Navigating Menopause After Cancer

Dani Binnington
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Weekly

Has cancer treatment led you to early menopause? Do you feel confused about your options? This podcast hosts conversations with cancer patients, survivors and medical professionals to learn about treatments available for women with a cancer diagnosis.  I’m Dani Binnington, after breast cancer, surgery to remove my ovaries led me to early menopause, I had no idea what my treatment options were and who in my medical team could help me figure out what to do about my symptoms. I felt alone and unsupported. It took me so long to discover I had lots of options too. If only I’d known sooner! Everything I wish I’d known back then is inside these conversations - so you can make the right choices now. 

  1. 5d ago

    Episode 233 - When There’s No Right Answer: Making Difficult Decisions After Cancer

    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

  2. Aug 26

    Episode 232 - Normalise it and Stop the Silence Around Medical Menopause

    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 positivityJessica’s experience of tamoxifen and medical menopauseExhaustion, brain fog and the emotional impact of treatment side effectsGrief, 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

  3. Aug 19

    Episode 231 - Anal Cancer, Menopause & Breaking the Silence

    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.

  4. Aug 12

    Episode 230 - The Next Chapter. A New Name. The Same Mission.

    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.

  5. Aug 5

    Episode 229 - I Asked. You Answered. The Next Chapter Begins

    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

  6. Jul 29

    Episode 228 - 53 Kilometres, A Sex Toy & Lots of Laughter

    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

  7. Jul 22

    Episode 227 - The Messy Middle: Restarting HRT and Feeling Invisible

    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 cancerLiving with uncertainty and navigating deeply personal decisionsAnxiety, confidence and trusting yourselfFeeling invisible in midlife"Sparkly Fridays" and finding joy in the everydayWhy there is no one-size-fits-all approach to menopause after cancerThe 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

  8. Jul 15

    Episode 226 - Heart Health After Menopause and Cancer: Don't Panic, But Don't Ignore This Either

    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

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Has cancer treatment led you to early menopause? Do you feel confused about your options? This podcast hosts conversations with cancer patients, survivors and medical professionals to learn about treatments available for women with a cancer diagnosis.  I’m Dani Binnington, after breast cancer, surgery to remove my ovaries led me to early menopause, I had no idea what my treatment options were and who in my medical team could help me figure out what to do about my symptoms. I felt alone and unsupported. It took me so long to discover I had lots of options too. If only I’d known sooner! Everything I wish I’d known back then is inside these conversations - so you can make the right choices now. 

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