The Menopause and Cancer Podcast

Dani Binnington
The Menopause and Cancer Podcast

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.  These episodes are a good place to start: 1. Rethinking Tamoxifen & Aromatase Inhibitors  2. Why I decided to take HRT after an oestrogen driven cancer 2. Alcohol & Me Menopause and cancer is also a thriving community online and in real life.  Join the Facebook community to connect with women going through the same thing you are: https://www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

  1. 19 FEB

    Episode 148 - You are not Broken - Lessons From a 3 x Menopause Warrior

    Today we’re joined by an extraordinary guest—Tatum, a true warrior who has faced and navigated menopause not once, not twice, but three times! Tatum has been a cancer survivor for over 10 years and shares with us what each menopause has brought with it: the challenges and lessons learned. Her invaluable insights, alongside realistic expectations and what she’s discovered along the way, leave us with one important message: You are not broken! This conversation is all about resilience, hope, and empowerment. And to honour Tatum’s journey, I’ll also be reading a special poem that reminds me of her. So grab a cup of tea, settle in, and join us for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation with life lessons of a three-time menopause warrior. Let’s dive in! Other resources: During the conversation, I mention other helpful episodes. These are: Episode 143: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/854d55c1-8694-46be-98bc-4c2dc52ee20d Episode 145: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/854d55c1-8694-46be-98bc-4c2dc52ee20d You can find Tatum here https://www.instagram.com/tatum_de_roeck/?hl=en Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 03:32 Chemotherapy-Induced Menopause Challenges 08:37 Navigating Menopause: Embrace Personal Experience 12:30 Emotional and Hormonal Turmoil 19:04 Overcoming Self-Care Pressure 20:55 Bridging Mind-Body Disconnect 33:16 Embracing Imperfect Solutions After Cancer 39:44 Reconnecting Through Sensory Experiences 42:36 Vaginal Oestrogen Safe for Patients 49:19 Cancer Recovery: Beyond Three Months 51:55 Poem by Jeff Foster 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

    57 min
  2. 12 FEB

    Episode 147 - Which diet helps ease menopause symptoms after cancer?

    Welcome to today’s most practical podcast episode, where we’re diving into one of the most common and confusing questions for those navigating menopause after cancer: "How should I be eating?" We know how overwhelming it can be to understand what works best for your body after cancer treatment, especially when menopause throws in extra challenges.  That’s why we’re thrilled to bring you this incredible workshop featuring Julie Webb, a leading nutritionist and expert in menopause and cancer nutrition. She’ll answer questions like: Can diet help improve menopause symptoms like anxiety, flushing, and fatigue?Is there a "menopause diet"?How can I eat to support my heart and bone health? Many women also join me in our community so you can learn from their stories as well. Links mentioned in this episode:  https://www.aicr.org/cancer-prevention/how-to-prevent-cancer/ https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/educational-hub/topic/calcium-calculator Here is the protein document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1F2zH8EzadABROICxLNzI27J-RN8-l4jV1dXg0RqvsK0/edit?usp=sharing Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro.  14:15 Menopause Diet for Cancer Survivors 17:40 Easy Ways to Eat More Vegetables 27:37 Protein Intake for Health Balance 34:09 Nut and Seed Fibre Content 38:47 Protein and Calcium Intake Guidance 45:56 Sugar Consumption Roller Coaster 52:50 "Mindful Eating for Treats" 56:50 Planning Positive Actions for Upcoming Months 01:05:52 Small Steps for Diet Success 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

    1h 7m
  3. 5 FEB

    Episode 146 - Your Plan For Better Sleep

    In today’s episode, Dr Zoe Schaedel shares with us how we can plan for better sleep. When you’re up in the middle of the night, unable to fall asleep, everything seems so much worse. Insomnia is very common in cancer patients and most people struggle unable to sleep for years after their initial diagosis even. Is that you? What you need, is a plan. You’d be surprised, this plan starts in the morning. We will discuss: How to get ready for a good night’s sleep first thing in the morning. How to signal to your body it’s time to sleepWhat to do when you’re lying awake at nightWhy when you eat matters?How breathing exercises can helpEvidence-based treatments for insomniaMelatonin, Magnesium This episode is sponsored by Astellas Pharma Limited - Thank you for your support. Dr Zoe Schaedel is an NHS GP with expertise in menopause, sleep problems and cancer patients. She has founded Myla Health and is an accredited British Menopause Specialist. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro. 06:23 Sleep Hygiene Alone Isn't Enough 08:49 Experiencing Sleep Disruptions? 17:05 Managing Hot Flushes for Better Sleep 18:03 Improving Nighttime Wakefulness Habits 23:55 Nighttime Thinking: Anxious and Uncontrolled 25:52 Power of Breathing Exercises 30:05 Overcoming Sleeplessness Strategies 36:45 Managing Nighttime Anxiety and Options 37:52 "Considering Sleeping Pills for Insomnia" 46:06 Surviving Sleep Deprivation Tips 51:46 Exploring Magnesium and CBD Benefits 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

    1 hr
  4. 29 JAN

    Episode 145 - How to Find Pleasure and Intimacy After Cancer?

    In today’s episode, Dr Angela Wright, a clinical sexologist trained in psychosexual therapy, will guide us through this intimate, interactive and thought-provoking episode on how to find pleasure and intimacy after cancer. “This has been one of the most valuable sessions I have attended after since my cancer treatment”, said a member who joined us at the end of the recording.  Low libido, zero libido is a common side effect of cancer treatment and as we’re about to find out, most people feel very much alone with it.  Before we dive in, we will also do a quick solutions workshop on all your solutions for hot flushes.  We will discuss: Hot flushes treatment options - non-hormonalLow libido, no libido - what can we do to tackle it?I’ve not had sex in years and my partner really wants itWhat is mate-guarding?How to find pleasure and intimacy after cancer? Not having sex ruined my relationshipWhy no-one ever talks about it The expectations around our sex life This episode is sponsored by Astellas Pharma Limited - Thank you for your support. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro. 07:58 Assessing HRT and Alternative Treatments 21:10 New Drug Options for Symptoms 22:51 Bio psychosocial Impact on Sex Life 32:39 Rediscovering Pleasure Through "Pleasure Mapping" 41:47 Pre-Cancer Journey & Sexual Exploration 47:56 Addressing Intimacy Post-Diagnosis 51:32 Adapted Intimacy for Post-Surgery Recovery 54:50 Rethinking Sexy and Self-Esteem Dr Angela Wright, a clinical sexologist trained in psychosexual therapy, is also a GP with expertise in menopause and cancer patients. She has co-founded Spiced Pear Health and is an accredited British Menopause Specialist. Book mentions: Managing Hot Flushes and Night Sweats: A Cognitive Behavioural Self-help Guide to the Menopause by Myra Hunter and Melanie Smith  Mind the Gap by Dr Karen Gurney  Better Sex Through Mindfulness by Lori A. Brotto a...

    1h 4m
  5. 15 JAN

    Episode 143 - Alternatives to HRT - Prescribable Non-Hormonal Options

    In today’s episode, Dr. Zoe Schaedel, a British Menopause Society expert, will guide us through your non-hormonal prescribable options for helping with your menopause symptoms. “What can your doctor prescribe if you can’t have HRT?”, I what we asked. We will also discuss: What can you expect from a menopause specialist?What alternatives are there to HRT?What medication can help for hot flushes, restless legs, low mood and other symptoms?Why the menopause symptom checker is crucial!Supplements & Magnesium - what’s the evidence?Q&A - Dr. Schaedel answers your questions This episode is sponsored by Astellas Pharma Limited - Thank you for your support. Dr Zoe Schaedel is an NHS GP with expertise in menopause, sleep problems and cancer patients. She has founded Myla Health and is an accredited British Menopause Specialist. Episode Highlights:  00:00 Intro. 08:34 HRT considered for certain cancer history cases. 11:32 SSRIs/SNRIs explained. 16:38 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can help you cope with symptoms. 19:07 Vaginal oestrogen often used post-cancer treatment. 25:10 Choosing treatments involves weighing personal concerns. 30:23 Collaboration essential for deciding cancer treatment options. 31:16 Consider lifestyle changes. 36:43 Evaluate need for HRT; alternative methods exist. 38:36 Prioritise shared decision-making. 44:19 Supplements unregulated; difficult for doctors to recommend. 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

    59 min
  6. 8 JAN

    Episode 142 - Exercise Solutions: What Really Works for Menopause Symptoms

    Episode 142 - Exercise Solutions: What Really Works for Menopause Symptoms In today’s episode, we will explore which type of exercise and which dose of exercise will help ease cancer treatment-induced symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, depression, insomnia and bone health.    In this episode, we are going to explore: what exercise can do for you. We are joined by Professor Anna Campbell and a whole group of the women in our community. Professor Campbell has published over 60 research papers and three academic book chapters in the field of exercise and cancer survivorship. In addition, she has also established the charity CanRehabTrust which links cancer patients to cancer exercise specialists. If you have any questions about how to exercise after cancer, Professor Campbell is the person to ask.  Which type of exercise is best after cancer?How much should I exercise?Can exercise reduce my risk of recurrence?What are the guidelines? Here are the guidelines on exercise after cancer: https://www.acsm.org/docs/default-source/files-for-resource-library/exercise-guidelines-cancer-infographic.pdf This episode is sponsored by Astellas Pharma Limited - Thank you for your support. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro. 04:56 Exploring exercise's impact on cancer treatment recovery. 10:36 Pre-hab reduces complications and saves healthcare costs. 19:20 Exercise aids recovery, improving quality of life. 22:17 Diet/exercise prevents weight gain, improves health. 24:20 Menopausal symptoms can worsen post-cancer. 32:52 Regular exercise and stretching. 35:03 Strength and endurance are both essential. 38:52 Exercise 150 minutes weekly. 48:33 Exercise post-diagnosis reduces cancer recurrence risk. 51:20 Embrace new activities post-cancer for joy. 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

    55 min
4.9
out of 5
135 Ratings

About

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.  These episodes are a good place to start: 1. Rethinking Tamoxifen & Aromatase Inhibitors  2. Why I decided to take HRT after an oestrogen driven cancer 2. Alcohol & Me Menopause and cancer is also a thriving community online and in real life.  Join the Facebook community to connect with women going through the same thing you are: https://www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

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