The Menopause and Cancer Podcast

Dani Binnington
  • 5.0 (33)
  • 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.  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. 2d ago

    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 Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub Mentioned in this episode: Fundraiser Walk: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/

  2. 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 Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub Mentioned in this episode: Fundraiser Walk: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/

  3. Jul 8

    Episode 225 - Supplements And Cancer: Are We Missing Out?

    Whether it's joint pain, fatigue, brain fog, poor sleep, hot flushes or anxiety, it can feel frustrating when symptoms linger long after treatment ends. For many people, supplements seem like a logical place to look for menopause support, but with endless products, conflicting advice and cupboards full of half-used bottles, how do you know what's actually worth taking? In this episode, I am once again joined by leading oncologist, researcher and integrative medicine specialist Professor Robert Thomas to explore the role supplements may play in supporting health and wellbeing after cancer. Make sure to have pen and paper ready, as I think you’ll need it! In this episode, we discuss: Why so many cancer survivors turn to supplementsHow to identify what symptoms you're actually trying to supportWhich supplements have anti-cancer properties?Which supplements help with joint pain?Supplements that may help with sleepThe role of vitamin D, probiotics and omega-3What should I NOT have too much of?The debate around multivitamins after cancerCommon supplement mistakes that waste moneyCreatine: what we know and what we still don't know for cancer survivors One of the most powerful messages from this conversation is that there is rarely one magic supplement. Instead, the best results often come from understanding your symptoms, focusing on overall health and making informed decisions based on evidence rather than marketing. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 05:06 Discussing supplements with oncologists 08:34 Discussing supplement safety and benefits 11:13 Improving gut health in menopause 16:03 Concerns about multivitamins and antioxidants 17:52 Discussing supplements and deficiencies 20:57 Understanding Mineral Intake from Food 25:44 Discussing creatine vs collagen benefits Resources Keep Healthy: keep-healthy.com and https://keep-healthy.com/polyphenols/Rob’s bestselling book "How to Live" About Dr Robert Thomas Dr Robert Thomas is a Consultant Oncologist, Professor of Nutritional and Sports Science, researcher, author and Head of Integrative Oncology at UCLH. His work focuses on helping people combine conventional cancer treatments with evidence-based lifestyle strategies to improve outcomes and quality of life. He also leads a research unit that has designed landmark scientific studies which provide the evidence that guide nutritionists, support groups, doctors and patients across the World. As well as mainstream oncology studies, the team focuses on randomised trials that evaluate the impact of exercise, diet, gut health and natural therapies on cancer, long covid and exercise performance, menopause and cancer. This included 5 RCT's addressing hormone related symptons after breast cancer including patient choice as a primary end point. His latest two double blind RCTs, discovered that boosting dietary phytochemicals (with Yourphyto) and gut health (with Yourgutplus) slowed prostate cancer progression, improved erectile function and urinary symptoms and improved three key biomarkers of longevity. 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 Mentioned in this episode: Fundraiser Walk: And walk: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/

  4. Jul 1

    Episode 224 - Turmeric After Cancer: Have We Got It Wrong? With Professor Robert Thomas

    Can turmeric really help with joint pain, inflammation and gut health after cancer? And why are so many people being told to avoid it? In this fascinating conversation, I sit down with leading oncologist, researcher and integrative medicine expert Professor Robert Thomas to unpack the science behind turmeric, gut health and cancer recovery. Prof Thomas shares why he believes many patients are receiving outdated advice about turmeric, explains where concerns about tamoxifen interactions originated, and explores what the latest research actually tells us. Together, we discuss the role of gut health in long-term wellbeing, why exercise remains one of the most powerful tools available after cancer, and how lifestyle medicine can work alongside conventional cancer treatments. In this episode, we discuss: The surprising evidence behind turmeric and cancerWhy turmeric became controversial in breast cancer careThe difference between turmeric, curcumin and supplementsGut health, inflammation and the microbiomeManaging joint pain and menopausal symptoms after cancerExercise as a tool to improve cancer outcomesHow integrative oncology combines medical treatment with lifestyle strategiesCommon myths surrounding supplements and cancer Resources Keep Healthy: keep-healthy.com and https://keep-healthy.com/polyphenols/Rob’s bestselling book "How to Live" Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 09:33 Discussing hormone therapy options 12:30 Discussing health and patient advocacy 15:00 Discussing menopause treatments 20:06 Turmeric's rise in health circles 22:24 Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits 24:21 Curcumin study and dosage discussion 28:01 Addressing turmeric's cancer misconceptions 32:28 Simplifying Supplement Choices About Prof Robert Thomas: Thomas is a Consultant Oncologist, Professor of Nutritional and Sports Science, author, researcher and Head of Integrative Oncology at UCLH. He has published extensively on lifestyle medicine, cancer prevention and survivorship, and is passionate about helping patients make informed decisions about their health using evidence-based approaches. He also leads a research unit that has designed landmark scientific studies which provide the evidence that guide nutritionists, support groups, doctors and patients across the World. As well as mainstream oncology studies, the team focuses on randomised trials that evaluate the impact of exercise, diet, gut health and natural therapies on cancer, long covid and exercise performance, menopause and cancer. This included 5 RCT's addressing hormone related symptons after breast cancer including patient choice as a primary end point. His latest two double blind RCTs, discovered that boosting dietary phytochemicals (with Yourphyto) and gut health (with Yourgutplus) slowed prostate cancer progression, improved erectile function and urinary symptoms and improved three key biomarkers of longevity. 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 Mentioned in this episode: Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/ Fundraiser Walk: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge

  5. Jun 24

    Episode 223 - Four Years, Hundreds of Conversations and One Big Question: What's Next?

    Four years ago, I sat down and recorded the very first episode of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast. At the time, I had no idea what I was doing. I didn't know whether anyone would listen, whether I'd make it past a handful of episodes, or that four years later I'd still be here, talking to you every single week. What began as a simple idea, to create the menopause resource I desperately wished I'd had after cancer, has grown into something far bigger than I ever imagined. Over the last four years, we've shared hundreds of conversations with incredible experts, survivors, partners, advocates and healthcare professionals. Together we've explored symptoms, treatments, relationships, intimacy, identity, mental health, grief, hope and everything in between. The podcast has opened doors I never expected. It has led to friendships, opportunities, a bestselling book, healthcare professional training, events, retreats and the growth of Menopause and Cancer into a global movement. But perhaps the greatest gift has been you: your emails, messages and stories. Hosting this podcast has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. And the truth is, I think the podcast has changed me just as much as it has helped others. Over the last four years, life has changed, too. My daughters have grown up. I've become a founder, an author and somehow a CEO. I've gained confidence in some areas and lost it in others. I've learned new skills, made mistakes, changed my mind, needed reading glasses and realised that growth rarely happens in a straight line. Recently, I've been reflecting a lot on identity. For years, I was a yoga teacher. Then an advocate. Then a founder. Now a CEO. And yet, if I'm honest, I don't always feel like any of those labels fully fit anymore. Maybe you've felt that too? Are we constantly in transition? Perhaps that's why this moment feels important. Not because we've reached four years, but because it feels like the beginning of a new chapter. I've recently started a new project called Still Becoming: a kind of blog, and in many ways, this is how it all started for me. It's a space where I can share some of the conversations that don't always fit neatly into a Menopause and Cancer podcast episode: reflections on identity, motherhood, relationships, intimacy, purpose, building a charity and navigating all the messy, beautiful parts of being human. And because this next chapter isn't just about me, I'd love your help. I've created a short listener survey to help shape the future of the podcast. What have you loved? What has helped? What conversations are missing? What would you like more of? I'll also be inviting a small group of listeners to join me on a Zoom call on 9th July at 5pm so we can talk about the future together. For now, though, I simply want to say thank you. Thank you for listening. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for sharing your stories. Thank you for trusting me with them. Links Mentioned The Next Chapter - Shape the future of the show with me: https://forms.gle/cQ36jKzDFqY2p3qy6 Join my blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?r=1osz6a&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Buy the book “Navigating Menopause After Cancer” https://amzn.eu/d/0fPhc0tt Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 03:35 Discovering Menopause Support Needs 09:20 Writing ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’ 13:00 The importance of audience feedback 14:57 Kate's experience with menopause and cancer 20:27 Navigating life after cancer 21:27 Still Becoming: Embracing Multiple Identities 25:07 Listener feedback session invitation 28:14 Podcast future plans announcement 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 Mentioned in this episode: Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/

  6. Jun 17

    Episode 222 - “We Had To Learn Too” Cancer Care Nurses on Menopause After Cancer

    In this inspiring episode, Dani is joined by two breast care clinical nurse specialists from Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to explore what’s possible when healthcare professionals truly listen, learn and work together to improve menopause care for women after cancer treatment. If you’re a patient, this is a must-listen so that you can set realistic expectations of what’s possible. If you’re a healthcare professional, you’ll be blown away by what Jaqcui and her team have achieved through hard work and persistence. Clinical Nurse Specialist Jacqui shares how she helped shape and evolve the support offered within her team around menopause after cancer, bringing colleagues together, opening up important conversations, and helping create more compassionate, informed care for patients navigating life after treatment. She is joined by her colleague, Christina for an honest discussion about what they’ve learned from patients over the years, the gaps they began to recognise, and the practical changes that can happen even within stretched NHS services and limited resources. Dani says, “Thank you for being utterly amazing!” Jaqcui and Christina mention Dani’s book and say how helpful it is for them. You can buy a copy here: https://amzn.eu/d/04P0N9FX And here is www.menopauseandcancer.org for more information and support. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 08:06 Addressing menopause post-cancer treatment 14:24 Learning from patient engagement 17:06 New prescribing practices in oncology 20:25 Discussing Tamoxifen Prescription Options 26:16 Discussing hormone therapy side effects 27:46 Discussing bone health in menopause 36:37 Challenges in patient care response 37:53 Menopause care post-cancer 42:44 Focusing on menopause and cancer 43:52 Planning patient support events 49:11 Empowering patient-doctor conversations 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 Mentioned in this episode: Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/

  7. Jun 10

    Episode 221 - Who controls what happens between women’s legs after menopause

    Who controls what happens between women’s legs after menopause? It’s a confronting question, but one that sits at the heart of this episode. In this short, powerful conversation, I am joined by menopause specialist and sexologist Dr Angela Wright to explore why so many women — particularly those who have had cancer — are still being denied access to vaginal and vulval oestrogen treatments. And why we’re not routinely having the conversation about sexual health after cancer treatment. Despite being widely recognised as one of the most effective and low-risk treatments for genitourinary symptoms of menopause (GSM), access remains incredibly low. Many women are left navigating pain, dryness, recurrent infections, loss of sexual function, and a deep impact on identity and relationships — often without being offered treatment. Or they’re told ‘no’. This episode explores: Why are women not allowed to make an informed choice about their intimate health?The realities of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) — and why it’s more than “just dryness”The added complexity for women on treatments like aromatase inhibitors (e.g. Letrozole)The emotional and relational impact of untreated symptomsHow history, culture, and medical caution continue to shape women’s access to careThe growing body of guidance suggesting low-dose vaginal hormones may be appropriate for many women, including after breast cancerThe balance between clinical responsibility and patient autonomy This is not a black-and-white conversation. It’s not about right or wrong. It’s an invitation — to think, to question, and to open up more honest, informed conversations between patients and healthcare professionals. Because at its core, is it about choice? Links mentioned in this episode: You can find Dr Wright here: https://spicedpearhealth.co.uk/about/ Sweetness of Venus: A history of the clitoris book https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sweetness-Venus-History-Clitoris/dp/B08W3NZ1H9 Women’s Health Made Easy Book: for Healthcare Professionals, click here More information about vaginal oestrogen after breast cancer: https://menopauseandcancer.org/navigating-vaginal-oestrogen-after-breast-cancer-what-every-woman-needs-to-know/ Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 05:36 Doctor's journey and women's health 08:17 Challenges of Menopause Treatment 10:32 Debating hormone prescription guidelines 14:25 Discussing medical trauma and autonomy 18:19 Discussing bodily agency and benefits 21:18 Reclaiming life after trauma 24:31 Understanding compliance with endocrine therapies 26:42 Valuing women's opinions in healthcare 29:48 Discussing erectile dysfunction post-cancer 34:39 Opening conversations on sexual health 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 Mentioned in this episode: Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/

  8. Jun 3

    Episode 220 - What are my rights? Working with cancer and menopause

    Do you know your rights to work after a cancer diagnosis and with ongoing menopause symptoms? From navigating time off, to returning to work, to managing menopause symptoms in the workplace, it can feel overwhelming to know what your rights are and what support you should expect. I’m joined by Barbara Wilson, from Working With Cancer, who brings over 50 years of experience supporting people through cancer at work. Together, we break this down in a really practical way— so you can feel more informed and more confident in advocating for yourself. In this episode, we cover: Whether cancer is automatically considered a disability under UK lawYour rights when returning to work after treatmentWhat a good return-to-work plan should actually look likeWhat “reasonable adjustments” mean — and real-life examplesWhat counts as discrimination in this contextHow much do you need to disclose about your diagnosis (including when applying for a job)Whether menopause is recognised as a disability under UK lawHow treatment-induced menopause after cancer is considered in the workplaceWhether employers are expected to support menopause symptoms Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 06:31 Supporting employees with cancer 08:07 Discussing cancer diagnoses and menopause 13:38 Creating flexible workplace plans 15:29 Discussing cancer disclosure at work 20:23 Discussing return to work planning 22:00 Discussing phased return to work 28:48 Supporting employees with health challenges 31:22 Menopause and post-cancer life changes 37:16 Flexible work schedule adjustments 43:07 Reevaluating work after cancer diagnosis 44:39 Easing back into work 47:52 Disclosing cancer to an employer Link to Working with Cancer: https://workingwithcancer.co.uk/ 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 Mentioned in this episode: Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/

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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.  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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