The Menopause and Cancer Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

The fourth episode in the HRT after breast cancer series features Dr. Louise Newson, who has faced criticism for her willingness to prescribe HRT to breast cancer patients. At the same time, she has been described as a lifesaver by many of the women she treats.

Dr. Louise Newson is a GP who has transformed the landscape for menopausal women worldwide. She became a member of the Royal College of Physicians in 1998 and a Fellow of the Royal College of GPs in 2016. She is also a menopause specialist and a member of the UK Government’s Menopause Taskforce.

This mini-series explores hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after breast cancer, a controversial and emotive subject. The conversation focuses on the further understanding of risks and benefits of HRT (hormone replacement therapy) or also MHT (menopause hormone therapy), the emotional impact on patients, and the different views among medical professionals. 

The goal is to provide understanding for patients seeking HRT after breast cancer and insight for doctors on how to move forward without robust evidence. Dani Binnington, host of the Menopause And Cancer podcast, and founder of the not-for-profit organisation Menopause And Cancer has spoken to hundreds of women who feel like they are in a void and have nowhere to turn to in discussing this difficult topic. Welcome to our HRT after breast cancer series.

In this episode we discuss:

• Dr. Newson’s passion for empowering women to navigate the menopause 
• How it felt when Dr. Newson prescribed HRT to a breast cancer patient for the first time
• The role of shared-decision making 
• Holding uncertainty between the doctor and the patient
• Empowering women to make informed decisions about their health is crucial in improving their quality of life

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro.

03:09 Challenges of hormone replacement therapy after cancer.

06:38 Doctor offers hormonal treatment to patient post-surgery.

12:00 Alternative options suggested for women's health without HRT.

20:45 Adjuvant treatment side effects and drug holidays.

23:40 Discussing oestrogen management for cancer survivors post-menopause.

30:28 Lack of research on women's health risks.

44:04 Advocate for women's health and research needs.

47:03 Effective communication between patients and doctors crucial.

Connect with us:

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

Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer 

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

The walking challenge I mention is here for you: https://move-with-menopause-and-cancer.raiselysite.com/

The third episode in the HRT after breast cancer series features Dr. Tina Peers who discusses her decision to take HRT after her own breast cancer diagnosis and the decision-making process involved when prescribing it to patients. 

Dr. Tina Peers is a women's health specialist who began her career as a general practitioner in the early 80s. She became a Consultant in Contraception and Reproductive Health, and has expert knowledge in treating patients with long Covid, Histamine Intolerance, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and of course the menopause. She is a colleague of Dr. Nick Panay, whom she met while working at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, seeing complex menopause cases.

This mini-series explores hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after breast cancer, a controversial and emotive subject. The conversation focuses on the further understanding of risks and benefits of HRT (hormone replacement therapy) or also MHT (menopause hormone therapy), the emotional impact on patients, and the different views among medical professionals. 

The goal is to provide understanding for patients seeking HRT after breast cancer and insight for doctors on how to move forward without robust evidence. Dani Binnington, host of the Menopause And Cancer podcast, and founder of the not-for-profit organisation Menopause And Cancer has spoken to hundreds of women who feel like they are in a void and have nowhere to turn to in discussing this difficult topic. Welcome to our HRT after breast cancer series.

In this episode we discuss:

• How general healthcare treats the issue and not the root cause of many conditions, leaving many patients to suffer without the answers they seek. 
• Dr. Peers discusses how her deep knowledge of helping patients with a rare disease helped her understand the importance of thinking outside the box. 
• Why Peers decided to take HRT despite her breast cancer diagnosis. 
• What does shared decision-making look like in practice?
• How to counsel women who might want to consider HRT after breast cancer? 

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro.

04:46 Shifted focus to women's health, led services.

08:01 Breast cancer treatment.

18:08 Seeking help led to meeting superb gynaecologist.

20:36 Seeking HRT without GP approval.

25:27 Benefits of HRT: cardiovascular, bone, cognitive, longevity

33:09 Specialist clinic supports post-breast cancer HRT patients.

Connect with us:

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

Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer 

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

The walking challenge I mention is here for you: https://move-with-menopause-and-cancer.raiselysite.com/

Research shows that only 4% of cancer survivors meet lifestyle recommendations. Dietician and board-certified specialist in oncology nutrition Krystle Zuniga discusses what these lifestyle recommendations are with us on the show today. 

Have you been told what they are?

For solutions, of how we can help the 96% that currently don’t follow the recommendations that could potentially reduce their risks of a cancer recurrence, we need to understand that there is a gap between guidelines and behaviour. We need more discussions, less barriers to referrals for support and more awareness. 

And it starts with you and I today.

Krystle Zuniga is a US based registered and licensed dietitian and a board certified specialist in oncology nutrition and the Assistant Professor of Instruction in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at UT Austin. She is incredibly good at telling us exactly what the evidence says and where there is a lack of it. 

This is a powerful conversation for sure - giving us more agency in times of uncertainty. 

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro.

04:04 Curiosity about lifestyle recommendations and cancer survivorship.

10:27 Cancer treatment impacts daily life and nutrition.

13:39 Encouraging seeking help for health and well-being.

23:33 Busy days may lead to processed snacks.

25:00 Ultra processed foods are unhealthy, limit consumption.

28:09 Limit alcohol intake for cancer prevention, avoid it.

33:12 Carnivore diet raises cardiovascular disease risk concerns.

35:21 Limited awareness of alcohol-cancer link, booze-free trend.

40:48 Cancer research resources for in-depth information.

Connect with us:

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

Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

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

Here is the link for the World Cancer Research Fund International https://www.wcrf.org/

Connect with Krystle:

You can find more about Krystle’s work here www.canvernutritionhq.com and here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cancernutritionhq/

If you’re in your 20s and 30s and think that you’re somehow in menopause since your cancer diagnosis, even if you’re not quite sure, this episode is for you!

I am delighted, that today on the podcast I am joined by the fantastic Jemima Reynolds. Jemima is head of health at charity Trekstock and together we have curated the UK’s first extensive menopause program for young people affected by cancer and menopause. 

We discuss the challenges young people face and what each young person affected can do to help themselves.

“Cancer in your 20s or 30s? Whatever type, whatever stage, we'll get you connected, moving and feeling more like you again. Navigating life in your 20s or 30s is hard enough, let alone when you've been diagnosed with cancer.”

This is what charity Trekstock say and it’s exactly what benefitted me so much when I became a Trekstock member in my early 30’s when I was first diagnosed.

You can find Jemima here:

Website: www.trekstock.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Here are the highlights:

(02:57) About Trekstock

(07:42) A massive void in information about menopause after cancer treatment

(09:58) Trekstock’s holistic approach 

(17:29) The top need in our community is psychological support 

(19:08) Exercise is important to combat symptoms

(21:43) There is a real sense of peer support 

(24:25) HRT

(27:18) Feedback statistics 

About Dani:

The Menopause and Cancer Podcast is hosted by Dani Binnington, menopause guide, patients advocate for people in menopause after a cancer diagnosis, and founder of the online platform Healthy Whole Me. 

There is lots of information out there about the menopause but hardly any if you have had a cancer diagnosis as well. Many people say to me they have no idea what their options are, who to ask for help, and that they feel really isolated in their experiences. 

I started this podcast because there was nothing out there when I was thrown into surgical menopause at the age of 39, which followed on from my cancer diagnosis aged 33.

Through the episodes, I want to create more awareness, share information from our fabulous guest experts, doctors and other specialists in the cancer and menopause field. 

And of course, I will share stories from the people in our community.

So that together we can work towards a better menopause experience. For all of us.

More educated, better informed and less alone.

Connect with Dani:

Instagram @healthywholeme  

Facebook: @healthywholeme  

Join Dani’s private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

For oodles of inspiration, healthy recipes, yoga classes and all round positivity go to her website: https://www.healthywholeme.com/

Herbal medicine is one of the most used complementary therapy by people with cancer. Yet, I feel the majority of us don’t actually know what it really is, beyond what you can pick up in a little bottle from your local health food store - how it is used and hence it becomes an under-effective therapy.

I am very grateful to be joined by Anita Ralph who is a consultant medical herbalist MSc MNIMH MCPP, and Melinda McDougall, who also holds a Master of Science degree in herbal medicine and specialises in women’s health.

Both of them are super passionate about helping us understand how we can use herbal medicine in the best way to support us going through menopause after cancer. 

Anita began full-time training to become a medical herbalist in 1987 and on graduating, became a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH). She is a member of the College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy (CPP) a professional association dedicated to exploring and promoting scientific advances in herbal medicine.

Anita runs a busy, full-time, multidisciplinary clinic with herbal dispensary in Kent, and she also collaborates with consultant gynaecologist, Anne Henderson, offering an integrated service to those with gynaecological problems.

You can find Anita here:

www.medicinetreeherbs.co.uk

Melinda has analysed hundreds of research papers on herbal medicine and menopause to find out what really works and uses that knowledge in her busy clinic to help women find natural solutions to their health problems. She lives and works in London, sees patients remotely too and is Vice President of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, which was established in 1864.

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

Here are some of the helpful resources mentioned in this episode:

thecpp.uk

nimh.org.uk

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2210803319300326

https://academic.oup.com/fampra/article/24/5/468/514290

Here are the highlights:

(05:47) How Melinda and Anita work as herbal medical practitioners 

(11:00) How herbal medication works for individuals 

(15:30) Examples of how herbal medicine has helped patients 

(18:57) How herbal medicine can work alongside conventional treatments 

(25:38) Can herbal medication help with hot flushes

(32:53) The myths around phytoestrogens

(36:37) The benefits of adaptogens 

(41:15) Solving sleep issues with herbal medicine 

(44:27) Seeking help from a private herbal medical practitioner feels like a luxury, how expensive is it?

About Dani:

The Menopause and Cancer Podcast is hosted by Dani Binnington, menopause guide, patients advocate for people in menopause after a cancer diagnosis, and founder of the online platform Healthy Whole Me. 

There is lots of information out there about the menopause but hardly any if you have had a cancer diagnosis as well. Many people say to me they have no idea what their options are, who to...

Did you know that exercise can reduce your risk of a cancer recurrence by up to 30%?! 

In a recent post in my Facebook group I asked my community of women how much exercise had been discussed with them by their health care professionals and what their biggest hurdles were. And we had a flurry of messages within a few minutes. Many echoing the same sentiment:

- It’s been very difficult to get support advice - nothing from my healthcare team.

- I’m struggling with fatigue and muscle pain, should I push through it?

- What kind of exercises help joint pain when you're on aromatase inhibitors after breast cancer? 

- I have been told absolutely nothing other than given a leaflet with about four exercises on it for after surgery, and perhaps even discouraged from exercising as I need to “rest”.

- Not much support at all where I am. No exercise referral programmes, no real advice given and if it wasn’t for me being a cardiac nurse I wouldn’t know anything about exercise rehab.

I am delighted to speak to two fantastic experts on the podcast today. Professor Anna Campbell and Sarah Newman. Anna will talk us through the research her and her team conducted and exactly what that means for us in everyday life. Sarah will talk us through her own cancer diagnosis and how she became a CanRehab exercise specialist, now helping others become active.

They both discuss how we can access some of these fantastic services and what it is we can each do to reap some of these benefits.

You can find more about Prof Anna Campbell’s work here:

https://www.canrehab.com/about-us/background/

Sarah can be sound here: https://www.getmeback.uk/

Keep checking as Sarah offers fantastic group programs for women after breast cancer and runs classes for free at Future Dreams House charity.

Here are the highlights:

(03:54) Anna’s story

(05:46) Sarah’s story

(09:33) What are the true benefits of exercise

(13:55) One of the big things that exercise does is it reduces the risk of cancer coming back

(19:16) How do I need to exercise and how much?

(26:09) Sarah’s recommendations

(30:01) The psychological benefits

(34:56) Where can listeners find more information 

About Dani:

The Menopause and Cancer Podcast is hosted by Dani Binnington, menopause guide, patients advocate for people in menopause after a cancer diagnosis, and founder of the online platform Healthy Whole Me. 

There is lots of information out there about the menopause but hardly any if you have had a cancer diagnosis as well. Many people say to me they have no idea what their options are, who to ask for help, and that they feel really isolated in their experiences. 

I started this podcast because there was nothing out there when I was thrown into surgical menopause at the age of 39, which followed on from my cancer diagnosis aged 33.

Through the episodes, I want to create more awareness, share information from our fabulous guest experts, doctors and other specialists in the cancer and menopause field. 

And of course, I will share stories from the people in our community.

So that together we can work towards a better menopause experience. For all of us.

More educated, better informed and...

This meditation is for anyone, regardless of what has happened to you until now. 

Although you are in the home of The Menopause And Cancer podcast, I was told that many people listen to my meditations, even if they have not had a cancer diagnosis or are not in menopause. And that’s totally ok!

You are so welcome!

Many of us face ill health in so many different ways and this can be the most challenging time in our lives. 

We feel broken somehow, it comes with worries and fears and it can make us feel hopeless. 

Many people also have the perception that we must function at 100% to be worthy of love and kindness. That being ill somehow makes us feel lesser than.

This mediation welcomes in all our feelings and pains - Allows us to notice that everything always changes - and that we are good enough just the way we are.

We are worthy of love.

DISCLAIMER: The meditation practices on this podcast are not a replacement for or a form of therapy, nor are they intended to cure, treat, or diagnose medical conditions. 

Always make sure to listen to meditations in an environment that is safe. 

Do not listen to recordings while driving a car or operating any kind of machinery. 

Also, do not listen to hypnosis recordings when drinking alcohol or taking drugs.

Here are the highlights:

(00:37) Introduction

(02:03) Meditation 

About Dani:

The Menopause and Cancer Podcast is hosted by Dani Binnington, menopause guide, patients advocate for people in menopause after a cancer diagnosis, and founder of the online platform Healthy Whole Me. 

There is lots of information out there about the menopause but hardly any if you have had a cancer diagnosis as well. Many people say to me they have no idea what their options are, who to ask for help, and that they feel really isolated in their experiences. 

I started this podcast because there was nothing out there when I was thrown into surgical menopause at the age of 39, which followed on from my cancer diagnosis aged 33.

Through the episodes, I want to create more awareness, share information from our fabulous guest experts, doctors and other specialists in the cancer and menopause field. 

And of course, I will share stories from the people in our community.

So that together we can work towards a better menopause experience. For all of us.

More educated, better informed and less alone.

Connect with Dani:

Instagram @healthywholeme  

Facebook: @healthywholeme  

Join Dani’s private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

For oodles of inspiration, healthy recipes, yoga classes and all round positivity go to her website: https://www.healthywholeme.com/

Today on the podcast I want to welcome Kate. Kate is a registered nurse who has spent over 13 years specialising in women’s health with extensive experience in fertility and menopause. 

Since our episode with the wonderful Helen Munro - Episode 7 - on her story of fertility after cancer, I have had so many questions and messages about this. So I thought it would be fab to get some signposting from an expert on this subject.

For many years Kate has worked within a large IVF clinic. She completed her master's in science in Reproductive medicine which specifically focused on fertility and menopause. She has recently decided to work independently offering consultations, support, and education to fertility patients.

Kate is really knowledgeable and also super warm in her approach. I hope you will find this episode helpful.

If this triggers upsetting feelings for you, it can be helpful to talk these through with someone. There are organisations that can support you, such as the British Infertility Counselling Association who can offer more support. https://www.bica.net

Here are the highlights:

(06:08) How does storing eggs, embryos and ovarian tissue work in practice?

(07:42) Does everyone have the same access to this help?

(13:05) How do people feel about adding hormones back into their bodies in order to harvest eggs?

(16:05) Where are the eggs stored?

(21:08) Fertility treatment whilst in the middle of menopause

(28:06) Advice for anyone who has been recently diagnosed 

On the podcast Kate mentions two support services which might be of help for you:

https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/

https://www.hfea.gov.uk/

Connect with Kate:

https://www.conceivablefertilitysupport.co.uk/

And on instagram: @fertility_menopause_support

About Dani:

The Menopause and Cancer Podcast is hosted by Dani Binnington, menopause guide, patients advocate for people in menopause after a cancer diagnosis, and founder of the online platform Healthy Whole Me. 

There is lots of information out there about the menopause but hardly any if you have had a cancer diagnosis as well. Many people say to me they have no idea what their options are, who to ask for help, and that they feel really isolated in their experiences. 

I started this podcast because there was nothing out there when I was thrown into surgical menopause at the age of 39, which followed on from my cancer diagnosis aged 33.

Through the episodes, I want to create more awareness, share information from our fabulous guest experts, doctors and other specialists in the cancer and menopause field. 

And of course, I will share stories from the people in our community.

So that together we can work towards a better menopause experience. For all of us.

More educated, better informed and less alone.

Connect with Dani:

Instagram @healthywholeme  

Facebook: @

Often we arrive in menopause after a cancer diagnosis and we hardly remember who we are. We can remember who we used to be, but with altered body images, with a reality that might differ from our expectations, it can be hard to accept and love ourselves and our bodies.

New scars, a body that perhaps we feel has let us down…so much to process.

I hope you enjoy this short meditation for self-love. 

May we all experience health and well-being,

Love and laughter,

Health and peace,

Safety and living with ease.

DISCLAIMER: The meditation practices on this podcast are not a replacement for or a form of therapy, nor are they intended to cure, treat, or diagnose medical conditions. 

Always make sure to listen to meditations in an environment that is safe. 

Do not listen to recordings while driving a car or operating any kind of machinery. 

Also, do not listen to hypnosis recordings when drinking alcohol or taking drugs.

Here are the highlights:

(00:37) Introduction

(03:46) Meditation 

About Dani:

The Menopause and Cancer Podcast is hosted by Dani Binnington, menopause guide, patients advocate for people in menopause after a cancer diagnosis, and founder of the online platform Healthy Whole Me. 

There is lots of information out there about the menopause but hardly any if you have had a cancer diagnosis as well. Many people say to me they have no idea what their options are, who to ask for help, and that they feel really isolated in their experiences. 

I started this podcast because there was nothing out there when I was thrown into surgical menopause at the age of 39, which followed on from my cancer diagnosis aged 33.

Through the episodes, I want to create more awareness, share information from our fabulous guest experts, doctors and other specialists in the cancer and menopause field. 

And of course, I will share stories from the people in our community.

So that together we can work towards a better menopause experience. For all of us.

More educated, better informed and less alone.

Connect with Dani:

Instagram @healthywholeme  

Facebook: @healthywholeme  

Join Dani’s private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

For oodles of inspiration, healthy recipes, yoga classes and all round positivity go to her website: https://www.healthywholeme.com/

Being able to work is something that most cancer survivors want to do for many reasons, not least because it provides financial independence, but mainly because it provides a sense of normality. 

But how do we do so in a constructive way?

What are my rights?

And what if menopause becomes an added problem? 

I am joined by Barbara Wilson, founder of Working With Cancer who explains what our rights are. What we can ask for? And who can help?

This conversation is for employees, employers, self-employed, job seekers, carers and health professionals. 

Here are the highlights:

(02:42) The services Working with Cancer provide

(06:03) The Equality Act

(07:12) Barbara’s cancer story

(13:13) Is cancer considered a disability?

(20:08) How do we navigate the cancer conversation with our employer?

(29:45) When applying for a new job how much do we have to say about our cancer diagnosis? 

(33:51) What can you request at work if you are suffering from severe menopause symptoms?

Connect with Barbara:

You can find out more about Working With Cancer and their services here: https://workingwithcancer.co.uk/

There is a whole section of useful resources.

They are also on Instagram @workingwithcanceruk

About Dani:

The Menopause and Cancer Podcast is hosted by Dani Binnington, menopause guide, patients advocate for people in menopause after a cancer diagnosis, and founder of the online platform Healthy Whole Me. 

There is lots of information out there about the menopause but hardly any if you have had a cancer diagnosis as well. Many people say to me they have no idea what their options are, who to ask for help, and that they feel really isolated in their experiences. 

I started this podcast because there was nothing out there when I was thrown into surgical menopause at the age of 39, which followed on from my cancer diagnosis aged 33.

Through the episodes, I want to create more awareness, share information from our fabulous guest experts, doctors and other specialists in the cancer and menopause field. 

And of course, I will share stories from the people in our community.

So that together we can work towards a better menopause experience. For all of us.

More educated, better informed and less alone.

Connect with Dani:

Instagram @healthywholeme  

Facebook: @healthywholeme  

Join Dani’s private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

For oodles of inspiration, healthy recipes, yoga classes and all round positivity go to her website: https://www.healthywholeme.com/