The Menopause and Cancer Podcast

Why is it so hard to get the right help, ask the right questions, and know what to do when it comes to menopause after cancer?In this episode, Dani is joined by Dr Shilpa McQuillan, a gynaecologist, GP, and menopause specialist - for an honest conversation about why menopause after cancer remains so difficult to talk about, both for patients and clinicians.Together they explore what happens when menopause is left untreated, its impact on mental health, sexual wellbeing, and work, and why empowering patients in decision-making leads to better outcomes. This is the important bit! Your thoughts and feelings and ideas matter! You matter!Dr McQuillan also shares practical advice and helpful resources for patients and clinicians alike.As the year ends, Dani reflects on how far we’ve come; and shares a special poem to close with warmth and hope for the year ahead. So make sure you stay tuned to the end.You can find Dr McQuillan Shilpa here on Instagram and https://www.instagram.com/berkshiremenopauseclinic/?hl=en and here on her website www.berkshiremenopauseclinic.comFor more support head to www.menopauseandcancer.orgEpisode Highlights:00:00 Introduction04:38 Menopause Symptoms Overlooked in Cancer07:53 Clinicians' Fears: Uncertainty and Blame12:11 "Long-Term Cancer Treatment Challenges"17:03 Cancer Worries and Holistic Challenges21:25 "Communication is Key for Care"23:28 Patient Advocacy and Information Struggles34:32 Navigating Specialist Pathways Effectively38:29 Empowering Menopause Health StrategiesConnect 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

This Christmas Eve, we’re doing something a little different.Instead of our usual expert interview, today I’m bringing you some of our Menopause and Cancer team — the powerhouses of women behind the clinic, workshops, research, retreats, fundraising, and support you receive throughout the year.It’s a warm, honest, hopeful conversation about what it really takes to run a small organisation with a giant mission, and the love, courage, chaos and humour that gets us through.Most of all, we want to say thank you.For listening. For showing up. For sharing your stories.For reminding us, every single day, why this work matters.Please leave a review for us here: https://share.google/6Q6Lkp5vk2ILPYKxzWherever you are today — whether surrounded by family, resting quietly, or carving out a moment just for yourself — we hope this episode brings comfort, connection and a sense of togetherness.Wishing you peace, gentleness and a soft landing into the new year.With love,Dani & the Menopause and Cancer Team 💛Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction “Reflecting on Menopause After Cancer"09:05 Menopause and Cancer Awareness Day Highlights16:58 The Power of Shared Connection21:55 "Reflecting on Remarkable Moments"25:49 "Overcoming Fears Through Support"29:30 Connecting with Healthcare Professionals34:20 Mindfulness & Fundraising InitiativesConnect 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

I promise I’m not turning The Menopause and Cancer Podcast into a sex podcast… (well, not entirely 😉).But when you hear this week’s conversation with Cay, a much-loved member of our community, you’ll understand why I had to share it.Cay’s story is a wild and wonderful mix of pleasure, perimenopause, cancer, heartbreak, healing, discovery and hope.We talk about:Why she thinks I should be wearing sexy underwear under my tracksuits.The spontaneous post-gym encounter that turned into a big life lesson.Tantra, trips to Costa Rica, and exploring sensuality later in life.How menopause, cancer, and GSM symptoms can make intimacy feel impossible.And how, despite it all, Cay has found her confidence, joy, and her “platinum years”.So yes, it’s a little spicy, full of adventure… but it’s also deeply human and full of heart.Thank you Cay!Here are Cay’s podcast recommendations: Tantra Made Easy by Shashi Solluna Speaking Of Sex with The Pleasure MechanicsBeyond Patriarchal Sex Devashi ShaktiAnd some websites to explore:Shamanickink.com. Francesca Gentille and Shadi TerraDancemeetsTantra.com Spencer JacobsonTaoTantricArts.com Shashi Solluna and Minke de VossHere is Cay’s email in case you want to connect: [email protected] for some of our The Menopause And Cancer podcast episodes on sex, pleasure and intimacy go and find episode 145, episode 179 and episode 187.Episode Highlights:03:28 "Menopause, GSM, and Resilience"10:08 Menopause Struggles and Late Relief15:33 "Challenges, Healing, and Diagnosis"18:51 "Redefining Intimacy After Chemo"22:17 Cultivating Self-Pleasure35:14 Healing Power of Kink38:23 "Safe Space for Transformative Connection"43:07 Midlife Women Exploring Sexuality46:17 Healing Through Movement and ExpressionConnect 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

This week’s episode is a special collaboration with the brilliant team from Rad Chat; the multi-award-winning, first therapeutic radiographer–led oncology podcast. And they’re with us on the show today!Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara bring decades of frontline cancer experience, and in this joint conversation we explore menopause after cancer from both the patient and clinician perspective.Together, we discuss:Why menopause after cancer is so often overlooked in oncologyWhat clinicians are seeing in their day-to-day practiceHow communication can improve so patients feel heard, supported and safeWhat needs to change for future generationsIf you’ve ever wished your oncology team better understood the impact of treatment-induced menopause, this episode is full of “finally, someone is saying this out loud” moments. You’ll love this one!A huge thank you to Naman and Jo for collaborating with us.Find the Rad Chat podcast here: www.radchat.co.uk 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 CPD Reflection Points:Reflect on your understanding of the relationship between menopause and cancer. Consider how this may influence the way you signpost patients for support.Consider how effectively you recognise and manage the physical and emotional impact of treatment-induced or early menopause in people living with and beyond cancer, and what could you do differently to support their wellbeing?Read the Menopause and Cancer survey results.Read the symptoms of Menopause.Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form.Links from the Episode:Menopause and CancerNavigating Menopause After Cancer: A comprehensive, empowering guide to all your treatment options, where to get help and how to feel betterMenopause Support UKBritish Menopause SocietyThe Menopause charityMenopause MattersResearch links from the Episode:

Episode 194 - The Double Whammy: When Cancer Means Coming Off HRT

03/12/2025 | 1h 2 mins.

Being diagnosed with cancer is life-changing. But being told you have to stop HRT too? It’s a double whammy that can leave you feeling lost, frightened, and unsure where to turn.In this episode, I speak with Sarah and Laura - two women who’ve lived through that moment. Laura is six months on, and Sarah is a year into life without HRT. They share their feelings on what it feels like, how they’ve coped, and what they’ve learned along the way.This conversation isn’t about what’s right or wrong - it is my hope that you will be able to reflect a little on what has happed to you, or learn how a loved one or patient may experience this double whammy of a situation.HRT can be transformative, even life-saving. So when it’s suddenly taken away, the grief and worry are real. With over 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide every year, thousands will face this same painful dilemma. And currently, there is ZERO support!I am so proud, that at Menopause and Cancer, we are the only organisation dedicated solely to supporting people through the menopause after cancer. Our mission is to make sure no one is left without options, guidance, or hope. Unsure where to start?Tune into podcast episode 178 - Stopping HRT: The Side Effect I Wasn’t Ready For - with Dr TalaulikarAnd buy a copy of Dani’s book Navigating Menopause After Cancer: https://amzn.eu/d/6Bw8zmTEpisode Highlights:00:00 Intro08:54 HRT Discussions After Breast Cancer17:39 Navigating HRT and Cancer Diagnosis25:19 Struggles with Cancer Treatment Decisions32:26 "Cancer, Menopause, and Recovery"42:11 "HRT Journey and Adjustments"47:42 "Ongoing Management of Menopause"54:10 Navigating Life Without HRT01:00:53 Support After Cancer JourneyConnect 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