In today’s episode, we’re exploring something that affects every single cancer survivor, yet often goes completely unspoken: the state of your nervous system, and how it might be silently shaping your menopause symptoms.I am joined once again by the brilliant Dr Louise Oliver, GP and certified breathing practitioner, whose insights on snoring, mouth breathing and menopause had a huge response when she first appeared on the podcast. This time, the focus shifts deeper — to the autonomic nervous system (ANS), how it’s impacted by the loss of oestrogen, and why your breathing patterns may be the key to finding better balance.Together they explore:The two branches of the autonomic nervous system — and why so many survivors feel stuck in "fight or flight"Why oestrogen affects breathing efficiency — and what happens when it’s suddenly removed through treatmentHow disrupted breathing might worsen hot flushes, anxiety, night sweats, gut issues, and poor sleepMost importantly, what you can do to feel betterEpisode Highlights:00:00 Intro09:06 Chronic Anxiety and Sympathetic Nervous System12:45 Stress Response and Physical Discomfort14:09 Balancing Autonomic Nervous System26:29 "Check Your Breathing Habits"29:43 Breathing TechniquesMissed our first episode with Dr Louise Oliver?Listen to: Ep 132 – Does the Way You Breathe Make Your Menopause Symptoms Worse? https://podfollow.com/the-menopause-and-cancer-podcast Get your copy of Navigating Menopause After Cancer: https://amzn.eu/d/6HTJ4hU Information from Dr. Oliver: https://www.drlouiseolivertherapeuticlifecoaching.com/post/stress-menopause - Great diagram of the menopausal autonomic nervous system dysfunction model in this blog.https://www.drlouiseolivertherapeuticlifecoaching.com/post/health-and-well-being-jigsaw-puzzleLearn more about our work: menopauseandcancer.orgConnect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
The menopause transition after cancer can feel overwhelming — it’s hard to know what to do next, how to process it all, or even where to start. This episode offers a gentle, creative way in.Rory Green shares her own story as a cancer survivor, writer and psychotherapist, navigating menopause, and how writing became a powerful outlet for healing, release, and self-discovery. Rory runs transforative Write To Be You workshops and today, she tells us how we could all make a start to tap into the healing powers of putting pen to paper.We talk about:Why writing is more than just words on a pageHow journaling supports emotional wellbeing after treatmentThe magic of small, honest momentsTips for anyone wanting to start (or restart) writing for themselvesEpisode Highlights:00:00 Intro03:36 "Tyranny of the Red Pen"09:57 Creating a Safe, Warm Haven15:49 Guided Imagination Journey Experience21:06 Healing Space for Women28:04 Feelback: Emotional Response Sharing31:52 "Intentional Journaling Practice"35:42 Returning to Self Through Connection37:29 "Creating Safe Spaces for Truth"40:16 "Invitation to Self-Expression"Here’s more info on Rory and her beautiful work: https://www.writetobeyou.com/Buy my book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Navigating-Menopause-After-Cancer-comprehensive/dp/1068499907Connect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
In this episode of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast, we’re joined by Dr Carys Sonnenberg — GP, menopause specialist, and women’s health expert — for a practical, empowering workshop all about bladder health.We ask the questions many of us wonder but rarely say out loud:What’s normal when it comes to bladder habits?How often is too often to wee?Urinary tract infections and treatmentsProlapse and what helpsDr Carys breaks it all down for us — from understanding how cancer treatment, menopause, and pelvic floor changes can affect bladder function, to simple and effective things you can do to feel more confident and in control.We also explore what can help, including:Pelvic floor exercisesLifestyle strategiesHormone-free treatmentsMedications that may be suitable for cancer survivorsEpisode Timestamps:00:00 Intro04:04 Understanding Bladder Health Issues07:24 Discussing Sensitive Health Symptoms12:27 Pelvic Floor and Bladder Health15:10 Urinary Health and Hygiene Tips19:11 Managing Acute & Recurrent UTIs21:34 Managing Recurrent Urine Infections24:54 Managing Bladder Urges & Incontinence33:20 Individualised Pelvic Floor Treatment34:59 Cancer, Intimacy, and Body Image44:46 Pelvic Floor Exercise Misconceptions50:01 Overcoming Pelvic Floor ChallengesBuy my book here: Navigating Menopause After Cancer: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Navigating-Menopause-After-Cancer-comprehensive/dp/1068499907You can find Dr Sonnenberg here https://rowenahealth.co.uk/These are resources Dr Sonnenberg mentions: https://thepogp.co.uk/resources/booklets/https://squeezyapp.com/ Connect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
In this episode, I speak with Laura – a young cancer survivor who was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma (a form of cervical cancer) at just 31 years old. Like so many others, her treatment pushed her into early menopause, and she was left with more questions than answers.Laura opens up about:The emotional shock of menopause in her early 30sWhat she wishes someone had told her when symptoms startedThe turning point that came with seeing a menopause specialistWhy art and creative expression became her unexpected lifelineHow she’s felt herself slowly transforming — from caterpillar to butterfly, wings a little clipped, but flying nonethelessEpisode Highlights:00:00 Intro09:15 Navigating Menopause After Cancer11:30 Unmonitored HRT, Chronic Fatigue Struggle14:49 Navigating Life Post-Cancer Treatment18:39 Delayed Diagnosis and Sharing Experiences22:34 "Sharing Cancer and Menopause Journeys"27:02 "Trusting Intuition & Menopause Guidance"29:25 "Feeling Seen and Understood"31:55 Improving Patient Access Initiative35:24 Rediscovering Art Through Life's ChangesBuy my book here: Navigating Menopause After Cancer: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Navigating-Menopause-After-Cancer-comprehensive/dp/1068499907 Laura’s Instagram is here: https://www.instagram.com/art.is.healing/?hl=enConnect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
Episode 180 - No amount of alcohol is safe. Now what?In this episode, I revisit the topic of alcohol after cancer, following powerful updates from the World Cancer Research Fund’s “Alcohol and Cancer: Let’s Talk” campaign.We now know alcohol causes at least seven types of cancer, including breast and bowel. And while the safest amount to drink is none, real life drinking habits are of course much more complicated. In this episode, I share my own journey with alcohol and I ask you gently to reflect on your own relationship with it. We explore how we can navigate that, without guilt, without judging and with real understanding.Learn more: World Cancer Research Fund – Alcohol & CancerBuy my book: Navigating Menopause After Cancer: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Navigating-Menopause-After-Cancer-comprehensive/dp/1068499907 Episode Highlights:00:00 Alcohol and Cancer: New Insights06:55 "Navigating Alcohol After Cancer Diagnosis"11:27 Redefining Alcohol Consumption Mindset13:12 Alcohol Journey During Cancer Battle18:22 Alcohol Sensitivity Post-Treatment21:48 Navigating Sobriety and Social Perception25:21 "Finding Self Through Sobriety"28:42 Decade of Sobriety Reflections33:39 Alcohol Guidance and Support OfferConnect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
In this episode of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast, I’m joined once again by the incredible Dr Alison Macbeth – a top menopause specialist supporting breast cancer patients, and one of the key medical contributors to my book Navigating Menopause After Cancer.This time, we’re diving deep into the topic of vaginal oestrogen after breast cancer — and what you’ll hear is the most up-to-date and comprehensive guidance out there.We explore what’s happening across the world when it comes to access, safety, and prescribing practices — and zoom in on the current situation in the UK. We talk about the real barriers that cancer survivors face when trying to get treatment for vaginal dryness and genitourinary symptoms, and we unpack the science behind the risks and benefits.If you’ve been told you can’t have vaginal oestrogen, this episode is especially for you. The landscape is shifting — and I want you to feel informed, empowered, and ready to explore your options.This conversation and Dr Macbeth’s work, are a true gift to our community. I can’t wait for you to listen.Episode Highlights:00:00 Intro08:06 Menopausal Urinary and Vaginal Issues11:30 Breast Cancer's Impact on Women's Health16:09 Vaginal Care: Tips and Products17:29 Lubricant vs Moisturiser in Healthcare24:40 Menopause Hormone Guidance Update27:56 Aromatase Inhibitors and Vaginal Oestrogen35:16 Vaginal Oestrogen and Cancer Risk37:29 Medication Non-Compliance in Medical Studies42:26 Menopause Care and GP OptionsGet your copy of Navigating Menopause After Cancer here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Navigating-Menopause-After-Cancer-comprehensive/dp/1068499907Find out more about Dr Macbeth here: https://healthinmenopause.co.uk/meet-the-team/Connect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
Welcome back to The Menopause and Cancer Podcast. Today, I’m joined by someone whose work has made a massive impact on our community — Mr. Vikram Talaulikar, Consultant in Reproductive Medicine and Associate Professor at UCL. He’s helped shape a groundbreaking part of my book: the table outlining the safety of HRT after all types of cancer. In this episode, we explore what it’s really like to come off HRT after a cancer diagnosis — something some describe as a huge worry. We also hear from Rachel and Jo, two fab women from our community who share their experiences with you. You can find Rachel here https://midlifeinterrupted.com/ and Jo here https://www.instagram.com/jomenneernutrition/?hl=en We talk about:Why stopping HRT can feel so traumaticWhether it’s safer to stop suddenly or wean off slowlyWhat non-hormonal options are available — from medications to CBT and complementary therapiesHow we can better support survivors facing this experienceWe also talk about the survey I’ve launched with Mr. Talaulikar and Dr. Basel Watter, which is helping us better understand the experiences of people who navigate menopause. If that’s you, please take part. The link is here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=8y1ywoOIqkup1ZOI4kKt2B5ITslOQvhElyTxa010jzlUNTdRRFNaRkJBWkk1UzNOTDRaMUE3RDdaTiQlQCN0PWcu And I’ll be sharing a few powerful stories from members of our community who know this pain firsthand.If you're a healthcare professional, Navigating Menopause After Cancer may be a really valuable resource for your practice — and yes, every chapter is fully referenced: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Navigating-Menopause-After-Cancer-comprehensive/dp/1068499907 Episode Highlights:00:00 Intro03:45 HRT Post-Cancer 11:23 Stopping HRT Gradually or Suddenly16:56 Exploring Non-Hormonal Treatment Options19:18 Navigating Post-Menopause Cancer Challenges21:45 Rachel’s story23:40 Jo’s StoryConnect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
If you’re looking for strength, perspective, or just a dose of hope — this episode is for you.In today’s conversation, you’ll hear from someone who’s walked through the unimaginable and come out shining. You’ll feel inspired, understood, and reminded that even in the hardest times, there is resilience, connection, and possibility.I’m joined by the incredible Ellie Waters — a cancer survivor, now medical student, and bold advocate for young people navigating menopause after treatment.Ellie was a teenager when she was diagnosed with a rare soft-tissue cancer, and her treatment pushed her into early menopause. Ellie has turned that experience into something extraordinary: using her voice and advocacy to break down stigma, raise awareness, and support others going through the unimaginable.We talk about:What it’s like going through menopause as a teenagerThe emotional and physical challenges no one prepares you forSex, intimacy, and identity after cancer — including Ellie’s brilliant campaigns with MacmillanThe power of sharing your story — and what Ellie wants others to knowEpisode Highlights:00:00 Intro03:05 Cancer Inspired Medical Career Path08:54 Family Support During Cancer Journey10:48 Withheld Prognosis for Ellie’s Benefit18:49 Hidden Challenges of Menopause20:03 Desiring Better Menopause Education26:23 "Healthcare Frustration Spurs Private Treatment"32:44 Prioritising Health Over Social Norms35:50 Speaking Out on Post-Cancer Intimacy44:04 Inspiring AwarenessFind Ellie here https://www.instagram.com/teamellie_blog/Ellie’s Campaign for MacMillan https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/stories-and-media/stories/ellie-on-cancer-treatment-and-the-effect-on-sex-and-intimacyBuy a copy of my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Navigating-Menopause-After-Cancer-comprehensive/dp/1068499907Connect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
Today I’m joined by the brilliant Dr Alison Macbeth, one of the most incredible menopause doctors of our generation, who supports our cancer community. Alison has been instrumental in shaping some of the most important chapters in my new book, Navigating Menopause After Cancer — especially those on vaginal oestrogen and the many non-hormonal treatment options available to cancer survivors.But during the process of helping me with the book, Alison herself was diagnosed with breast cancer.We talk about what it’s like to cross over — from being the doctor, to becoming the patient. We explore how her diagnosis shifted her perspective and what it’s taught her.We also talk about the importance of friendship, support systems, and what really matters when you’re on the receiving end of care.It’s an honour to share this conversation with you — and I hope it reminds you, like it reminded me, that none of us are alone in this.Thank you for listening — and as always, please share this episode with someone who needs it.Episode Highlights:00:00 Intro04:34 Breast Cancer Screening Anxiety10:53 Women's Support Crucial in Struggles15:13 Emotional Struggles and Recovery Journey26:41 "Informed Consent Lacking for Women"28:47 Choosing Endocrine Treatment Wisely30:37 "Mental Struggles in Treatment"34:28 "Understanding Personal Impact Varieties"Order the book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Navigating-Menopause-After-Cancer-comprehensive/dp/1068499907 Dr Alison Macbeth’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_alison_macbeth/?hl=enJoin Alison for the Kilt Walk 14th Sept: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/edinburghkiltwalkConnect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
Welcome to the first episode after the launch of Navigating Menopause After Cancer!And what better way to begin than with one of the experts who helped shape it?Today, I am joined by the brilliant Mr Vikram Talaulikar, Consultant in Reproductive Medicine and honorary Associate Professor at UCL.In this episode, we dive back into a topic we’ve covered before — HRT after cancer — but this time, we’re expanding the conversation. We’re talking about the groundbreaking table on the use of HRT and local oestrogen after all types of cancer, which Mr Talaulikar developed for the book.Together, we explore:Why so many cancer survivors receive conflicting advice about HRTThe groundbreaking HRT safety table by Mr Talaulikar featured in Dani’s new book — and how it came togetherWhat patients and doctors really need to understand about HRT across all types of cancerWhy real-world data, like the new PROMMIS study, is finally giving voice to those who’ve been left out of the researchHow survivors can advocate for themselves and bring these conversations into their appointmentsThis episode is honest, practical, and deeply empowering — and it’s one you won’t want to miss.Get your copy of Navigating Menopause After Cancer here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Navigating-Menopause-After-Cancer-comprehensive/dp/1068499907 Episode Highlights:00:00 Intro06:24 HRT Education and Safety Update16:14 HRT Considerations for Cancer Survivors22:09 Weighing HRT Risks and Benefits29:27 Women's Healthcare Registry Study34:27 Navigating Cancer Treatment Options37:33 Digital Menopause After Cancer Guide41:54 Global Menopause Awareness ExpansionYou can find Mr Talaulikar here https://www.menopausecliniclondon.co.uk/about-usConnect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
Hello and welcome to this very special episode of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast. I’m Dani Binnington — and today, I’m quietly announcing something deeply personal and long in the making: my book, Navigating Menopause After Cancer, is now published.There’s no big media campaign, no marketing team, no fanfare — just me, sitting here with you, sharing this moment. Because this book was always just meant to be helping our community, I truly hope it will be a lifeline for those of us who’ve been left out of the menopause conversation for far too long.In this episode, I:Read the poem She Let Go by Safire Rose — a reflection of what this moment means to meShare what you’ll learn from the book: from safe treatment options to symptom relief, to long-term health strategiesTell you the behind-the-scenes story of how the book came to life — from flights to Japan, to typing in the garden with a laptop in a cardboard boxAnd, for the first time ever, I ask something of you: if the podcast has helped you, please consider buying a copy of the book and leaving a review so others can find it too.This isn’t just a launch. It’s a letting go. And a hope that it reaches the people who need it most.With all my love,Dani xHere is the link to: Navigating Menopause After Cancer: A comprehensive, empowering guide to all your treatment options, where to get helped how to feel betterConnect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
Welcome to a special crossover episode of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast. Today’s episode is a little different. I’m joined by Shelley Syme — a young breast cancer survivor and the host of One Lump or Two, a brilliant podcast exploring life after cancer. Instead of recording two separate interviews, we hit record together and are sharing this conversation across both of our shows.We dive into:Body image and body confidence after cancer treatmentDating with one boobWhat it really takes to feel sexy again in a changed bodyUsing creativity to challenge beauty norms and reclaim powerShelley uses photography as a powerful tool to confront body image pressures and celebrate body positivity. In her iconic image series — think Marilyn Monroe on the cover of Vogue, but with Shelley’s twist and her beautiful body exactly as it is now — she blends humour, art, and honesty to reshape how we view cancer survivorship.This episode is for anyone who’s ever looked in the mirror and wondered, “How do I learn to love this version of me?”You can find Shelley here: https://www.instagram.com/shelleyjsyme/And remember to follow the show to never miss an episode!Episode Highlights:00:00 Intro09:03 Menopause Neglect in Cancer Treatment11:12 Menopause and Cancer: Navigating Risks17:12 Menopause Challenges in the Workplace20:59 Struggling with Post-Cancer Self-Image27:10 Intimacy Challenges Post-Menopause30:35 Life Modelling Boosts Confidence38:56 Focused Support for Cancer SurvivorsConnect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
Episode 172 - It’s Not HRT or Herbal – It’s What Works for YouIn today’s episode, I’m doing something a little different. I’ve pulled together five short clips from past episodes of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast — covering everything from HRT after breast cancer, to herbal treatments, sleep support, and even intimacy after cancer.Why? Because this week, my book Navigating Menopause After Cancer is officially at the printers — and I still can’t quite believe it! I wanted to share a little preview of what’s inside. These clips reflect the heart of the book: a holistic menopause after cancer toolkit with real expert advice, real options, and the belief that no one approach is better than another. It’s about finding what’s safe, what’s effective, and what works for you.I always go to the right expert for the right topic — because that’s how we build truly trustworthy knowledge. I wouldn’t ask a cancer exercise specialist to talk about herbs, and I wouldn’t ask a herbalist about surgical recovery. Each voice in today’s mash-up speaks from the experience in their field.These are just a few of the amazing contributors to the podcast — and I’m proud to say that over 20 brilliant doctors and specialists contributed to the actual book.Below, I have linked all the full YouTube videos from the short clips. Just click on the words: Exercise, Herbal Medicine, Sleep, HRT after breast cancer, IntimacyAnd finally, you can buy a copy of Navigating Menopause After Cancer super soon - keep your eyes peeled!Episode Highlights:00:00 Intro05:53 "Exercise Boosts Sleep, Reduces Depression"07:54 Herbal Medicine Insights for Cancer Survivors10:55 Phytoestrogens: Potential Cancer Benefits13:49 "Zoe's Sleep Improvement Tips"18:37 Navigating HRT Conversations After Cancer22:55 Shared Decision-Making in HRT27:21 Challenging Emotional Complexity Perceptions Connect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
In this final bonus episode before book launch day (hopefully!), I reflect on the bravery it takes to write and publish a book, and the courage and bravery I see in every member of our Menopause and Cancer community. That is you!To start celebrating, I am joined by the brilliant Jane, a community member who turned her life around after cancer-induced menopause cost her four corporate jobs. Jane found her voice through poetry, and now performs on stage, sharing her story with raw honesty, humour, and heart.In this episode, we talk about why showing up as your authentic self is the bravest thing you can do! How Jane found creativity, confidence, and community after cancer.And make sure to listen to the end, Jane shares a heartfelt poem that’ll make you laugh — and maybe blush!Don’t miss next week’s episode, where I will share all the exciting launch details for my book Navigating Menopause After Cancer — and how you can be part of this movement.Episode Highlights:00:00 Intro10:57 "Jane's Confidence Amid Life Challenges"16:03 "Breaking Free from Self-Limitation"21:02 Jane's Brave Authenticity23:03 Poem, “To All Those Who Have Found Me Inappropriate and Unprofessional”26:18 "Embracing Contradictions and Freedom"28:07 "Cancer: Cracking Under Pressure"32:34 Poem for “Unlikable Women”Connect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
In this powerful episode, Dani explores what happens when cancer changes everything, including your career. Whether it’s out of necessity or a deep desire to follow a new path, many of us find ourselves questioning what’s next after treatment. Together with Philippa and Kerry, two community members, they explore what happens during time off, what happens when we return to work, and what they've learned along the way.Expect real talk, courage, and plenty of inspiration. Because starting again isn’t easy – but it is possible.Philippa mentions getting together at the Kent Challenge - you can find more information here https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/kentdownsultrachallengeEpisode Highlights:00:00 Intro04:05 Chemo Fear: Hair Loss and Identity11:39 Fertility Concerns Amid Cancer Treatment19:42 "Coping with Menopause After Cancer"22:45 Unexpected Resilience Amid Cancer Battle26:00 BRCA Genes and Life-Altering Choices30:11 Adjusting Post-Cancer Treatment34:33 Career Reflections35:48 Navigating Cancer While Working NHS50:11 Embrace Courage and Future ChoicesConnect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
Welcome to our fourth special bonus edition of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast, where I take you behind the scenes of writing Navigating Menopause After Cancer. In today’s episode, I will share with you the incredible story - and this can’t be a coincidence - of how the cover came to life. It was truly at this point that this book truly became a book from the community, for the community. Dani’s guest and the designer of the beautiful cover for the book is Laura - you can find more information here https://www.laurawoussen.co.uk/I’m so glad you’re here. It’s getting so close. Episode Highlights:00:00 Intro02:02 How Dani and Laura met08:02 Nerves before the publisher meeting12:00 Book Production: A Complex Journey13:15 Laura’s cancer journey 23:47 Creating boundaries within family32:10 Coping with cancer anniversary35:31 Renaming the bookConnect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
You may be experiencing menopausal symptoms and side effects due to taking medications such as tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors, also called endocrine therapy. You may wonder how much longer you can go on like this. And you may not know what your true benefit of being on these medications is for you. So in today’s conversation, Dani is joined by breast speciality oncologist Dr Claire Macaulay, who looks after patients in a busy NHS hospital in Scotland. Dr Macaulay helps us understand how you can find out and what it means for individual patients.Dani and Claire are also joined by a large group of our community who get to ask their questions and share how they are feeling.Dr Macaulay explains:How oncologists work out the individual's benefit of endocrine therapyThe difference between the older and the new version of the PREDICT toolWhy patients don't just base decisions on facts aloneWhat can we do if symptoms persist?During the episode, Dani shares some helpful podcasts for you to help manage your symptoms. If you are listening to the podcast, start at Episode 141.If you are watching on YouTube, start here and work your way up.The survey is here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=8y1ywoOIqkup1ZOI4kKt2B5ITslOQvhElyTxa010jzlUNTdRRFNaRkJBWkk1UzNOTDRaMUE3RDdaTiQlQCN0PWcu A huge thank you to Dr Macaulay who is also a certified sex coach, supporting people in menopause to have improved sex lives. You can find her here https://www.pleasurepossibility.comEpisode Highlights:00:00 Intro08:16 Treatment Completion Challenges18:55 Hormone Therapies25:06 Managing Cancer Treatment Information Overload27:59 PREDICT Score for Treatment Outcomes35:55 Endocrine Therapy Concerns: Side Effects40:13 Assessing Tamoxifen: Risks and Benefits50:29 Managing Fear for Better Recovery55:05 Balanced Living for Well-being01:02:16 Recovery Requires Realistic Expectations01:04:20 Medication Assessment TimelineConnect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
Episode 167 - Bonus Friday Episode 3 - Will it ever happen and “it takes a village”Welcome to our third special bonus edition of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast, where I take you behind the scenes of what I have been working on for a very long time. In this behind-the-scenes episode, I share the emotional rollercoaster of bringing Navigating Menopause After Cancer to life — from self-doubt to meeting the people who have been instrumental in making this happen. In fact, without them - I am sure - I would not have come this far!It really does take a village and I am not sure when I will finally believe that “it’s actually really going to happen”? I’m so glad you’re here. It’s getting so close. Episode Highlights:00:00 Intro05:06 Seeking Editorial Help10:30 "Finding Strength Through Expert Guidance"14:24 Innovative Menopause Clinic Initiative19:31 "Book Progress and Title Change"Connect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Alice Smellie, journalist, author, and co-founder of Menopause Mandate. Alice shares her deeply personal experience of navigating menopause after cancer, including the unexpected challenge of having to stop HRT after years of advocating for its safe and informed use.This is a conversation about real life — the messy, non-linear, and often imperfect reality of menopause after cancer. Alice speaks with honesty and warmth, offering both insight and solidarity for anyone trying to figure it all out.We talk about advocacy, resilience, and how sometimes, even when you’ve written the book on it (literally), menopause can still take you by surprise.Episode Highlights:00:00 Intro12:56 Cancer Diagnosis and Emotional Turmoil23:14 Navigating Menopause after Cancer25:09 Menopause Anxiety Management Strategies31:18 Coping with Medical Anxiety33:08 Lingering Impact of Cancer Survival35:41 "Disconnect to Reconnect: Managing Fears"41:16 "Exploring Treatment Options"45:08 Ongoing Cancer Management StrugglesAbout Alice: Alice is co-author of Cracking the Menopause with Mariella Frostrup and her new book Menopause is Hot was out in the US on 21st January 2025. She’s also a regular contributor to publications including the Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph, Times, and Marie Claire. Here are her books:https://amzn.eu/d/fskHif7https://amzn.eu/d/4TqRCXUYou can find Alice here on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicesmellie/?originalSubdomain=ukConnect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
Episode 165 - Bonus Friday Episode 2 - Doubt, not fitting in and no publishing dealWelcome to a very special bonus edition of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast. I’m Dani Binnington — cancer survivor, menopause advocate, and founder of Menopause and Cancer — and today marks the start of something I’ve been quietly working on for years.This is our second bonus episode, and I’m once again inviting you behind the scenes of my brand-new book, Navigating Menopause After Cancer.I’ve shared bits of this story before — how the book almost didn’t happen — and how I’ve personally learned so much just from listening to podcasts like this one. Today, I want to take you deeper into that journey.No one ever asked me to write this book. There was no agent or publisher knocking at my door with a deal. But over the years, as I kept meeting more of you — in person, online, through messages — I knew there was a real need for a go-to guide. Something that brought all the insights and expert advice from the podcast together in one place.And… right at the end of today’s episode, I’ll tell you about a little turning point in my story - writing a paragraph for Davina McCall’s book Menopausing. It was a small moment that gave me a big push forward.If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn lived experience into something that can help others — or you're just curious about what didn’t make it into the final version — this mini-series is for you.I’m so glad you’re here.Episode Highlights:00:00 Intro03:40 "Creating a Menopause Support Community"07:52 Discovering Self-Publishing Opportunities16:05 Writing “Navigating Menopause After Cancer”19:59 Book Collaboration Breakthrough22:30 Trust Your IntuitionConnect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
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Illicitly Euphonious
Hi. Do you guys read the comments here or does anyone know if they use a different app to castbox to post their show? I'm really desperate for some advice. Thank you ❤️