13:54 Discussing tamoxifen

23:10 Therapists seeking therapy for themselves

24:38 Coping with tamoxifen side effects

28:43 Pressure of Being a Cancer Warrior

31:57 Controlling health outcomes reality check

37:30 Coping with grief and aging

42:58 Sharing personal challenges for impact

A little favour...

If you enjoy listening each week, I'd love to ask one small favour. Would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts?

Every review helps more people discover the podcast, and with your support we've now grown into one of the top 1% of podcasts worldwide. That's something we've achieved together, and I'm so incredibly grateful.

Leave a review here:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/navigating-menopause-after-cancer/id1631842514

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3OhAwupemqzdI6sCXCZLSX

Thank you for being part of this wonderful community. x

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

Welcome to the first guest episode of Navigating Menopause After Cancer.

In the last two episodes, I shared why the podcast has entered a new chapter and reflected on the power of stories: how they help us navigate uncertainty, create connection and remind us that we're never alone.

Today's conversation is a really beautiful example of exactly that.

I'm joined by Michelle and Becky, two incredible women diagnosed with anal cancer back in 2024.

I learned on a previous episode on anal cancer (episode 209) that anal cancer is often surrounded by stigma, shame, embarrassment and silence. It's a cancer that simply isn't talked about enough. And treatment for anal cancer can also induce menopause - so we have to talk about it!

Yet despite receiving the same diagnosis at almost the same time, Michelle and Becky's experiences were very different.

Michelle openly shared her diagnosis but struggled to find someone else living with anal cancer who truly understood what she was going through.

Becky found support from others with anal cancer from the very beginning, but didn't feel comfortable telling many of the people around her she had anal cancer, choosing instead to say she had bowel cancer.

Together, they share an honest conversation about diagnosis, treatment, menopause, intimacy, identity, stigma and why sharing our true stories matters.

One of my favourite parts of this story actually happened away from the recording. After meeting Michelle in person, I introduced her to Ali who had previously shared her own anal cancer story on this podcast... and something rather special has grown from that connection.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

04:01 Finding support after cancer diagnosis

11:19 Dealing with surgical menopause

13:22 Post-treatment challenges and loneliness

19:17 Rebuilding confidence after cancer

22:01 Adjusting to life after stoma surgery

23:59 Dealing with radiation side effects

28:56 Discussing anal cancer stigma

33:01 Connecting with others on TikTok

40:06 Cancer treatment challenges and recovery

45:06 Returning to fitness after radiotherapy

47:49 Finding support during cancer

Links:

Find Michelle & Ali’s new anal cancer support here: The Brave Behinds https://www.instagram.com/thebravebehinds/?hl=en

Macmillan Anal Cancer Support Forum: https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/anal-cancer-forum

Ali Stripling’s episode: Beyond the Pink - Anal Cancer, Menopause & Awareness Day: https://youtu.be/V0_5MedxjKw?si=QB-i9XO1uWhQ1Mwf

This podcast episode was supported by an unrestricted grant from Incyte Biosciences. Incyte had no involvement in the development, content, or editorial review of the activities associated with this initiative.

After four years, hundreds of conversations and countless stories, it's time to share what the next chapter of this podcast is going to look like...

In this special solo episode, I reveal the new name and look of the podcast and, more importantly, the reason behind it.

Your feedback made it very clear that the conversations, the experts, the survivor stories and the honesty are exactly what make this community so special. You asked me NOT to make any changes!

But, after reading an amazing book and a visit to the British Museum that followed, I knew I wanted to make a change regardless.

I have goosebumps writing this: I was standing in front of one of the oldest surviving stories ever written!! I mean - how cool is that! And so of course, I found myself reflecting on the power of stories to help us make sense of uncertainty. It reminded me that none of us simply "gets through" menopause after cancer.

We navigate it.

Together.

That's why this podcast has a new name, one that reflects the journey so many of us are on every single day. And of course it also reflects my book title ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’.

Thank you for being part of this next chapter.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why I decided to rename the podcast after four years.
• What I learnt at the British Museum!! And I love it!
• Why stories have helped humans navigate uncertainty for thousands of years.
• Why "Navigating Menopause After Cancer" better reflects the journey so many of us experience.
• The inspiration behind the new artwork and how it connects with my book.
• What isn't changing (don't worry... the experts, survivor stories and honest conversations are all staying!).
• How your feedback shaped every decision.

Links to today’s episode:

Substack: If you'd like to stay connected beyond the podcast, you can also find me writing personal reflections over on Still Becoming, where I share the behind-the-scenes of building Menopause and Cancer, life after cancer, motherhood, identity, and everything I'm still learning.

Subscribe to my Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington

Book: As a thank you for being such an incredible community, I'm also celebrating the first anniversary of my book, Navigating Menopause After Cancer. For a limited time, I've reduced the Amazon price so that more people can access it, or perhaps gift a copy to someone they love.

You can buy the book here: https://amzn.eu/d/0dqOczqf

Thank you for listening, for sharing this journey with me, and for helping shape what comes next.

After four years of hosting this podcast, I kept thinking about the show's future. I wondered if I should make changes to the format, the episodes, my guests, and I worried if the podcast was still what you guys needed and wanted.

Initially, I did a lot of overthinking - but then I knew I just needed to ask YOU.

So over the past few weeks, I invited you to share your thoughts about the podcast: what you love, what you'd like more of, and whether you thought anything should change.

Your responses made me laugh, made me cry, and reminded me why I pressed record on that very first episode four years ago.

In this special solo episode, I'm sharing what you told me, the feedback that surprised me the most, and why your words have shaped the next chapter of this podcast.

This isn't about reinventing something that isn't broken. It's about listening, reflecting, and making sure the next person navigating menopause after cancer can find the support they need.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why I decided to ask for your honest feedback after four years.
• The survey responses that genuinely surprised me.
• The conversations you want us to have more of.
• Why expert interviews and survivor stories aren't going anywhere.
• The importance of asking the questions that others often avoid.
• What your feedback taught me about this community.
• A hint about an exciting announcement coming next week…

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

05:42 Considering podcast changes

12:21 Listener feedback and appreciation

15:57 Planning podcast future direction

19:47 Book price reduction announcement

21:22 Upcoming podcast announcement

Links for today’s episode:

Substack: If you'd like to stay connected beyond the podcast, you can also find me writing personal reflections over on Still Becoming, where I share the behind-the-scenes of building Menopause and Cancer, life after cancer, motherhood, identity, and everything I'm still learning.

Subscribe to my Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington

Book: As a thank you for being such an incredible community, I'm also celebrating the first anniversary of my book, Navigating Menopause After Cancer. For a limited time, I've reduced the Amazon price so that more people can access it, or perhaps gift a copy to someone they love.

You can buy the book here: https://amzn.eu/d/0dqOczqf

Thank you for listening, for sharing this journey with me, and for helping shape what comes next.

The next chapter begins… next Wednesday.

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

This week's episode is a little different.

A few weeks ago, a group of us took on a 53km challenge across the Peak District to raise money for Menopause and Cancer. Somewhere between the hills, the aching feet, the snack stops and plenty of laughter, I had this feeling that I wanted to ‘bottle up’ some of the conversations and the energy we had - to bring it to you.

So, instead of an expert interview, I thought I'd invite you to come along for the post-walk chat with us.

You'll hear honest conversations, a few giggles, reflections on why community matters so much after cancer...and yes, the story of why I ended up feeling rather guilty about keeping hold of one of the prizes that had been donated for our walkers. Let's just say...it involved a rather unexpected gift from our lovely Dr Angela Wright!

This episode is a reminder that healing doesn't only happen in clinic rooms. Sometimes it happens when you're walking alongside people who simply understand.

Whether you've been listening for four weeks or four years, thank you for being part of this community.

And if today's episode leaves you wishing you were there with us, why not join our London Bridges Challenge on 12 September? We'd absolutely love to welcome you. Or perhaps you'll even be tempted by the whispers of an even bigger challenge next year…? You can also take on a challenge anywhere in the world too!

Who's in? 😉

And one more thing...

This is the final episode before a special two-part series where I'll be sharing the next chapter of the podcast. Don't worry: the conversations you know and love aren't going anywhere, but I can't wait to share what's been quietly unfolding behind the scenes.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

06:37 Reflecting on the race challenge

07:34 Struggling during the race

14:29 Walking challenge with friends

18:52 Completing a charity walkathon

22:30 Discussing resilience and support

27:35 Discussing the “Lemon”

32:22 Building a supportive community

34:10 Community and charity challenges

43:50 Fundraising and community involvement

Links & Resources

Navigating Menopause After Cancer: my bestselling book bringing together expert advice, lived experience and practical guidance to help you navigate menopause after cancer. https://amzn.eu/d/0fuL8JSs

Join the Thames Bridges Trek with the Menopause and Cancer Community – 12th September in London https://menopauseandcancer.org/thames-bridges-trek/

Take on any other fundraising challenge anywhere in the world https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/fundraisingideas

If you’re keen to explore another long-distance hike next year, please email phoebe@menopauseandcancer.org

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

Within just a year of being diagnosed with breast cancer, lawyer mum and so-called ‘midlife-hipster’ George made the deeply personal decision to restart HRT.

This episode isn't about advocating for or against HRT after breast cancer, and it certainly isn't about telling anyone what they should or shouldn't do. Instead, it's about understanding one woman's journey and exploring the thoughts, emotions and experiences that shaped her decision.

This conversation also goes far beyond HRT. George speaks beautifully about something I know many women will recognise: feeling invisible in midlife. Long before she made the decision to restart HRT, she had already begun finding ways to reconnect with herself. We talk about "Sparkly Fridays", bright lipstick, embracing colour, finding moments of joy and slowly rediscovering her confidence. It's a wonderful reminder that getting your mojo back isn't always about one big decision; sometimes it's the many little things that help you feel like yourself again.

When I first spoke to George, she was right in the messy middle. She had restarted HRT but, for the first time, found herself feeling anxious about that decision. I know so many people in our community are asking similar questions, often without straightforward answers.

My hope is that today's conversation helps us take some of the emotion out of these discussions and instead become a little more curious about one another. We don't all have to make the same decisions, but we can learn so much by listening without judgement.

In this episode, we discuss:

• George's decision to restart HRT after breast cancer
• Living with uncertainty and navigating deeply personal decisions
• Anxiety, confidence and trusting yourself
• Feeling invisible in midlife
• "Sparkly Fridays" and finding joy in the everyday
• Why there is no one-size-fits-all approach to menopause after cancer
• The importance of listening to one another's stories without judgement

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

04:53 Building an online community

10:58 Early breast cancer diagnosis story

14:10 Discussing HRT decision after cancer

19:19 Anxiety about cancer recurrence

20:34 Discussing menopause and shared decisions

26:10 Discussing hormones and health choices

29:38 Reflecting on past struggles

34:41 Considering future HRT plans

37:40 Heart and bone health after cancer

42:14 Coping with difficult decisions

Next week, you'll hear from another breast cancer survivor whose story is completely different. HRT isn't something she would personally consider, and that's exactly why I wanted to share these conversations side by side. Every experience is unique, and by hearing a range of perspectives, my hope is that we can all feel a little more informed, a little more understood, and a little less alone.

Enjoy!

Follow George here: https://www.instagram.com/awomancalledgeorge/

Dani’s links:

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?r=1osz6a&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join the 12th September Thames Bridges Trek: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge

Set up your own fundraiser: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/fundraisingideas

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

Heart disease is one of the biggest long-term health concerns facing cancer survivors after menopause. But before you panic, there is a lot more within your control than you might think. Just recently, I’ve seen several social media posts talking about how our risk of heart disease increases during menopause, especially if you’re not taking HRT.

I totally understand how, for many cancer survivors, that can feel so frightening.

After all, what do you do if HRT isn’t an option, or if the decision is far more complicated because of your cancer history? Or because you’re super young, maybe?

That’s exactly why I wanted to bring in Dr Jordan Emont. Dr Emont is a board-certified OB-GYN with advanced training in menopause medicine, integrative hormonal care and sexual health.

In this episode, we talk about what menopause really means for our heart and metabolic health, why cholesterol and insulin resistance matter, and most importantly, the practical steps we can take to reduce risk and feel more in control of our future health.

This is a reassuring, empowering conversation that moves beyond fear and focuses on what we can actually do.

Whether you’re on endocrine therapy, navigating treatment-induced menopause, or simply wondering how to protect your long-term health after cancer, I think you’ll find this episode incredibly helpful.

Resources: Find Dr Emont here https://www.drjordanemont.com/

I have also recorded an in-depth episode on ‘How to take control of your cholesterol’. Go check it out! It’s Episode 125: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-125-take-control-of-your-cholesterol/id1631842514?i=1000669090421

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

07:50 Empowering women in healthcare decisions

10:20 Managing menopause and surgery decisions

15:36 Managing health post-ovary removal

19:22 Managing Risk and Health Choices

22:06 Lifestyle and heart health tips

24:58 Menopause specialists and holistic care

29:49 Understanding insulin resistance tests

34:20 Exploring cholesterol medication options

Dani’s links:

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?r=1osz6a&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join the 12th September Thames Bridges Trek: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge

Set up your own fundraiser: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/fundraisingideas

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

Whether it's joint pain, fatigue, brain fog, poor sleep, hot flushes or anxiety, it can feel frustrating when symptoms linger long after treatment ends. For many people, supplements seem like a logical place to look for menopause support, but with endless products, conflicting advice and cupboards full of half-used bottles, how do you know what's actually worth taking?

In this episode, I am once again joined by leading oncologist, researcher and integrative medicine specialist Professor Robert Thomas to explore the role supplements may play in supporting health and wellbeing after cancer.

Make sure to have pen and paper ready, as I think you’ll need it!

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why so many cancer survivors turn to supplements
• How to identify what symptoms you're actually trying to support
• Which supplements have anti-cancer properties?
• Which supplements help with joint pain?
• Supplements that may help with sleep
• The role of vitamin D, probiotics and omega-3
• What should I NOT have too much of?
• The debate around multivitamins after cancer
• Common supplement mistakes that waste money
• Creatine: what we know and what we still don't know for cancer survivors

One of the most powerful messages from this conversation is that there is rarely one magic supplement. Instead, the best results often come from understanding your symptoms, focusing on overall health and making informed decisions based on evidence rather than marketing.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

05:06 Discussing supplements with oncologists

08:34 Discussing supplement safety and benefits

11:13 Improving gut health in menopause

16:03 Concerns about multivitamins and antioxidants

17:52 Discussing supplements and deficiencies

20:57 Understanding Mineral Intake from Food

25:44 Discussing creatine vs collagen benefits

Resources

• Keep Healthy: keep-healthy.com and https://keep-healthy.com/polyphenols/
• Rob’s bestselling book "How to Live"

About Dr Robert Thomas

Dr Robert Thomas is a Consultant Oncologist, Professor of Nutritional and Sports Science, researcher, author and Head of Integrative Oncology at UCLH. His work focuses on helping people combine conventional cancer treatments with evidence-based lifestyle strategies to improve outcomes and quality of life.

He also leads a research unit that has designed landmark scientific studies which provide the evidence that guide nutritionists, support groups, doctors and patients across the World.

As well as mainstream oncology studies, the team focuses on randomised trials that evaluate the impact of exercise, diet, gut health and natural therapies on cancer, long covid and exercise performance, menopause and cancer.

This included 5 RCT's addressing hormone related symptons after breast cancer including patient choice as a primary end point.

His latest two double blind RCTs, discovered that boosting dietary phytochemicals (with Yourphyto) and gut health (with Yourgutplus) slowed prostate cancer progression, improved erectile function and urinary symptoms and improved three key biomarkers of longevity.

Dani’s links:

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?r=1osz6a&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join the 12th September Thames Bridges Trek: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge

Set up your own fundraiser: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/fundraisingideas

Can turmeric really help with joint pain, inflammation and gut health after cancer? And why are so many people being told to avoid it?

In this fascinating conversation, I sit down with leading oncologist, researcher and integrative medicine expert Professor Robert Thomas to unpack the science behind turmeric, gut health and cancer recovery.

Prof Thomas shares why he believes many patients are receiving outdated advice about turmeric, explains where concerns about tamoxifen interactions originated, and explores what the latest research actually tells us. Together, we discuss the role of gut health in long-term wellbeing, why exercise remains one of the most powerful tools available after cancer, and how lifestyle medicine can work alongside conventional cancer treatments.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The surprising evidence behind turmeric and cancer
• Why turmeric became controversial in breast cancer care
• The difference between turmeric, curcumin and supplements
• Gut health, inflammation and the microbiome
• Managing joint pain and menopausal symptoms after cancer
• Exercise as a tool to improve cancer outcomes
• How integrative oncology combines medical treatment with lifestyle strategies
• Common myths surrounding supplements and cancer

Resources

• Keep Healthy: keep-healthy.com and https://keep-healthy.com/polyphenols/
• Rob’s bestselling book "How to Live"

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

09:33 Discussing hormone therapy options

12:30 Discussing health and patient advocacy

15:00 Discussing menopause treatments

20:06 Turmeric's rise in health circles

22:24 Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits

24:21 Curcumin study and dosage discussion

28:01 Addressing turmeric's cancer misconceptions

32:28 Simplifying Supplement Choices

About Prof Robert Thomas:

Thomas is a Consultant Oncologist, Professor of Nutritional and Sports Science, author, researcher and Head of Integrative Oncology at UCLH. He has published extensively on lifestyle medicine, cancer prevention and survivorship, and is passionate about helping patients make informed decisions about their health using evidence-based approaches.

He also leads a research unit that has designed landmark scientific studies which provide the evidence that guide nutritionists, support groups, doctors and patients across the World.

As well as mainstream oncology studies, the team focuses on randomised trials that evaluate the impact of exercise, diet, gut health and natural therapies on cancer, long covid and exercise performance, menopause and cancer.

This included 5 RCT's addressing hormone related symptons after breast cancer including patient choice as a primary end point.

His latest two double blind RCTs, discovered that boosting dietary phytochemicals (with Yourphyto) and gut health (with Yourgutplus) slowed prostate cancer progression, improved erectile function and urinary symptoms and improved three key biomarkers of longevity.

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

Four years ago, I sat down and recorded the very first episode of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast.

At the time, I had no idea what I was doing. I didn't know whether anyone would listen, whether I'd make it past a handful of episodes, or that four years later I'd still be here, talking to you every single week.

What began as a simple idea, to create the menopause resource I desperately wished I'd had after cancer, has grown into something far bigger than I ever imagined.

Over the last four years, we've shared hundreds of conversations with incredible experts, survivors, partners, advocates and healthcare professionals. Together we've explored symptoms, treatments, relationships, intimacy, identity, mental health, grief, hope and everything in between.

The podcast has opened doors I never expected. It has led to friendships, opportunities, a bestselling book, healthcare professional training, events, retreats and the growth of Menopause and Cancer into a global movement.

But perhaps the greatest gift has been you: your emails, messages and stories.

Hosting this podcast has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. And the truth is, I think the podcast has changed me just as much as it has helped others.

Over the last four years, life has changed, too.

My daughters have grown up. I've become a founder, an author and somehow a CEO. I've gained confidence in some areas and lost it in others. I've learned new skills, made mistakes, changed my mind, needed reading glasses and realised that growth rarely happens in a straight line.

Recently, I've been reflecting a lot on identity.

For years, I was a yoga teacher.

Then an advocate.

Then a founder.

Now a CEO.

And yet, if I'm honest, I don't always feel like any of those labels fully fit anymore.

Maybe you've felt that too? Are we constantly in transition?

Perhaps that's why this moment feels important. Not because we've reached four years, but because it feels like the beginning of a new chapter.

I've recently started a new project called Still Becoming: a kind of blog, and in many ways, this is how it all started for me. It's a space where I can share some of the conversations that don't always fit neatly into a Menopause and Cancer podcast episode: reflections on identity, motherhood, relationships, intimacy, purpose, building a charity and navigating all the messy, beautiful parts of being human.

And because this next chapter isn't just about me, I'd love your help.

I've created a short listener survey to help shape the future of the podcast. What have you loved? What has helped? What conversations are missing? What would you like more of?

I'll also be inviting a small group of listeners to join me on a Zoom call on 9th July at 5pm so we can talk about the future together.

For now, though, I simply want to say thank you.

Thank you for listening.

Thank you for showing up.

Thank you for sharing your stories.

Thank you for trusting me with them.

Links Mentioned

The Next Chapter - Shape the future of the show with me: https://forms.gle/cQ36jKzDFqY2p3qy6

Join my blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?r=1osz6a&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page

Buy the book “Navigating Menopause After Cancer” https://amzn.eu/d/0fPhc0tt

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

03:35 Discovering Menopause Support Needs

09:20 Writing ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’

13:00 The importance of audience feedback

14:57 Kate's experience with menopause and cancer

20:27 Navigating life after cancer

21:27 Still Becoming: Embracing Multiple Identities

25:07 Listener feedback session invitation

28:14 Podcast future plans announcement

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

In this inspiring episode, Dani is joined by two breast care clinical nurse specialists from Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to explore what’s possible when healthcare professionals truly listen, learn and work together to improve menopause care for women after cancer treatment.

If you’re a patient, this is a must-listen so that you can set realistic expectations of what’s possible. If you’re a healthcare professional, you’ll be blown away by what Jaqcui and her team have achieved through hard work and persistence.

Clinical Nurse Specialist Jacqui shares how she helped shape and evolve the support offered within her team around menopause after cancer, bringing colleagues together, opening up important conversations, and helping create more compassionate, informed care for patients navigating life after treatment. She is joined by her colleague, Christina for an honest discussion about what they’ve learned from patients over the years, the gaps they began to recognise, and the practical changes that can happen even within stretched NHS services and limited resources.

Dani says, “Thank you for being utterly amazing!”

Jaqcui and Christina mention Dani’s book and say how helpful it is for them. You can buy a copy here: https://amzn.eu/d/04P0N9FX

And here is www.menopauseandcancer.org for more information and support.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

08:06 Addressing menopause post-cancer treatment

14:24 Learning from patient engagement

17:06 New prescribing practices in oncology

20:25 Discussing Tamoxifen Prescription Options

26:16 Discussing hormone therapy side effects

27:46 Discussing bone health in menopause

36:37 Challenges in patient care response

37:53 Menopause care post-cancer

42:44 Focusing on menopause and cancer

43:52 Planning patient support events

49:11 Empowering patient-doctor conversations

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

Who controls what happens between women’s legs after menopause?

It’s a confronting question, but one that sits at the heart of this episode.

In this short, powerful conversation, I am joined by menopause specialist and sexologist Dr Angela Wright to explore why so many women — particularly those who have had cancer — are still being denied access to vaginal and vulval oestrogen treatments. And why we’re not routinely having the conversation about sexual health after cancer treatment.

Despite being widely recognised as one of the most effective and low-risk treatments for genitourinary symptoms of menopause (GSM), access remains incredibly low. Many women are left navigating pain, dryness, recurrent infections, loss of sexual function, and a deep impact on identity and relationships — often without being offered treatment. Or they’re told ‘no’.

This episode explores:

• Why are women not allowed to make an informed choice about their intimate health?
• The realities of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) — and why it’s more than “just dryness”
• The added complexity for women on treatments like aromatase inhibitors (e.g. Letrozole)
• The emotional and relational impact of untreated symptoms
• How history, culture, and medical caution continue to shape women’s access to care
• The growing body of guidance suggesting low-dose vaginal hormones may be appropriate for many women, including after breast cancer
• The balance between clinical responsibility and patient autonomy

This is not a black-and-white conversation. It’s not about right or wrong.

It’s an invitation — to think, to question, and to open up more honest, informed conversations between patients and healthcare professionals.

Because at its core, is it about choice?

Links mentioned in this episode:

You can find Dr Wright here: https://spicedpearhealth.co.uk/about/

Sweetness of Venus: A history of the clitoris book https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sweetness-Venus-History-Clitoris/dp/B08W3NZ1H9

Women’s Health Made Easy Book: for Healthcare Professionals, click here

More information about vaginal oestrogen after breast cancer: https://menopauseandcancer.org/navigating-vaginal-oestrogen-after-breast-cancer-what-every-woman-needs-to-know/

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

05:36 Doctor's journey and women's health

08:17 Challenges of Menopause Treatment

10:32 Debating hormone prescription guidelines

14:25 Discussing medical trauma and autonomy

18:19 Discussing bodily agency and benefits

21:18 Reclaiming life after trauma

24:31 Understanding compliance with endocrine therapies

26:42 Valuing women's opinions in healthcare

29:48 Discussing erectile dysfunction post-cancer

34:39 Opening conversations on sexual health

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

Do you know your rights to work after a cancer diagnosis and with ongoing menopause symptoms?

From navigating time off, to returning to work, to managing menopause symptoms in the workplace, it can feel overwhelming to know what your rights are and what support you should expect.

I’m joined by Barbara Wilson, from Working With Cancer, who brings over 50 years of experience supporting people through cancer at work.

Together, we break this down in a really practical way— so you can feel more informed and more confident in advocating for yourself.

In this episode, we cover:

• Whether cancer is automatically considered a disability under UK law
• Your rights when returning to work after treatment
• What a good return-to-work plan should actually look like
• What “reasonable adjustments” mean — and real-life examples
• What counts as discrimination in this context
• How much do you need to disclose about your diagnosis (including when applying for a job)
• Whether menopause is recognised as a disability under UK law
• How treatment-induced menopause after cancer is considered in the workplace
• Whether employers are expected to support menopause symptoms

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

06:31 Supporting employees with cancer

08:07 Discussing cancer diagnoses and menopause

13:38 Creating flexible workplace plans

15:29 Discussing cancer disclosure at work

20:23 Discussing return to work planning

22:00 Discussing phased return to work

28:48 Supporting employees with health challenges

31:22 Menopause and post-cancer life changes

37:16 Flexible work schedule adjustments

43:07 Reevaluating work after cancer diagnosis

44:39 Easing back into work

47:52 Disclosing cancer to an employer

Link to Working with Cancer: https://workingwithcancer.co.uk/

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

In this very special community conversation, I sit down with a group of incredible women from our Menopause and Cancer community to explore something so many of us struggle with after cancer treatment… identity. I’m so grateful the group allowed me to get this conversation out to you! Lucky us.

Who are we now?

Together, we talk openly about the physical and emotional changes that can leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves — from body image and confidence, to work, relationships, grief, loss, purpose and rebuilding.

Rather than bringing in an expert, I thought it might be best to just have an honest conversation, share experiences and learn from one another. Because the wisdom in our community is WONDERFUL!

What became clear throughout this discussion is that so many of us are living in what I call “the messy middle” — no longer who we were before cancer, but not yet fully arrived in who we are becoming.

If you’ve ever felt lost, changed, disconnected or uncertain about your place in the world after treatment, this episode is for you.

YouTube Wellness Series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsUEBZ4ZwowoJ0t4pV-gmwGSqruDPm-2P&si=7UE81giK-2v5eByM

Episode 214 - What It Really Feels Like & And Your Questions Answered: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/episode-214-what-it-really-feels-like-and-your/id1631842514?i=1000762984322

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

03:18 Exploring identity and personal growth

07:51 The jar and pebbles analogy

12:31 Coping with treatment and diagnosis

13:49 Discussing challenges of societal expectations

16:47 Struggles with overthinking and doubt

22:47 Facing the unknown post-treatment

23:47 Sharing post-cancer treatment experiences

29:24 Reflecting on life after cancer

32:42 Coping after a mastectomy

35:11 Morning mirror positivity trick

40:24 Navigating daily challenges with compassion

45:36 Navigating menopause and survivorship

47:42 Reflecting on personal growth journey

49:40 Focusing on self-care and being present

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

In this episode, I’m joined by Rob and Andy, two partners navigating life alongside their wives through cancer and menopause.

I actually asked in our Facebook community if anyone’s partners would be willing to come on the podcast… and these two were put forward by their wives — earning themselves serious brownie points in the process.

This is a really honest conversation about what it feels like to be on the other side.

We talk about the overwhelm, the uncertainty, and that feeling of wanting to help but not always knowing how. From the emotional impact to the mood changes, this episode sheds light on a perspective we don’t hear enough about.

Because supporting someone through cancer and menopause doesn’t come with a manual — and partners need support and understanding too.

And yes - I did bring up intimacy and low libido - and they did not just quit the call! I am so grateful to Rob and Andy! Thank you so much!

If this resonates, do share this episode with your partner — so we can include them in this conversation too.

This one is for you… and for them.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

04:13 Discovering and diagnosing cancer

14:49 Discussing menopause challenges and support

18:50 Discussing impacts of menopause

21:49 Challenges in managing menopause symptoms

22:55 Dealing with post-cancer anxiety

30:41 Discussing intimacy post-cancer

34:43 Importance of communication in relationships

37:46 Discussing menopause and HRT advice

42:05 Discussing medically induced menopause

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Lisa, founder of Make 2nds Count and The House of Hope charity in Edinburgh, who is living with secondary breast cancer while continuing to support so many others.

This is an honest, heartfelt conversation about what it really means to live with ongoing cancer treatment. I ask Lisa if she feels excluded from other menopause conversations and even from the many cancer chats out there.

We talk about saying it as it is, the emotional reality of menopause and secondary cancer, and the strategies that help day-to-day, alongside the strength, purpose and perspective that can still exist within it all.

Lisa’s work has been a shining light for me personally, especially when I was building Menopause and Cancer and recording this episode while one of our community support sessions was taking place at The House of Hope felt like a real full-circle moment.

We also share more about our upcoming Menopause Awareness Day event on the 18th June, which we’ll be marking at The House of Hope. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter here https://menopauseandcancer.org/, and we will let you know of all of our upcoming events!

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

03:55 Founding Scotland's first support center

09:31 Menopause and cancer diagnosis discussions

12:52 Discussing treatment decisions and surgery

18:27 Discussing menopause treatment options

20:36 Navigating menopause and chemo challenges

26:06 Founding a Make 2nds Count and The House of Hope

27:50 Starting a charity from my hospital bed

33:34 Charitable collaborations and community building

37:59 Balancing work and mindfulness

40:25 Menopause workshop

Links:

House of Hope: https://houseofhope.org.uk/

Make 2nds count: https://make2ndscount.co.uk/

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

In this episode, I’m joined by GP and menopause specialist Dr Helen Wall, and we’re exploring something that so many of you have been talking about in our community — struggling with brain fog, focus, memory, total overwhelm, and that feeling of just not feeling like you can manage anymore.

We often call it brain fog. But what if, for some of us, it could be something more?

Today, we’re diving into ADHD in women, and how it can show up — or become more noticeable — during menopause and after, especially cancer treatment.

Because the reality is, many women are only being diagnosed later in life. And for those of us navigating sudden menopause, hormonal changes, and the impact of cancer treatment, it can feel even more confusing to understand what’s really going on in our brains.

This episode is here to help you make sense of it all.

We also talk about:

How do I know what’s what?

Does lifestyle help my ADHD brain?

Can you take ADHD medication after cancer?

And so much more.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

06:55 Discussing menopause and mental load

10:04 Navigating neurodivergence and perimenopause

16:24 ADHD, oestrogen, and perimenopause link

17:58 The impact of menopause on brain function

22:38 Lack of education on female hormones

25:43 Understanding ADHD in women and girls

28:07 Challenges with post-cancer employment and support

34:08 ADHD medication challenges and support

39:24 ADHD and diet considerations

44:45 Navigating ADHD and menopause

You can find Helen’s book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Menopause-ADHD-neurodivergence-Vermilion-Empowered/dp/178504642X

And this is Helen’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorhelenwall/

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

In this episode, I’m joined by Lindsey Lester, a British Menopause Society-accredited specialist and breast cancer survivor, for an essential conversation on bone health after cancer and menopause.

Bone health is one of the most common — and least talked about — long-term effects of cancer treatment. Whether your menopause was triggered suddenly by treatment or has developed over time, the impact on your bones can be significant.

We explore how treatments such as chemotherapy, endocrine therapies (including tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors), steroids, and treatment-induced menopause can all affect bone density — across different types of cancer, not just breast cancer.

We also talk about who may be most at risk, how quickly bone density can change, and why bone loss is often called a “silent” condition — with many people not realising until much later.

A key part of this conversation is understanding DEXA scans — when to have one, how often to monitor your bone health, and what it really means if you’re told you have osteopenia or osteoporosis.

But most importantly, this episode is about what you can do.

From nutrition and movement to medications and monitoring, Lindsey shares clear, practical ways to protect your bones — and answers one of the biggest questions so many people have after cancer:

Can we improve our bone health without HRT?

This episode will help you feel more informed, more in control, and better equipped to make decisions about your long-term health.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

06:09 Participant introductions and background questions

09:00 Discussing osteoporosis awareness plan

13:03 Postmenopausal bone health risks

15:16 Discussing bone health awareness

20:08 Young people unaware of health risks

22:49 Discussing tamoxifen and ovarian function

28:51 Experiencing medical and surgical menopause

31:37 Calcium and vitamin D for bone health

39:52 Tracking calcium on a vegan diet

44:54 Discussing exercise for bone health

49:30 Cholesterol management with exercise

51:47 Benefits of building muscle

Here are some links we mentioned:

https://theros.org.uk/information-and-support/bone-health/nutrition-for-bones/calcium/calcium-rich-food-chooser/

https://strwebstgmedia.blob.core.windows.net/media/0lhowmrk/about-exercise-fact-sheet-february-2019.pdf

You can find Lindsey here: https://healthinmenopause.co.uk/meet-the-team/

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

In this episode, I’m doing something a little different.

I’m sharing real stories of who I met, what went on in our menopause after cancer community, and real experiences of what menopause after cancer actually feels like. The parts that often go unspoken.

• I mull over if menopause after cancer needs a rebrand?
• What does it mean to set realistic expectations?

And alongside that, I’m answering your questions.

From hair to how long does menopause last to GLP-1’s and risk — this is a space to bring it all together.

Because so often, we’re told what should happen…

but not what it really feels like to live through it.

And because sometimes the best meaning advice is hard to implement for yourself - right at the end, I’m reading a beautiful poem to you by Jeff Foster - it’s called: Slow Down Friend.

You’re not alone in this. And there are ways to feel better.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

05:42 Discussing menopause after cancer support

17:40 Answering listener questions on hair thinning

20:54 Diagnosing and treating hair loss

23:04 Discussing hair fibres and re-growth helmets

25:55 Discussing menopause after ovary removal

29:33 Managing cancer treatment and lifestyle risks

32:11 Considering whole patient health

35:26 Finding solace in the poem, Slow Down Friend

Episode mentions:

Episode 118: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ep-118-what-is-the-evidence-between-hrt-and-breast/id1631842514?i=1000666722248

Episode 191: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/episode-191-i-cant-shift-the-weight-should-i-consider/id1631842514?i=1000736358058

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

When you’re thrown into menopause after breast cancer treatment, the symptoms can feel relentless: hot flushes, insomnia, anxiety, joint pain, low mood to name a few.

And when conventional options feel limited, it is understandable that many people begin looking into herbal medicine.

But then the confusion starts.

- What herbal medicine actually is — and what it isn’t

- Is black cohosh safe?

- What about red clover and phyto-oestrogens?

- Are adaptogens like ashwagandha helpful — or risky?

- Could herbs interfere with endocrine therapy?

In this episode, we are joined by Melinda MacDougall, a qualified medical herbalist and we will go through all of your many questions.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

03:50 What Is Herbal Medicine?

18:49 "Holistic Approach to Herbal Healing"

19:57 "Tamoxifen and Herbal Interactions"

24:47 Black Cohosh: Menopause Symptom Relief

29:56 "Skullcap & Lemon Balm Benefits"

33:00 "Black Cohosh for Menopause"

34:38 Holistic Self-Care Matters

41:14 "Sea Buckthorn Supplement Tips"

43:55 "Misleading Supplements"

48:20 "Adaptogens: Stress-Modulating Herbs"

53:26 "Plant Oestrogens"

Here are some helpful links:

You can find Melinda here: https://www.melindamcdougall.com/

Here is an article on herbal medicine: https://menopauseandcancer.org/herbal-medicine-for-menopause-after-cancer-current-research/

Here is a great blog that lists Tamoxifen contraindications: https://owise.uk/tamoxifen-what-you-should-avoid/

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

In this honest and judgment-free conversation, Dani is joined by cancer survivors Emily and Anita to explore their relationship with alcohol after cancer and during menopause.

Together, they talk openly about questioning drinking habits, attempts to moderate or stop altogether, the social shifts that come with drinking less, and the impact on identity and relationships.

We know that no amount of alcohol is completely safe. Large studies show that alcohol increases the risk of at least seven different cancers, and it can also worsen menopause symptoms such as hot flushes, poor sleep, and anxiety. But this episode isn’t about shame or blame.

It’s an invitation to reflect — gently and without judgement — on your own relationship with alcohol.

Whether you drink occasionally, regularly, or not at all, this conversation creates space to pause and ask: Is this still serving me?

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

06:41 "Finding My People Alcohol-Free"

13:20 "Alcohol-Free Holiday Journey"

16:37 "Redefining Roles When Sober"

24:34 "Sober Struggle with Moderation"

26:37 "Authentic Connections Without Alcohol"

30:26 Alcohol, Endometriosis, and Regret

32:03 Alcohol, Cancer, and Self-Blame

35:14 "Individual Choices in Health"

41:06 "Sober Journey, New Experiences"

These are the websites Anita and Emily mention:

https://besober.co.uk/ and https://soberbutterfly.com/

You can find Anita here https://yogaandsoundwithanita.co.uk/

And Emily here https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-lunn-4931b3106/

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

In this episode of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Susanna Unsworth, GP and menopause specialist at the Cambridge breast unit, to talk about why menopause after cancer can sometimes feel like such a complex and at times controversial area of medicine.

We explore why medical opinions can differ, why this space is not always black and white, and what happens when new research starts to challenge long-held assumptions.

A big focus of this conversation is the PIONEER trial, a Cambridge-led study looking at whether megestrol acetate — a drug that acts on the progesterone receptor — could be used alongside standard anti-oestrogen treatment in oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer and how it may also help with hot flushes!

It’s a bit mind-blowing when you think that all we hear all the time is NO to any HORMONES after breast cancer!

So we talk about why that finding has caught so much attention.

We also talk about the very real emotional burden of endocrine therapy, the impact on quality of life, and why so many patients feel stuck between wanting to reduce recurrence risk and wanting to feel more like themselves again.

Susanna also shares how the Cambridge breast unit is developing its menopause service, including group education sessions to help prepare patients earlier and improve access to support.

This is a really thoughtful conversation about evidence, uncertainty, quality of life, and why people affected by cancer deserve honest, nuanced menopause care.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

04:49 "World Menopause & Cancer Day"

06:21 GP Turned Women's Health Specialist

09:44 "Menopause, Breast Cancer, and Controversies"

13:29 Progesterone Trial Slows Cancer Growth

17:13 Hormonal Interplay and Cancer Risk

22:40 "Balancing Treatment Choices Carefully"

26:46 "Menopause, Social Media, and HRT"

32:05 Creating seminars to deliver information to more women

About my guest

Dr Susanna Unsworth is a GP and menopause specialist working within the breast unit in Cambridge, supporting patients experiencing menopause symptoms after breast cancer treatment. She also works more broadly in women’s health and community gynaecology. You can find her here: You can find Susanna here https://cambridgewomenshealth.co.uk/about

Resources and links

1. The Cambridge-led PIONEER trial article is here https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/hot-flush-treatment-has-anti-breast-cancer-activity-study-finds

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

Today, we’re exploring the evidence with medical acupuncturist Maria Vega.

Many cancer survivors experience menopause symptoms such as hot flushes, joint pain, insomnia and anxiety — often while navigating complex treatment plans or endocrine therapy. For some, HRT may not be an option, which leads many people to explore complementary approaches like acupuncture.

But does acupuncture really work? And what does the research say?

In this episode, I’m joined by Maria Vega, a medical acupuncturist who works in integrative oncology supporting people after cancer with a whole array of evidence-based strategies.

We explore the evidence behind acupuncture for symptoms such as hot flushes, aromatase inhibitor–related joint pain, sleep disturbances and anxiety, while also discussing safety considerations and how acupuncture may fit into a broader, integrative approach to managing menopause after cancer.

1. What is acupuncture and how does it work?
2. The science behind acupuncture and menopause symptoms
3. Research on acupuncture for hot flushes and joint pain after cancer
4. Safety considerations for cancer survivors

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

05:42 Integrative Oncology Nurse Specialist

07:52 Acupuncture: TCM and Western medical acupuncture

12:25 "Acupuncture and Medications Evidence"

16:02 "Improving Menopause Care Approach"

17:49 "Managing Hot Flushes Effectively"

24:50 "Acupuncture Safety in Oncology Treatment"

27:53 Acupuncture Recognition in Oncology

33:39 "Acupressure: Empowering Patient Self-Care"

You can find Maria here https://holohealth.co.uk/

This paper sums up the recommendations Maria speaks about:

https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.22.01357

Here is an open-source link as the ASCO paper requires a subscription.

https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jicm.2024.0452

Highlight from ASCO - SIO guidelines: Among adult patients, acupuncture should be recommended for aromatase inhibitor–related joint pain. Acupuncture or reflexology or acupressure may be recommended for general cancer pain or musculoskeletal pain.

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

On this episode of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast, we’re marking Anal Cancer Awareness Day (21 March) by shining a light on a cancer that is often misunderstood, stigmatised, and rarely talked about.

Anal cancer is caused by HPV, just like cervical cancer, yet it doesn’t receive the same awareness or open conversation. It might not feel as “pink” or as socially comfortable to talk about as breast cancer. It’s not a cancer that gets glossy campaigns or big awareness drives. There’s often stigma. There’s embarrassment. There’s silence.

And that silence can leave people feeling incredibly alone.

I’m joined by Ali, who shares her honest experience of being diagnosed with anal cancer; what treatment involved, the physical and emotional impact, and how it affected her confidence, menopause and sexual wellbeing.

We also explore an important question: can treatment for anal cancer induce menopause?

Pelvic radiotherapy and chemotherapy can affect ovarian function, sometimes triggering sudden or early menopause. We discuss what that means, and whether HRT or local oestrogen may be options.

This episode is about inclusion.

It’s about making sure everyone — regardless of cancer type — feels seen in menopause conversations.

If you’ve ever felt that your cancer isn’t the “right” kind to talk about, this episode is for you.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

04:33 Cancer Diagnosis: Fear and Isolation

12:15 "Stage 3 Cancer Challenges"

14:32 "Breaking Stigma Around Cancer"

23:22 "Menopause, HRT, and Cancer Journey"

27:07 Burnout, Anxiety, and Menopause Journey

30:36 "Pelvic Radiotherapy: Long-Term Impacts"

36:01 "Barbie Butt: Finding Joy Amid Struggles"

41:38 "Menopause, Cancer, and Support Gaps"

About our guest Ali:

Ali Stripling is a qualified Menopause Wellness Practitioner who was diagnosed with Stage 3 anal cancer in October 2024. She now speaks in workplaces about menopause, cancer and life in remission. Ali is also the author of #TweakAWeek, a practical framework helping perimenopausal women make positive changes without overwhelm. https://www.linkedin.com/in/alistripling/

Links:

Macmillan Anal Cancer Support Forum: https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/anal-cancer-forum

The Farrah Fawcett Foundation https://thefarrahfawcettfoundation.org/

This podcast episode was supported by an unrestricted grant from Incyte Biosciences. Incyte had no involvement in the development, content, or editorial review of the activities associated with this initiative.

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

One of the hardest things about fatigue after cancer is not knowing what’s causing it. Is it the lasting impact of cancer treatment? Is it menopause? Is it hormone therapy — or all of it together? For many people, it’s impossible to tease apart, and that uncertainty alone can be exhausting. And please don’t tell me to ‘do less’ to feel better!

Fatigue is one of the most common and most misunderstood long-term effects of cancer and its treatment. Many people are told it’s “normal”, something they just have to live with. But for those experiencing it, this exhaustion can be overwhelming, persistent, and life-limiting.

In this episode, Dani is joined by Dr. Jessa Landman, a leading naturopathic doctor specialising in integrative oncology. Together they unpack what cancer-related fatigue really is — and how menopause can intensify it further.

Together, they explore why this fatigue is not the same as everyday tiredness, why rest alone often doesn’t help, and how hormonal changes, endocrine therapy, disrupted sleep, emotional load and identity loss can all layer on top of each other.

This conversation is about validation, understanding, and practical ways forward!

You can find more information about Dr Jessa Landman here:

Website: https://drjessalandmann.com/

Pre-order Jessa’s new Book: https://www.wiley.com/en-ca/Beyond+Cancer+Fatigue%3A+A+Path+to+Reclaiming+Energy-p-9781394381371

You can find Dani’s Book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’ here: https://amzn.eu/d/0d9bgNBU

It is now also available as an audiobook!

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

06:32 "Complementary Care for Cancer Recovery"

12:19 Enduring Fatigue and Recovery Struggles

15:31 Cancer Fatigue vs Exhaustion

17:40 Understanding Individual Health Needs

20:49 "Food and Lifestyle as Medicine"

25:27 Sleep Issues Post-Cancer Treatment

29:22 Muscle, Nutrition, and Energy Balance

33:15 Exercise: Finding What Works

36:26 "Menopause Fatigue and Herbal Remedies"

42:07 "Wellness Foundations and Options"

47:34 "Menopause Fatigue: 3P Strategies"

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

Grief isn’t a ‘real menopause symptom’, I know, but… how can I host a podcast for people affected by cancer and not talk about grief!

Grief isn’t only about losing someone we love. It can also mean the loss of fertility, the loss of identity when our bodies and sexuality feel unfamiliar, the loss of certainty about our future, or even the loss of trust in a body that feels changed by treatment. And grief comes up in most of our conversations!

So in this episode, I am joined by therapeutic coach Henny Flynn to talk about it.

Henny runs our Empowered Menopause After Cancer programs, and she is an incredible coach with so much wisdom and knowledge.

Subscribe to our Menopause And Cancer newsletter: https://menopauseandcancer.aweb.page/p/4cfed538-bdea-4608-b0bf-d35f26bfa946

If you want to learn more about how you can tackle some of your most stubborn menopause symptoms, get a copy of Dani’s book here: https://amzn.eu/d/bjU18OM

Other Episodes with Henny:

Ep 110 - Fierce and Practical Self-Compassion: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ep-110-fierce-and-practical-self-compassion/id1631842514?i=1000660975386

Episode 162 - Beyond Being Strong: Self-Compassion and the Realities of Life After Cancer: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/episode-162-beyond-being-strong-self-compassion-and/id1631842514?i=1000710207943

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

07:42 Empowered Menopause Support Gap

18:17 Facing Grief with Compassion

21:33 Survivor or Victim: Embracing Grief

25:34 Navigating Grief and Uncertainty

28:47 The Weight of Constant Grief

35:04 "Walk, Talk, Heal Together"

37:32 "Bravery and Self-Compassion"

39:36 "Addressing Grief as Actionable"

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

What happens after active cancer treatment ends, when you’re sent on your way with hormone therapy such as tamoxifen or Aromatase Inhibitors and expected to just get on with life?

I’m joined by oncologist Claire Macaulay, a breast oncologist whose work focuses on what happens when patients fall off what she powerfully describes as the “treatment conveyor belt.” We’re also joined by a whole group of people from our community who will inform how this session goes.

Together we explore:

1. When oncology appointments end, but the impact of hormone treatments on daily life is only just beginning.
2. Why so many people struggle to stay on Tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors
3. How side effects can impact quality of life, relationships, and sexual wellbeing, and why up to half of patients don’t complete their prescribed course.
4. How to know the unique benefit for you of being on these treatments

This is a compassionate, practical conversation about treatment-induced menopause, being believed when side effects are severe, and how better support could help people stay on treatment without suffering in silence.

Please leave us a review for the podcast - it means the world to us

You can also leave a review here: https://g.page/r/CY_ucIbbJqWMEAI/review

Dani’s book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’ https://amzn.eu/d/0eYDBEt

Blog post mention: https://menopauseandcancer.org/menopause-post-cancer-relief-from-hot-flushes-and-night-sweats/

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

11:48 "Managing Breast Cancer Recurrence Risk"

18:12 Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Hormones

25:09 "Balancing Cancer Treatment and Quality"

31:46 Longevity, Menopause, and Health Concerns

35:02 Menopause, Cancer, and Conflicting Advice

42:40 "Diagnostic Holiday for Symptoms"

48:52 Tamoxifen vs Aromatase: Bone Health

51:26 "Managing Medication Washout Decisions"

01:00:09 Managing Night Sweats and Sleep

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

If you’re feeling low on motivation to start exercising or to keep up the good work, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I’m joined by Christine. Christine is here to remind you that even when life changes overnight, strength, movement and hope can still be found.

Christine had to relearn how to walk after cancer and then to relearn how to cycle. Just one month after lung surgery, she took part in Tour de 4, founded by Chris Hoy. She cycled 38 miles and raised over £10,000 for Cancer Research UK, as part of an event that raised more than £3 million for cancer charities. Amazing!

In this conversation, we talk about finding motivation after life-altering treatment, using movement as medicine, and focusing on the here and now.

If you’re inspired, join us for our BOOST30 challenge in March or for a fundraising event later in the year.

JOIN BOOST30: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/Boost30

GET INVOLVED: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/

To sponsor Christine's next event, go here: https://gofund.me/16fe7fc67

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

06:06 Post-Cancer Recovery Challenges

07:51 "Facing Cancer with Resilience"

12:17 Thriving as Amputee and Survivor

19:01 "Monumental Charity Event Experience"

23:21 Adapting to Running with Prosthetics

27:23 "Embracing Change, Winging It"

28:30 Couch to 5K and Community

33:13 Boost30 Challenge: Empower & Support

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

If cancer treatment pushed you into menopause, you may be sitting there scratching your head, wondering what on earth is happening to your body, why no one warned you, and where you’re supposed to turn for support. That’s exactly where Holly found herself.

In this episode of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast, I’m joined by Holly Adcock, who first had vicious night sweats during chemotherapy and later came into our community through one of our in-person Menopause and Cancer workshops. Holly shares her lived experience of navigating menopause after cancer while facing complex and ongoing treatment decisions about her own care — a powerful reminder that menopause after cancer is rarely linear.

Instead, it’s a wriggly road. One that often feels like an uphill hike, with twists, setbacks, and moments where you’re not quite sure which way to turn next.

I hope this conversation will make you feel like someone is walking alongside you, hand in hand, reminding you that you are not broken, you are not failing — and you are not alone on this hike.

If you are like me, then maybe putting one foot in front of the other is what is good for you too - below are the links to our walking challenges - come walk with me.

The links are here:

BOOST30: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/Boost30

GET INVOLVED: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

07:05 Osteoporosis, Endocrine Therapy, and Cancer

12:43 "Facing Chemotherapy Expectations"

16:25 Understanding Menopause and Its Symptoms

20:01 "Unheard Challenges of Menopause"

23:32 "Revived by Friendship and Support"

30:22 "Life-Changing Career Redirection"

31:31 "Embracing Positivity Through Reframing"

40:08 "Surgical Menopause Decision Struggle"

Connect with Holly:

https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/associate-holly-adcock

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Amy Comander, an expert I’ve been wanting to bring onto the podcast for a long time.

Amy is a breast oncologist, lifestyle medicine physician, and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner based at Massachusetts General Hospital. She is, quite honestly, many people’s dream oncologist — someone who truly understands that surviving cancer is about far more than getting through treatment.

In this conversation, we start with menopause and ask an important question: what drove a breast oncologist to skill up so deeply in menopause and lifestyle medicine?

We explore lifestyle medicine through a menopause-after-cancer lens, discussing what is genuinely supportive, what needs to be personalised, and how to talk about health without placing unrealistic pressure back onto patients.

Amy also shares more about the PAVING the Path to Wellness for breast cancer survivors. This program is designed to support breast cancer survivors and those navigating menopause with practical, evidence-based tools.

I promise you will walk away loving Amy just as much as I do! Listen and be inspired!

Resources & links mentioned in this episode:

1. PAVING a Woman’s Path Through Menopause and Beyond
2. 👉 https://healthylearning.com/paving-a-womans-path-through-menopause-and-beyond-epub/
3. The PAVING the Path to Wellness Manual and Workbook (2nd edition)
4. 👉 https://healthylearning.com/paving-the-path-to-wellness-manual-workbook-second-edition/

- Books ship internationally https://healthylearning.com/paving-the-path-to-wellness-manual-workbook-second-edition/

25% discount code for all books: PAVING25

Episode Highlights

00:00 Intro

03:54 Improving Cancer Treatment Side Effects

08:47 "Menopause Champions in Healthcare"

11:41 Holistic Patient Care in Oncology

14:54 "Lifestyle Medicine Journey Unveiled"

18:46 "Menopause Impact After Cancer Treatment"

19:42 "Key Focus Areas in Survivorship"

23:12 "Gap in Survivorship Care"

34:38 "Inspiration and Self-Care Motivation"

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

This week, we’re diving into something that so many of us know far too well — scanxiety. That mix of fear, worry, and sleepless nights that builds before routine scans can be overwhelming on its own… But when you add menopause after cancer into the mix, it can get even more intense.

To help us unpack what’s really going on, I’m joined by Louise Baker, an applied neuroscience specialist who works with people recovering from brain tumours. Louise explains what happens inside the brain during moments of stress and fear, and shares practical tools to help manage scanxiety with more understanding and self-compassion.

In this episode:

1. Why scanxiety happens and why it’s so normal
2. How menopause symptoms can make it worse — physically and emotionally
3. What’s going on in the brain during periods of stress
4. Practical, science-based tips to ease anxiety before and during scan time

Whether you’re counting down the days to your next scan or supporting someone who is, this conversation is for you. You’re not alone.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

09:01 Fear, Neuroscience, and Interoception

10:37 "Living with Persistent Stress"

15:12 "Coping with Scanxiety"

18:02 "Kindness Cushion for Stress Relief"

22:52 Healthcare Admin Stress in NHS

32:53 Post-Cancer Uncertainty and Menopause

36:26 "Hyper-vigilance and Stress Response"

39:47 "Activating Calm Through Awareness"

42:44 "Manifesting Future Experiences"

48:02 "Anxiety Coping Techniques Explained"

Here is more support from Louise: https://on.soundcloud.com/uXzBLOsnuFftph0uAs and https://whileiwait.uk/

For more suport around FEAR with Louise, find episode 131

For more suport on Anxiety and everything you can do about it, go to Dani’s book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’ https://amzn.eu/d/0eYDBEt

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

Episode 201 - Sexual Health After Cancer Treatment: A Practical Show-And-Tell Guide

In this practical workshop, we focus on sexual health after cancer. This is a hands-on, show-and-tell session, designed to normalise conversations about sexual health and offer realistic options for managing discomfort after cancer, whether you’re navigating this alone or with a partner. We’ll look at dilators, compare vibrators and get into the nitty-gritty of it all!

You’ll learn:

1. What Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is, and why it commonly occurs after cancer treatment
2. What practical, evidence-informed tools may help — including dilators, vibrators, sex toys and supportive pelvic aids. Dani and her guest expert Eleanor, will show you lots of options!
3. When and how these tools can be used safely, and how to choose what might be right for you

As always, the focus is on choice, reassurance and empowerment, with no pressure and no one-size-fits-all solutions.

Our expert is Eleanor Gardener from Pelvic Relief. You can find El here:

https://pelvicrelief.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOopffFtQo419pC_DdXAL-7IYwjB487zJNSIyBqOqUHxfmzb91kdz

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

In this empowering episode, Dani talks with Dr. Zainab Wasim, an Oncology Specialty Doctor and Board-Certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician, about how simple, evidence-based lifestyle changes can transform life after cancer.

You will learn what lifestyle medicine actually is, how the key pillars: movement, nutrition, sleep, stress and social connection - can support recovery, and why starting small can make a real difference to how you feel.

Dr. Zainab shares insights from her 12-week coaching pilot for breast cancer survivors, which achieved measurable improvements in wellbeing and confidence, and was featured by the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

You’ll learn:

1. What lifestyle medicine is and why it matters after cancer
2. How each pillar can support menopause symptoms and survivorship
3. How to choose your first step without feeling overwhelmed
4. Why small, consistent actions create the biggest impact
5. Practical ways to bring lifestyle medicine into daily life

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

06:47 "Prioritising Patient Survivorship Support"

09:45 "Rise of Lifestyle Medicine"

16:09 Holistic Lifestyle Assessment Program

21:03 "Domino Effect of Cancer Support"

23:45 "Introducing Lifestyle Medicine Program"

25:28 Wellness Goals and Group Support

29:36 "Agency in Sustainable Programs"

38:54 Reframing Guilt Through Empowerment

You can find Dr Zainab Wasim here on @doctorzainabwasim and here on her website: Zainab Wasim - Lifestyle Doc

Start here with our Our YouTube Wellbeing Series — guided meditations, breath work & mindfulness.

Learn more: ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’ by Dani Binnington — Amazon link

Menopause And Cancer website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

In this New Year episode, Dani is joined once again by Dr Shilpa McQuillan, GP, gynaecologist and menopause specialist for an action-packed conversation that gives you the tools and confidence to build your own personalised menopause-after-cancer care plan.

If you’ve ever felt lost in the system, unsure what to ask, or left to manage symptoms on your own, this episode will help you make sense of it all. Together, Dani and Shilpa break down what good care should look like, how clinicians can keep the door open even when HRT isn’t an option, and how you can advocate for yourself in appointments.

We cover:

• What a personalised menopause-after-cancer care plan includes

• Key questions to ask — and red flags to look out for

• How to look after your bone health, heart health, metabolic risk

• Managing menopause symptoms without hormones

• Complementary therapies, lifestyle adjustments and realistic strategies

• GSM, sexual wellbeing, lubricants, moisturisers and dilators

• Mental health support, screening tools and psychological therapies

This is the episode to take notes on - a practical toolkit to help you start the year with clarity, confidence and a plan.

If you’re new here, make sure you subscribe, we’ve got an incredible year coming up.

And don’t forget to get your copy of Dani’s book, Navigating Menopause After Cancer, now a #1 bestseller https://amzn.eu/d/en8LLC9

You can find Dr Shilpa McQuillan here on Instagram and https://www.instagram.com/berkshiremenopauseclinic/?hl=en and here on her website www.berkshiremenopauseclinic.com

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

08:51 "Supporting Patients Through Dialogue"

14:01 Individualised Approach to Menopause Symptoms

18:32 "Prioritising Patient Care with Follow-Ups"

22:56 Understanding HRT Beyond Initial Concerns

32:04 "Lifestyle Changes for Menopause Relief"

38:36 "HRT Benefits and Alternatives"

45:36 "Healthcare Awareness and Early Action"

50:56 Assessing Risk Factors in Care

56:02 Empowering Bone Health After Menopause

01:09:11 Anxiety During Menopause: Common Struggles

01:12:29 Practical Local Mental Health Support

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

Why is it so hard to get the right help, ask the right questions, and know what to do when it comes to menopause after cancer?

In this episode, Dani is joined by Dr Shilpa McQuillan, a gynaecologist, GP, and menopause specialist - for an honest conversation about why menopause after cancer remains so difficult to talk about, both for patients and clinicians.

Together they explore what happens when menopause is left untreated, its impact on mental health, sexual wellbeing, and work, and why empowering patients in decision-making leads to better outcomes. 

This is the important bit! Your thoughts and feelings and ideas matter! You matter!

Dr McQuillan also shares practical advice and helpful resources for patients and clinicians alike.

As the year ends, Dani reflects on how far we’ve come; and shares a special poem to close with warmth and hope for the year ahead. So make sure you stay tuned to the end.

You can find Dr McQuillan Shilpa here on Instagram and https://www.instagram.com/berkshiremenopauseclinic/?hl=en and here on her website www.berkshiremenopauseclinic.com

For more support head to www.menopauseandcancer.org

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

04:38 Menopause Symptoms Overlooked in Cancer

07:53 Clinicians' Fears: Uncertainty and Blame

12:11 "Long-Term Cancer Treatment Challenges"

17:03 Cancer Worries and Holistic Challenges

21:25 "Communication is Key for Care"

23:28 Patient Advocacy and Information Struggles

34:32 Navigating Specialist Pathways Effectively

38:29 Empowering Menopause Health Strategies

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

This Christmas Eve, we’re doing something a little different.

Instead of our usual expert interview, today I’m bringing you some of our Menopause and Cancer team — the powerhouses of women behind the clinic, workshops, research, retreats, fundraising, and support you receive throughout the year.

It’s a warm, honest, hopeful conversation about what it really takes to run a small organisation with a giant mission, and the love, courage, chaos and humour that gets us through.

Most of all, we want to say thank you.

For listening. For showing up. For sharing your stories.

For reminding us, every single day, why this work matters.

Please leave a review for us here: https://share.google/6Q6Lkp5vk2ILPYKxz

Wherever you are today — whether surrounded by family, resting quietly, or carving out a moment just for yourself — we hope this episode brings comfort, connection and a sense of togetherness.

Wishing you peace, gentleness and a soft landing into the new year.

With love,

Dani & the Menopause and Cancer Team 💛

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction “Reflecting on Menopause After Cancer"

09:05 Menopause and Cancer Awareness Day Highlights

16:58 The Power of Shared Connection

21:55 "Reflecting on Remarkable Moments"

25:49 "Overcoming Fears Through Support"

29:30 Connecting with Healthcare Professionals

34:20 Mindfulness & Fundraising Initiatives

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

I promise I’m not turning The Menopause and Cancer Podcast into a sex podcast… (well, not entirely 😉).

But when you hear this week’s conversation with Cay, a much-loved member of our community, you’ll understand why I had to share it.

Cay’s story is a wild and wonderful mix of pleasure, perimenopause, cancer, heartbreak, healing, discovery and hope.

We talk about:

Why she thinks I should be wearing sexy underwear under my tracksuits.

The spontaneous post-gym encounter that turned into a big life lesson.

Tantra, trips to Costa Rica, and exploring sensuality later in life.

How menopause, cancer, and GSM symptoms can make intimacy feel impossible.

And how, despite it all, Cay has found her confidence, joy, and her “platinum years”.

So yes, it’s a little spicy, full of adventure… but it’s also deeply human and full of heart.

Thank you Cay!

Here are Cay’s podcast recommendations: 

Tantra Made Easy by Shashi Solluna 

Speaking Of Sex with The Pleasure Mechanics

Beyond Patriarchal Sex Devashi Shakti

And some websites to explore:

Shamanickink.com. Francesca Gentille and Shadi Terra

DancemeetsTantra.com Spencer Jacobson

TaoTantricArts.com Shashi Solluna and Minke de Voss

Here is Cay’s email in case you want to connect: caychandler@hotmail.com

And for some of our The Menopause And Cancer podcast episodes on sex, pleasure and intimacy go and find episode 145, episode 179 and episode 187.

Episode Highlights:

03:28 "Menopause, GSM, and Resilience"

10:08 Menopause Struggles and Late Relief

15:33 "Challenges, Healing, and Diagnosis"

18:51 "Redefining Intimacy After Chemo"

22:17 Cultivating Self-Pleasure

35:14 Healing Power of Kink

38:23 "Safe Space for Transformative Connection"

43:07 Midlife Women Exploring Sexuality

46:17 Healing Through Movement and Expression

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

This week’s episode is a special collaboration with the brilliant team from Rad Chat; the multi-award-winning, first therapeutic radiographer–led oncology podcast. And they’re with us on the show today!

Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara bring decades of frontline cancer experience, and in this joint conversation we explore menopause after cancer from both the patient and clinician perspective.

Together, we discuss:

• Why menopause after cancer is so often overlooked in oncology
• What clinicians are seeing in their day-to-day practice
• How communication can improve so patients feel heard, supported and safe
• What needs to change for future generations

If you’ve ever wished your oncology team better understood the impact of treatment-induced menopause, this episode is full of “finally, someone is saying this out loud” moments. 

You’ll love this one!

A huge thank you to Naman and Jo for collaborating with us.

Find the Rad Chat podcast here: www.radchat.co.uk 

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

CPD Reflection Points:

1. Reflect on your understanding of the relationship between menopause and cancer. Consider how this may influence the way you signpost patients for support.
2. Consider how effectively you recognise and manage the physical and emotional impact of treatment-induced or early menopause in people living with and beyond cancer, and what could you do differently to support their wellbeing?
3. Read the Menopause and Cancer survey results.
4. Read the symptoms of Menopause.

Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form.

Links from the Episode:

• Menopause and Cancer
• Navigating Menopause After Cancer: A comprehensive, empowering guide to all your treatment options, where to get help and how to feel better
• Menopause Support UK
• British Menopause Society
• The Menopause charity
• Menopause Matters

Research links from the Episode:

• Menopausal hormone therapy and incidence, mortality, and survival of breast cancer subtypes: a prospective cohort study
• Menopausal hormone therapy and breast cancer risk: a population-based cohort study of 1.3 million women in Norway
• The influence of menopause age on gynecologic cancer risk: a comprehensive analysis using NHANES data
• BMI and breast cancer risk around age at menopause
• Hormone Replacement Therapy and Risks of Various Cancers in Postmenopausal Women with De Novo or a History of Endometriosis
• Menopausal Hormone Therapy in Breast Cancer Survivors
• Menopause age and cancer risk is influenced by rare genetic variants

Menopause and Cancer Links:

• Menopause and Cancer 
• Navigating Menopause After Cancer: A comprehensive, empowering guide to all your treatment options, where to get help and how to feel better

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.

Being diagnosed with cancer is life-changing. But being told you have to stop HRT too? It’s a double whammy that can leave you feeling lost, frightened, and unsure where to turn.

In this episode, I speak with Sarah and Laura - two women who’ve lived through that moment. Laura is six months on, and Sarah is a year into life without HRT. They share their feelings on what it feels like, how they’ve coped, and what they’ve learned along the way.

This conversation isn’t about what’s right or wrong - it is my hope that you will be able to reflect a little on what has happed to you, or learn how a loved one or patient may experience this double whammy of a situation.

HRT can be transformative, even life-saving. So when it’s suddenly taken away, the grief and worry are real. With over 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide every year, thousands will face this same painful dilemma. And currently, there is ZERO support!

I am so proud, that at Menopause and Cancer, we are the only organisation dedicated solely to supporting people through the menopause after cancer. Our mission is to make sure no one is left without options, guidance, or hope. 

Unsure where to start?

Tune into podcast episode 178 - Stopping HRT: The Side Effect I Wasn’t Ready For - with Dr Talaulikar

And buy a copy of Dani’s book Navigating Menopause After Cancer: https://amzn.eu/d/6Bw8zmT

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

08:54 HRT Discussions After Breast Cancer

17:39 Navigating HRT and Cancer Diagnosis

25:19 Struggles with Cancer Treatment Decisions

32:26 "Cancer, Menopause, and Recovery"

42:11 "HRT Journey and Adjustments"

47:42 "Ongoing Management of Menopause"

54:10 Navigating Life Without HRT

01:00:53 Support After Cancer Journey

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

In this week’s episode, Dani continues her conversation with Dr Sarah Glynne, GP, menopause specialist, and co-author of the new paper “Menopausal Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer Patients: What Is the Current Evidence?” - to explore one of the most frequently asked questions left after last week’s episode: testosterone therapy after breast cancer.

This is Part 2 of our special series following the publication of the new paper.

In this episode, Dani and Dr Glynne discuss:

What testosterone actually does for energy, mood, and libido.

The studies we have so far - and how reliable they are.

Whether testosterone can convert into oestrogen.

How testing works and when it might be appropriate.

Whether testosterone therapy can or should be used alongside endocrine treatments.

The paper is here: https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/fulltext/9900/menopausal_hormone_therapy_for_breast_cancer.532.aspx

The Meno ABS trial: https://www.londonbreastcancer.com/meno-abc-trial

Find Dr Glynne here https://www.clairemellon.co.uk/dr-sarah-glynne

The episode on testosterone with Dr Rebecca Glaser is Ep 56

The episode with a patient on testosterone therapy is Ep 97

Read all about HRT after breast cancer in Dani’s book “Navigating Menopause After Cancer’ in chapter 6: Buy it here: https://amzn.eu/d/0uLveeE 

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

03:34 "Testosterone Use in Women"

06:16 Testosterone Debate: Data vs. Choice

10:38 Menopause Consultation & Treatment Approaches

17:45 "Testosterone After Breast Cancer"

21:21 Complexity of Menopause Treatment Conversations

23:49 Vaginal Oestrogen

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

In this week’s episode of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast, Dani speaks with two of the authors behind the new paper, Menopausal hormone therapy for breast cancer patients: what is the current evidence? Professor Jayant Vaidya, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, and Dr Sarah Glynne, GP and menopause specialist.

This is the first of a two-part special exploring what this new paper and upcoming MENO-ABC clinical trial could mean for breast cancer survivors curious about HRT or already on HRT.

Up until recently, most experts thought a study like this would never happen — but it’s happening.

Together, they unpack:

• What’s new about this paper — and why it matters.
• The scientific and ethical concept of equipoise (yes, Dani learned a new word!).
• How the new MENO-ABC trial could change what we know about HRT use after breast cancer.
• What this research might mean for patients, clinicians, and the future of survivorship care.

Next week: Don’t miss part two, where Dani and Dr Sarah Glynne take a deep dive into testosterone use after breast cancer — what we know, what we don’t, and where the conversation is heading.

Links & Resources:

The paper: https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/fulltext/9900/menopausal_hormone_therapy_for_breast_cancer.532.aspx

The trial: https://www.londonbreastcancer.com/meno-abc-trial

Find Dr Glynne here https://www.clairemellon.co.uk/dr-sarah-glynne

Find Professor Vaidya here https://professorvaidya.co.uk/

Watch Dani’s 5-part Youtube series on HRT after breast cancer, start here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heTF5ufX59Y&list=PLsUEBZ4ZwowpAQ1ueFUHlzDvzAtD_hyQr&index=6

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

08:01 "HRT Debate and Its Impact"

09:48 Evidence-Based Breast Cancer Trial

13:46 Advances in Breast Cancer Treatment

16:43 HRT Risks Post-Breast Cancer

20:52 Oestrogen Risks in Cancer Relapse

23:17 "Clinical Trial Equipoise Explained"

29:00 "Expert Consensus and Criticism"

29:47 Collaborative Review Strengthened Research

32:52 Breaking Shame Through Conversations

36:04 Weighing Risks for Quality Life

41:57 "Prioritising Quality Over Longevity"

43:08 HRT and Breast Cancer Relapse Risk

Read all about HRT after breast cancer in Dani’s book “Navigating Menopause After Cancer’ in chapter 6: Buy it here: https://amzn.eu/d/0uLveeE 

Many people in our community say it has become virtually impossible to shift the weight since cancer and menopause. So of course we ask ourselves: What role do GLP-1 medicines play in cancer survivorship and what do we really know about their safety, risks, and benefits? 

In this episode, I’m joined by Caroline Tweedie, currently working as the lead cancer nurse in the North East of England. With over 17 years’ experience as a Clinical Nurse Breast Specialist, Caroline has dedicated her career to improving the lives of those affected by breast cancer and sits on the NICE committee shaping national breast cancer guidance.

We explore, with curiosity - and never with judgement:

- What GLP-1 medicines are and why they are so effective

- Safety concerns and what the evidence shows for cancer survivors

- Why these drugs matter in breast cancer survivorship

- The role of GLP-1s in weight, muscle, bone health, inflammation, and fatigue

- Natural strategies that may work on similar pathways

- Key risks to be aware of: hair loss, sarcopenia, drug absorption, and endocrine therapy interactions

- What happens when you stop taking the drug

- Practical advice for patients and clinicians navigating this new landscape

Caroline also shares her insights on why weight loss isn’t the same as fitness, why muscle is the “anti-fatigue organ,” and what both patients and healthcare professionals need to know before considering GLP-1 use in survivorship care.

This is a nuanced, evidence-based discussion that puts patients at the centre. Whether you’re a survivor curious about GLP-1s or a healthcare professional supporting patients, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and practical takeaways.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

12:09 Survivorship Challenges Beyond Cancer Treatment

15:35 Weight Loss Treatments: Risks & Support

16:42 Bariatric Surgery vs Rapid Weight Loss

22:18 Protein Intake for Menopause Health

25:04 "Deciding on GLP1 Treatment"

29:06 GLP-1 Eligibility Criteria Explained

35:40 "Drug Trials and Patient Safety"

42:19 Obesity Support After Cancer

43:31 Diabetes Drugs, Costs, Future Hope

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

Inflammation is a word we hear everywhere these days but what does it really mean for cancer survivors going through treatment-induced menopause? Could the foods we eat, the drinks we choose, and the daily habits we build really make a difference to menopause symptoms like joint pain, hot flushes, fatigue, and brain fog?

In this episode, I’m joined by nutritionist Julie Webb, a specialist in oncology nutrition, to break down the science of inflammation and turn it into practical, everyday advice. Together, we explore:-

- What inflammation is and why it matters after cancer treatment

- How treatment-induced menopause can increase inflammation in the body

- The role of diet, which foods help reduce inflammation and which ones make it worse

- Omega-3s and fibre

- Practical tips for eating well when you may worry about weight

Whether you’re newly out of treatment or years into survivorship, this conversation is full of simple, actionable steps to help you feel stronger, calmer, and more in control.

For more information on how diet cane ease menopause symptoms, buy my new book: Navigating Menopause After Cancer: https://amzn.eu/d/2BycL21 

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

04:46 Inflammation: Essential Immune Response

08:58 Understanding Body Changes and Symptoms

10:09 "Tips to Reduce Inflammation"

16:53 "10 Portions: A Healthy Challenge"

21:08 "Helpful Eating Habits"

24:10 Reduce Inflammation: Beans & Veg

30:48 Low Fibre Diet Tips

39:00 Boost Gut Health Naturally

45:29 Turmeric and Contraindications

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

“I don’t have time.”

“I can’t switch my brain off.”

“I’ve tried it before - it didn’t work.”

Sound familiar? In todays episode, Dani explores how easy it is to not try breathwork or meditation when you’re tired, overwhelmed, or just fed up. But here’s the truth: these simple tools can make a real difference, especially for people navigating menopause after cancer.

In this solo episode, Dani reads a little from her book, shares a short poem, and introduces our new Wellbeing Series on YouTube — guided meditations and mindfulness practices designed to help you actually start. No pressure. No perfection. Just a moment to breathe.

Watch the Wellbeing Series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseandCancer?sub_confirmation=1

Navigating Menopause After Cancer: https://amzn.eu/d/2y957Oy 

Episode Highlights:

00:00 "Intro

04:44 "Wellbeing Series for Our Community"

07:33 Practical Meditation for Everyday Life

11:21 Prioritising Self-Care Through Planning

13:51 "Mindfulness Benefits for Women"

18:24 "Embracing Imperfection in Meditation"

22:44 "Self-Care Series on YouTube"

24:03 She Let Go by Safire Rose 

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

This week’s episode is a little different — I’m taking you behind the scenes of two very special moments: our 50km fundraising walk and a powerful all-day event at Future Dreams House. Wherever you are at - whatever symptoms you may have, this episode will make you feel good! Promise!

You’ll hear real, unfiltered snippets from the trail, including a brilliant chat about Viagra and vaginal moisturisers (yes, really!) with one of our wonderful supporters, Eleanor Gardener from Pelvic Relief and a doctor friend. These conversations, full of honesty and laughter, are exactly what happens when we walk side by side and talk openly about menopause after cancer.

Then, we shift from muddy boots to the magic of community health spaces, exploring how coming together, sharing stories, and building trust can truly change people’s health journeys.

Find all your menopause after cancer answers in the book: https://amzn.eu/d/8y9a901

For the Ohnut and all the other brilliant tools to help with sexual health symptoms, go to Pelvic Relief https://pelvicrelief.co.uk/

For how to fundraise for Menopause And Cancer yourself, go here: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/about

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction - “Walking to Find Strength"

12:46 Chat with Eleanor Gardener

14:45 Vaginal Moisturiser Development Journey

22:20 Gynaecological Cancer and Menopause Care with Dr Jo Bailey 

25:05 "Educating Healthcare on Menopause Care"

33:21 Menopause Support for Cancer Survivors

40:42 "Building Relationships Beyond the Organisation"

Connect with us:

For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer

Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...

Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub