In today’s episode, we tackle a situation many of us in the menopause and cancer community face: What do you do when doctors’ opinions divide? 

It’s a common experience to receive conflicting advice from healthcare professionals, and that can be confusing, frustrating and scary especially when you’re navigating menopause after a cancer diagnosis.

I am joined by author and breast cancer survivor Rosamund Dean who has made this experience herself. We are going to mull over what we can do to navigate a challenging situation like this. 

We will talk about:

• Why doctors may disagree on treatment plans and how to understand those differences.
• How to advocate for yourself when medical advice feels unclear or overwhelming.
• The importance of second (or third) opinions and how to approach them with an open mind.
• Practical strategies for researching treatment options and weighing the pros and cons.
• Community insights from women who’ve faced similar challenges, sharing what helped them make informed decisions.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro.

05:47 Five months of chemo, mastectomy, radiotherapy, capecitabine.

09:41 Early menopause increases bone health concerns.

11:48 Oncologist encourages seeking second opinions for treatment.

17:40 Menopause isn't always initial focus when treating cancer.

22:53 Meeting about ovary removal due to family history

34:13 Healthy diet: Vegetables, minimal processed, quality meat.

38:28 We all muddle through uncertainty together.

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

Rosamund’s book ReConstruction is here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Reconstruction-rebuild-breast-cancer-diagnosis/dp/0008585202

Rosamund’s Substack is here https://rosamunddean.substack.com/

A big thanks to our trusted sponsor, The Better Menopause. I’m excited to share their amazing product, The Better Gut with you. Most women don’t realize that gut health and menopause symptoms are intrinsically linked—keeping your gut happy is the foundation for overall health, through all stages of life. The Better Gut is a daily capsule packed with a unique, science-backed probiotic blend designed to survive stomach acid, reach your gut alive and help improve symptoms such as bloating, hot flushes and anxiety. 

Go check them out - The Better Gut is a big help for many https://thebettermenopause.com/products/better-gut?selling_plan=690396627248