In today’s episode, we dive into your bowel health. How do chemotherapy, surgery, medication, and menopause affect our bowel health? What should we look out for? And what are some top tips to improve it?

We are joined by Dr Julie Cornish, a consultant colorectal surgeon at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. Dr Cornish has a specialist interest in pelvic floor and women’s health and is currently running a trial looking at the impact of cancer surgery on bowel function. This is a significant issue for many patients, often exacerbated after menopause.

Julie has also founded https://www.everywomanfest.com/ helping women understand what’s normal and where to seek help for various health issues.

Learn more about the POLARiS trial here: www.bowelresearchuk.org/research-hub/polaris/ 

IBS Dietician Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibs.dietitian/?hl=en  

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro.

05:35 Chemotherapy impacts the bowel lining, and gut microbiome. Dietary solutions.

12:45 Neglect of cancer survivors' post-treatment issues.

19:06 Post-bowel cancer: regular stool, fibre, avoid risks.

21:14 The impact of surgery on patients' lives.

23:46 Beware of unreliable health information on the internet.

28:16 Common doesn't mean it's normal. Seek help.

31:46 Boost fibre intake, and prioritise bowel health. Try flaxseeds.

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 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