The Menopause and Cancer Podcast

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 & Cancer [https://www.wcrf-uk.org/] Buy my book: Navigating Menopause After Cancer: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Navigating-Menopause-After-Cancer-comprehensive/dp/1068499907 [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Navigating-Menopause-After-Cancer-comprehensive/dp/1068499907]  Episode Highlights: 00:00 Alcohol and Cancer: New Insights 06:55 "Navigating Alcohol After Cancer Diagnosis" 11:27 Redefining Alcohol Consumption Mindset 13:12 Alcohol Journey During Cancer Battle 18:22 Alcohol Sensitivity Post-Treatment 21:48 Navigating Sobriety and Social Perception 25:21 "Finding Self Through Sobriety" 28:42 Decade of Sobriety Reflections 33:39 Alcohol Guidance and Support Offer Connect with us: For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org [https://www.menopauseandcancer.org] Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer [https://www.instagram.com/menopause_and_cancer/] Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub [https://www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub/]

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 Intro 08:06 Menopausal Urinary and Vaginal Issues 11:30 Breast Cancer's Impact on Women's Health 16:09 Vaginal Care: Tips and Products 17:29 Lubricant vs Moisturiser in Healthcare 24:40 Menopause Hormone Guidance Update 27:56 Aromatase Inhibitors and Vaginal Oestrogen 35:16 Vaginal Oestrogen and Cancer Risk 37:29 Medication Non-Compliance in Medical Studies 42:26 Menopause Care and GP Options Get your copy of Navigating Menopause After Cancer here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Navigating-Menopause-After-Cancer-comprehensive/dp/1068499907 [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Navigating-Menopause-After-Cancer-comprehensive/dp/1068499907] Find out more about Dr Macbeth here: https://healthinmenopause.co.uk/meet-the-team/ [https://healthinmenopause.co.uk/meet-the-team/] Connect with us: For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org [https://www.menopauseandcancer.org] Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer [https://www.instagram.com/menopause_and_cancer/] Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub [https://www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub/]

Welcome back to The Menopause and Cancer Podcast. Today, I’m joined by someone whose work has made a massive impact on our community — Mr. Vikram Talaulikar, Consultant in Reproductive Medicine and Associate Professor at UCL. He’s helped shape a groundbreaking part of my book: the table outlining the safety of HRT after all types of cancer.  In this episode, we explore what it’s really like to come off HRT after a cancer diagnosis — something some describe as a huge worry. We also hear from Rachel and Jo, two fab women from our community who share their experiences with you. You can find Rachel here https://midlifeinterrupted.com/ [https://midlifeinterrupted.com/] and Jo here https://www.instagram.com/jomenneernutrition/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/jomenneernutrition/?hl=en]  We talk about: * Why stopping HRT can feel so traumatic * Whether it’s safer to stop suddenly or wean off slowly * What non-hormonal options are available — from medications to CBT and complementary therapies * How we can better support survivors facing this experience We also talk about the survey I’ve launched with Mr. Talaulikar and Dr. Basel Watter, which is helping us better understand the experiences of people who navigate menopause. If that’s you, please take part.  The link is here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=8y1ywoOIqkup1ZOI4kKt2B5ITslOQvhElyTxa010jzlUNTdRRFNaRkJBWkk1UzNOTDRaMUE3RDdaTiQlQCN0PWcu [https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=8y1ywoOIqkup1ZOI4kKt2B5ITslOQvhElyTxa010jzlUNTdRRFNaRkJBWkk1UzNOTDRaMUE3RDdaTiQlQCN0PWcu]  And I’ll be sharing a few powerful stories from members of our community who know this pain firsthand. If you're a healthcare professional, Navigating Menopause After Cancer may be a really valuable resource for your practice — and yes, every chapter is fully referenced: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Navigating-Menopause-After-Cancer-comprehensive/dp/1068499907 Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 03:45 HRT Post-Cancer  11:23 Stopping HRT Gradually or Suddenly 16:56 Exploring Non-Hormonal Treatment Options 19:18 Navigating Post-Menopause Cancer Challenges 21:45 Rachel’s story 23:40 Jo’s Story Connect with us: For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org [https://www.menopauseandcancer.org] Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer [https://www.instagram.com/menopause_and_cancer/] Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub [https://www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub/]

If you’re looking for strength, perspective, or just a dose of hope — this episode is for you. In today’s conversation, you’ll hear from someone who’s walked through the unimaginable and come out shining. You’ll feel inspired, understood, and reminded that even in the hardest times, there is resilience, connection, and possibility. I’m joined by the incredible Ellie Waters — a cancer survivor, now medical student, and bold advocate for young people navigating menopause after treatment. Ellie was a teenager when she was diagnosed with a rare soft-tissue cancer, and her treatment pushed her into early menopause. Ellie has turned that experience into something extraordinary: using her voice and advocacy to break down stigma, raise awareness, and support others going through the unimaginable. We talk about: * What it’s like going through menopause as a teenager * The emotional and physical challenges no one prepares you for * Sex, intimacy, and identity after cancer — including Ellie’s brilliant campaigns with Macmillan * The power of sharing your story — and what Ellie wants others to know Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 03:05 Cancer Inspired Medical Career Path 08:54 Family Support During Cancer Journey 10:48 Withheld Prognosis for Ellie’s Benefit 18:49 Hidden Challenges of Menopause 20:03 Desiring Better Menopause Education 26:23 "Healthcare Frustration Spurs Private Treatment" 32:44 Prioritising Health Over Social Norms 35:50 Speaking Out on Post-Cancer Intimacy 44:04 Inspiring Awareness Find Ellie here https://www.instagram.com/teamellie_blog/ [https://www.instagram.com/teamellie_blog/] Ellie’s Campaign for MacMillan https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/stories-and-media/stories/ellie-on-cancer-treatment-and-the-effect-on-sex-and-intimacy [https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/stories-and-media/stories/ellie-on-cancer-treatment-and-the-effect-on-sex-and-intimacy] Buy a copy of my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Navigating-Menopause-After-Cancer-comprehensive/dp/1068499907 [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Navigating-Menopause-After-Cancer-comprehensive/dp/1068499907] Connect with us: For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org [https://www.menopauseandcancer.org] Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer [https://www.instagram.com/menopause_and_cancer/] Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub [https://www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub/]

Today I’m joined by the brilliant Dr Alison Macbeth, one of the most incredible menopause doctors of our generation, who supports our cancer community. Alison has been instrumental in shaping some of the most important chapters in my new book, Navigating Menopause After Cancer — especially those on vaginal oestrogen and the many non-hormonal treatment options available to cancer survivors. But during the process of helping me with the book, Alison herself was diagnosed with breast cancer. We talk about what it’s like to cross over — from being the doctor, to becoming the patient.  We explore how her diagnosis shifted her perspective and what it’s taught her. We also talk about the importance of friendship, support systems, and what really matters when you’re on the receiving end of care. It’s an honour to share this conversation with you — and I hope it reminds you, like it reminded me, that none of us are alone in this. Thank you for listening — and as always, please share this episode with someone who needs it. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 04:34 Breast Cancer Screening Anxiety 10:53 Women's Support Crucial in Struggles 15:13 Emotional Struggles and Recovery Journey 26:41 "Informed Consent Lacking for Women" 28:47 Choosing Endocrine Treatment Wisely 30:37 "Mental Struggles in Treatment" 34:28 "Understanding Personal Impact Varieties" Order the book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Navigating-Menopause-After-Cancer-comprehensive/dp/1068499907 [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Navigating-Menopause-After-Cancer-comprehensive/dp/1068499907]  Dr Alison Macbeth’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_alison_macbeth/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/dr_alison_macbeth/?hl=en] Join Alison for the Kilt Walk 14th Sept: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/edinburghkiltwalk [https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/edinburghkiltwalk] Connect with us: For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org [https://www.menopauseandcancer.org] Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer [https://www.instagram.com/menopause_and_cancer/] Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub [https://www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub/]