Episode 183 - Pen, Paper, Power: Writing Your Way Through Menopause After Cancer
The menopause transition after cancer can feel overwhelming — it’s hard to know what to do next, how to process it all, or even where to start. This episode offers a gentle, creative way in.Rory Green shares her own story as a cancer survivor, writer and psychotherapist, navigating menopause, and how writing became a powerful outlet for healing, release, and self-discovery. Rory runs transforative Write To Be You workshops and today, she tells us how we could all make a start to tap into the healing powers of putting pen to paper.We talk about:Why writing is more than just words on a pageHow journaling supports emotional wellbeing after treatmentThe magic of small, honest momentsTips for anyone wanting to start (or restart) writing for themselvesEpisode Highlights:00:00 Intro03:36 "Tyranny of the Red Pen"09:57 Creating a Safe, Warm Haven15:49 Guided Imagination Journey Experience21:06 Healing Space for Women28:04 Feelback: Emotional Response Sharing31:52 "Intentional Journaling Practice"35:42 Returning to Self Through Connection37:29 "Creating Safe Spaces for Truth"40:16 "Invitation to Self-Expression"Here’s more info on Rory and her beautiful work: https://www.writetobeyou.com/Buy my book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Navigating-Menopause-After-Cancer-comprehensive/dp/1068499907Connect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
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Episode 182 - Bladder Health After Cancer: What’s Normal and What’s Not
In this episode of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast, we’re joined by Dr Carys Sonnenberg — GP, menopause specialist, and women’s health expert — for a practical, empowering workshop all about bladder health.We ask the questions many of us wonder but rarely say out loud:What’s normal when it comes to bladder habits?How often is too often to wee?Urinary tract infections and treatmentsProlapse and what helpsDr Carys breaks it all down for us — from understanding how cancer treatment, menopause, and pelvic floor changes can affect bladder function, to simple and effective things you can do to feel more confident and in control.We also explore what can help, including:Pelvic floor exercisesLifestyle strategiesHormone-free treatmentsMedications that may be suitable for cancer survivorsEpisode Timestamps:00:00 Intro04:04 Understanding Bladder Health Issues07:24 Discussing Sensitive Health Symptoms12:27 Pelvic Floor and Bladder Health15:10 Urinary Health and Hygiene Tips19:11 Managing Acute & Recurrent UTIs21:34 Managing Recurrent Urine Infections24:54 Managing Bladder Urges & Incontinence33:20 Individualised Pelvic Floor Treatment34:59 Cancer, Intimacy, and Body Image44:46 Pelvic Floor Exercise Misconceptions50:01 Overcoming Pelvic Floor ChallengesBuy my book here: Navigating Menopause After Cancer: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Navigating-Menopause-After-Cancer-comprehensive/dp/1068499907You can find Dr Sonnenberg here https://rowenahealth.co.uk/These are resources Dr Sonnenberg mentions: https://thepogp.co.uk/resources/booklets/https://squeezyapp.com/ Connect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
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Episode 181 - From Caterpillar to Butterfly: Young, Diagnosed and in Menopause
In this episode, I speak with Laura – a young cancer survivor who was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma (a form of cervical cancer) at just 31 years old. Like so many others, her treatment pushed her into early menopause, and she was left with more questions than answers.Laura opens up about:The emotional shock of menopause in her early 30sWhat she wishes someone had told her when symptoms startedThe turning point that came with seeing a menopause specialistWhy art and creative expression became her unexpected lifelineHow she’s felt herself slowly transforming — from caterpillar to butterfly, wings a little clipped, but flying nonethelessEpisode Highlights:00:00 Intro09:15 Navigating Menopause After Cancer11:30 Unmonitored HRT, Chronic Fatigue Struggle14:49 Navigating Life Post-Cancer Treatment18:39 Delayed Diagnosis and Sharing Experiences22:34 "Sharing Cancer and Menopause Journeys"27:02 "Trusting Intuition & Menopause Guidance"29:25 "Feeling Seen and Understood"31:55 Improving Patient Access Initiative35:24 Rediscovering Art Through Life's ChangesBuy my book here: Navigating Menopause After Cancer: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Navigating-Menopause-After-Cancer-comprehensive/dp/1068499907 Laura’s Instagram is here: https://www.instagram.com/art.is.healing/?hl=enConnect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
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Episode 180 - No amount of alcohol is safe. Now what?
Episode 180 - No amount of alcohol is safe. Now what?In this episode, I revisit the topic of alcohol after cancer, following powerful updates from the World Cancer Research Fund’s “Alcohol and Cancer: Let’s Talk” campaign.We now know alcohol causes at least seven types of cancer, including breast and bowel. And while the safest amount to drink is none, real life drinking habits are of course much more complicated. In this episode, I share my own journey with alcohol and I ask you gently to reflect on your own relationship with it. We explore how we can navigate that, without guilt, without judging and with real understanding.Learn more: World Cancer Research Fund – Alcohol & CancerBuy my book: Navigating Menopause After Cancer: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Navigating-Menopause-After-Cancer-comprehensive/dp/1068499907 Episode Highlights:00:00 Alcohol and Cancer: New Insights06:55 "Navigating Alcohol After Cancer Diagnosis"11:27 Redefining Alcohol Consumption Mindset13:12 Alcohol Journey During Cancer Battle18:22 Alcohol Sensitivity Post-Treatment21:48 Navigating Sobriety and Social Perception25:21 "Finding Self Through Sobriety"28:42 Decade of Sobriety Reflections33:39 Alcohol Guidance and Support OfferConnect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
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Episode 179 - Vaginal Oestrogen After Breast Cancer: A Worldwide View and Guidance
In this episode of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast, I’m joined once again by the incredible Dr Alison Macbeth – a top menopause specialist supporting breast cancer patients, and one of the key medical contributors to my book Navigating Menopause After Cancer.This time, we’re diving deep into the topic of vaginal oestrogen after breast cancer — and what you’ll hear is the most up-to-date and comprehensive guidance out there.We explore what’s happening across the world when it comes to access, safety, and prescribing practices — and zoom in on the current situation in the UK. We talk about the real barriers that cancer survivors face when trying to get treatment for vaginal dryness and genitourinary symptoms, and we unpack the science behind the risks and benefits.If you’ve been told you can’t have vaginal oestrogen, this episode is especially for you. The landscape is shifting — and I want you to feel informed, empowered, and ready to explore your options.This conversation and Dr Macbeth’s work, are a true gift to our community. I can’t wait for you to listen.Episode Highlights:00:00 Intro08:06 Menopausal Urinary and Vaginal Issues11:30 Breast Cancer's Impact on Women's Health16:09 Vaginal Care: Tips and Products17:29 Lubricant vs Moisturiser in Healthcare24:40 Menopause Hormone Guidance Update27:56 Aromatase Inhibitors and Vaginal Oestrogen35:16 Vaginal Oestrogen and Cancer Risk37:29 Medication Non-Compliance in Medical Studies42:26 Menopause Care and GP OptionsGet your copy of Navigating Menopause After Cancer here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Navigating-Menopause-After-Cancer-comprehensive/dp/1068499907Find out more about Dr Macbeth here: https://healthinmenopause.co.uk/meet-the-team/Connect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
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
UK