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Protein, sugar, soya, supplements, inflammation… what should we actually be eating when we're navigating menopause after cancer? Cancer treatment can bring on menopause earlier than expected, and suddenly we're dealing with a whole new set of challenges. Weight changes, hot flushes, bone health, cholesterol, fatigue and brain fog — all while wondering whether what we eat might affect our long-term health or risk of cancer recurrence. And with so much conflicting nutrition advice out there, it's easy to feel completely overwhelmed! In this episode, I'm joined by returning guest, nutritionist and now bestselling author (!!) Julie, to cut through the confusion and help us understand what really matters when it comes to eating well in menopause after cancer. We're playing a game of Yes, No or Maybe?, tackling some of the questions we hear most often: Can changing our diet really make a difference to our health after cancer?If we're already eating healthily, do we need to change anything when menopause hits?Does the type of cancer we've had affect what we should eat?Do we need different diets for our bones, cholesterol, heart health and menopause symptoms?Does sugar really feed cancer?Is soya safe after cancer?What about red meat and dairy?Are there supplements we should be taking — or avoiding?And do we still need nutrition books in the age of AI and social media?! This is a practical conversation about nourishing our bodies, supporting our health through menopause and letting go of unnecessary food fears. Because after everything our bodies have been through, eating well should be about feeling better, not adding another layer of worry. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro and quick-fire questions with Julie 07:11 Addressing food anxiety and confusion 12:04 Mediterranean diet principles overview 18:13 Menopause and dietary support 20:32 Supporting Hormones Through Diet 25:13 Post-treatment weight management struggles 27:59 Discussing cholesterol and endocrine treatment 33:05 Balancing Blood Sugar Levels 36:18 Discussing blood sugar management 37:41 Skipping or delaying breakfast 40:54 Red meat consumption guidelines 48:02 Discussing supplement effectiveness and costs Resources mentioned: Julie's new book: https://amzn.eu/d/034hftyvYou can find Julie here https://www.juliewebbnutrition.org/ Navigating Menopause After Cancer by Dani Binnington https://amzn.eu/d/03rPbPvs Other podcast episodes with Julie: Ep 147 – Which Diet Helps Ease Menopause Symptoms After Cancer? with Julie Webb Ep 161 – Why a High-Protein Diet Isn't The Answer with Julie Webb Ep 190 – Inflammation and Menopause After Cancer: How Food Can Help with Julie Webb 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

This week I’m joined by my lovely friend and community member Jenny Costelloe, alongside oncologist Dr Eleonora Teplinsky, to talk about something I know so many of you will relate to: weight changes after cancer treatment, the struggle to lose weight during ongoing treatment, and the growing conversation around GLP-1 medications. But this episode is really about much more than weight. It’s about what happens when cancer treatment, menopause, joint pain, changes to your body and quality of life all collide – and how we begin to work out what might actually help. Jenny shares her breast cancer story and talks very honestly about the impact surgical menopause and endocrine therapy have had on her body and her life. At one point, she describes feeling almost physically broken – dealing with weight gained through chemotherapy and treatment, reduced mobility and persistent pain that was making everyday life increasingly difficult. We also hear from board-certified oncologist Dr Eleonora Teplinsky, who helps us understand the emerging evidence around GLP-1 medications after cancer, what we know and still don’t know, and why conversations about weight, metabolic health, symptoms and being able to stay on cancer treatment really matter. And I love something Jenny says during our conversation: “This is just about finding the path that works for you individually.” I couldn’t agree more. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 05:35 Navigating menopause during cancer treatment 08:09 Considering GLP-1s and BMI thresholds 12:12 Dr Eleonora Teplinsky’s perspective on menopausal concerns 17:06 Impact of endocrine therapy on weight 17:55 Challenges in weight management and sleep 21:00 Exploring GLP-1s and cancer risk 24:17 Concerns with GLP-1 and lifestyle changes 27:36 Discussing weight loss medication options 32:26 Starting GLP-1s with no side effects 35:43 Reduced alcohol craving on GLP-1 40:17 Struggles with post-treatment life 41:36 Starting strength training journey 44:46 Evaluating cancer treatment effects You can find Dr Teplinsky here: https://www.instagram.com/drteplinsky/?hl=en Dr Teplinsky’s book: Beyond the Pink: Navigating Life, Health, and Breast Cancer Is here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/beyond-the-pink/eleonora-teplinsky/9781538777145?sv1=affiliate&sv_campaign_id=57434&awc=3787_1787842057_ae304a0903d89dccf48ecd30b2f05367&sn=1&utm_source=57434&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Easyfundraising And here is the article on GLP1’s Dani mentions in the podcast: https://www.oncnursingnews.com/view/glp-1-receptor-agonists-show-promise-in-asco-2026-research A note on GLP-1 microdosing: The term microdosing does not currently have a universally accepted scientific definition. It can refer to different approaches to dosing GLP-1 medications, and the evidence supporting these approaches varies. Listeners should not assume that microdosing is an established or clinically recommended practice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to prescribed medication.

Everyone’s Talking About Creatine. But Should Cancer Survivors Take It? Creatine seems to be everywhere right now. But what actually is it, what can it do for our strength and muscle, and the big question for this community: is it safe to take after cancer, and can it help with symptoms of menopause? Today I have two brilliant experts to help us understand both the potential benefits and the safety of creatine after a cancer diagnosis. First, you'll hear from Dr Eleonora Teplinsky, medical oncologist, who helps us unpack what we currently know — and importantly, what we still don't know — about creatine and cancer. The evidence specifically in people affected by cancer is still limited, so this is an important part of the conversation. Then I'm joined by Sarah Newman, oncology exercise specialist and founder of Get Me Back, to take the conversation into the practical world of exercise, strength and recovery after cancer. We talk about what creatine actually does, why maintaining muscle matters so much as we age and go through menopause, and why resistance training is such an important part of the picture. We also get practical: Do you have to lift heavy weights? How often should we be strength training? Can creatine help if you're not an athlete? What type should you take? Does it cause weight gain? And where should someone start if cancer treatment has left them feeling weak, exhausted or simply disconnected from exercise? Because this isn't really an episode about taking a scoop of powder. It's a conversation about rebuilding strength after cancer, understanding our bodies, and finding out what might genuinely help us feel stronger again. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 04:37 Building healthy habits step-by-step 08:13 Building strength after cancer treatment 10:46 Discussing exercise and creatine use 14:59 Importance of diet and recovery 16:54 Concerns about effective muscle maintenance 22:58 Creating supportive exercise spaces 26:34 Rebuilding muscle after chemotherapy 27:57 Incorporating exercise for bone health 32:37 Benefits of strength training 34:30 Supporting diverse health needs Disclaimer: This episode is for education and information and isn't a substitute for personalised medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare team before starting creatine or any new supplement, particularly during cancer treatment or if you have other medical conditions. Current cancer-specific evidence on creatine remains limited. (Oncology Nursing Society) Here are the links mentioned in this episode: Dr Teplinsky’s article on Creatine: https://drteplinsky.substack.com/p/creatine-supplementation-after-a Find Sarah and her Get me Back Exercise Programs here: https://www.getmeback.uk/ Find Dr Teplinsky’s new book here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/beyond-the-pink/eleonora-teplinsky/9781538777145

What if tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors weren’t the only options? For many people with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, endocrine therapy can be lifesaving – but it can also be incredibly difficult to live with. Joint pain, sleep problems, sexual health changes, bone health, weight and metabolic changes can all have a significant impact on day-to-day life. And for some, the question becomes: what else is there? In this episode, Dani is joined by oncologist Dr Eleonora Teplinsky, author of Beyond the Pink: Navigating Life, Health, and Breast Cancer, to explore the changing landscape of breast cancer treatment and survivorship. One of the big topics is SERDs – a newer generation of endocrine therapies that are creating a lot of interest in the breast cancer world. What are they? How are they different from tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors? What did we learn from the LIDERA study? And could having more endocrine treatment options eventually make a meaningful difference for patients struggling with side effects? But, as always, this isn't only about the science. Dani also sits down with Rachel Bowman, breast cancer survivor and Director at Menopause and Cancer, to mull over what all of this actually means when you’re the person taking these treatments Dr Teplinsky also shares the thinking behind her new book, Beyond the Pink, which brings together evidence-based, practical information about the questions people often don't have enough time to explore during an oncology appointment. Here are the links mentioned in this episode: Find Dr Teplinsky’s new book here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/beyond-the-pink/eleonora-teplinsky/9781538777145 Watch this Substack video with Dr Teplinsky on Serds: https://drteplinsky.substack.com/p/ob-gyn-x-oncologist-session-2-asco Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 04:31 Discussing rising early-onset cancers with Dr Teplinsky 09:05 Discussing limitations of current treatments 11:46 Uncertainty with new treatments 16:26 Acknowledging emotional struggles post-chemo 19:10 Evolving breast cancer treatment 22:07 Cancer treatment advancements discussion with Rachel 24:06 Discussing cancer drug availability 28:17 Managing menopause and cancer treatment 31:52 HRT journey in Dubai 36:08 Encouragement for endocrine therapy patients 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

After more than 200 episodes of conversations with doctors, researchers, therapists, cancer specialists and, most importantly, people navigating menopause after cancer themselves, I’ve learned a lot. Last week, a dream came true, and we hosted our first global menopause and cancer conference for healthcare professionals - and so for this episode, I’m doing something a little different. I’m sharing five things I now know to be true (I know, a bold statement!) about menopause after cancer. Things I’ve learned at the conference and things I’ve learned over the years. You might disagree with me - but here are mine (for today anyway!): There is rarely one “right” answer. Especially when it comes to HRT after cancer, risk and personal choice. Treatment shouldn't mean simply putting up with everything. We need to talk about the impact of treatments such as tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors — and what can be done to help. The things that might sound “small” can have an enormous impact. Hair, vaginal and bladder symptoms, painful sex, body changes — these things matter. Menopause after cancer isn't just physical. Anxiety, sleep, confidence, relationships, identity and that feeling of “Who am I now?” There is almost always something we can do. We need to look beyond the medical and expand our thinking. From non-hormonal medications and symptom-specific treatments to movement, sleep, psychological support, lifestyle and community — often it's about finding your own combination of things that help. Episode Mentions: Episode 74 - Why Would a Menopause Specialist Who Had Breast Cancer Take HRT? Episode 71 - Combat Hair Issues in Menopause After Cancer Episode 75 - From Anxiety to PRSD with Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro: Four years of podcasting milestones 04:48 Reflection on September's new beginnings 12:47 Discussing treatment after cancer 17:08 Podcast impact on cancer treatment 27:31 Struggling with menopause and mental health 29:34 Finding support in online groups 34:46 Navigating menopause after cancer 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

Ah, this was a great start to such an important episode! I literally did no planning AT ALL! I just wanted to know from Dr Jordan Emont, our guest on today’s show, if there is a common question he gets asked by his patients in his clinic. And after getting such lovely personal insights into Jordan’s life, we ended up having an evidence-based conversation about testosterone after cancer, especially for people navigating menopause after breast cancer. We dig into why access in the US is getting harder not easier and how clinicians think about balancing quality of life with safety when the data is still limited. This episode is so true to all the conversations we have on this podcast because it sits right in the middle of a real-world clinical grey area: patients want relief, oncologists want reassurance, and doctors are trying to make thoughtful decisions without perfect long-term trials. Jordan also shares how this topic is evolving in guidelines, why he thinks testosterone can help some people stay on aromatase inhibitors, and where caution still makes sense. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 09:57 Challenges in Women's Health Narratives 13:37 Differences in hormone treatments 17:25 Aromatase inhibitors in breast cancer 18:55 Discussing testosterone for cancer survivors 23:15 Testosterone use and sexual health 25:54 Discussing health and energy levels 30:10 Long-term safety of testosterone use 32:10 Checking testosterone levels timing 35:58 Balancing safety and quality of life 40:54 Testosterone's role in breast cancer 44:39 Discussing hormone therapy benefits 48:47 Testosterone use after prostate cancer Here are Dr Emont’s links: Here is his Substack about testosterone this which he’s made free to access: https://drjordanemont.substack.com/p/testosterone-after-breast-cancer Here’s Dr Sarah Glynne's paper on testosterone to treat menopausal symptoms: https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/fulltext/10.1097/gme.0000000000002777~use-of-transdermal-testosterone-to-treat-menopausal-symptoms 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

“Night sweats. I cannot go on like this. What are people taking who can’t take HRT?” That was a recent post in our community and the replies came flooding in. Venlafaxine. Oxybutynin. Acupuncture. HRT. Lifestyle changes. So many people trying different things to manage debilitating hot flushes and night sweats after cancer. But increasingly, two new names are appearing in these conversations: fezolinetant (Veoza) and elinzanetant (Lynkuet). These newer non-hormonal medicines have been specifically developed to treat menopausal hot flushes and night sweats. But what are they? How do they work? And, crucially for our community, can you take them after cancer? I’m joined once again by the wonderful Dr Zoe Schaedel, NHS GP, menopause specialist and sleep expert, to give us a practical roadmap. We discuss: How fezolinetant and elinzanetant work and why they're different from some of the older non-hormonal optionsWhat we currently know about their use following different cancersSide effects, contraindications and the concerns you've perhaps heard aboutHow to actually access themWhy access can vary across the NHSWhat your local formulary and its “traffic light” classification can tell youWhether your GP can prescribe or whether you may need a menopause specialist or oncologist And for our listeners outside the UK, we also talk about some of the barriers to accessing these medicines elsewhere, including the frustrating issue of insurance coverage in the US. We’ve been following this story for a while… Way back in Episode 46, I spoke to Professor Waljit Dhillo, one of the researchers behind this new approach to treating hot flushes. At the time, these medicines felt like an exciting glimpse into the future. Well, the future is here. People in our community are now taking them and we're hearing experiences like this: “Veoza!! After a year on these, I am starting to get a few again, but still a million times better than before!” So this episode moves the conversation from “What might be coming?” to: Could this be an option for me and how do I get it? Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 06:23 Treating menopause with neurokinin blockers 09:36 Navigating menopause after cancer 12:02 New menopause treatment options 15:15 GP and menopause specialist roles 19:14 Discussing Vioza and cancer treatment suitability 21:59 Discussing Vyosa and cancer treatment safety 24:47 Observing NICE approval process 29:46 Helping patients stick with treatment 30:26 Discussing Vioza side effects 33:41 Discussing Vioza safety concerns 40:00 Access to new prescription approval 40:47 Understanding UK Medication Access Here is more info about Dr Zoe Schaedel: https://www.mylahealth.co.uk/ Other episodes mentioned today: Ep 124 “How to Fix Your Sleep Issues – From Medication to Mindfulness” Ep 143 “Alternatives to HRT. Prescribable Non-Hormonal Options” Ep 146 “Your Plan For Better Sleep.” And have a listen to Episode 46: A Revolutionary Non-Hormonal Treatment for Hot Flushes! with Professor Waljit Dhillo to hear where this story began. As always, this podcast is for information and education and isn't a substitute for personalised medical advice. Please discuss your individual circumstances and treatment options with your healthcare team. 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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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 [email protected] 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

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

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