The Menopause and Cancer Podcast

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 supplements
How to identify what symptoms you're actually trying to support
Which supplements have anti-cancer properties?
Which supplements help with joint pain?
Supplements that may help with sleep
The role of vitamin D, probiotics and omega-3
What should I NOT have too much of?
The debate around multivitamins after cancer
Common supplement mistakes that waste money
Creatine: 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/

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 cancer
Why turmeric became controversial in breast cancer care
The difference between turmeric, curcumin and supplements
Gut health, inflammation and the microbiome
Managing joint pain and menopausal symptoms after cancer
Exercise as a tool to improve cancer outcomes
How integrative oncology combines medical treatment with lifestyle strategies
Common 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

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/

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/

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 symptoms
How history, culture, and medical caution continue to shape women’s access to care
The growing body of guidance suggesting low-dose vaginal hormones may be appropriate for many women, including after breast cancer
The 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