The Menopause and Cancer Podcast

Episode 202 - Scanxiety and Menopause: Why It Feels So Intense (and What Can Help)

This week, we’re diving into something that so many of us know far too well — scanxiety. That mix of fear, worry, and sleepless nights that builds before routine scans can be overwhelming on its own… But when you add menopause after cancer into the mix, it can get even more intense. To help us unpack what’s really going on, I’m joined by Louise Baker, an applied neuroscience specialist who works with people recovering from brain tumours. Louise explains what happens inside the brain during moments of stress and fear, and shares practical tools to help manage scanxiety with more understanding and self-compassion. In this episode: 1. Why scanxiety happens and why it’s so normal 2. How menopause symptoms can make it worse — physically and emotionally 3. What’s going on in the brain during periods of stress 4. Practical, science-based tips to ease anxiety before and during scan time Whether you’re counting down the days to your next scan or supporting someone who is, this conversation is for you. You’re not alone. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 09:01 Fear, Neuroscience, and Interoception 10:37 "Living with Persistent Stress" 15:12 "Coping with Scanxiety" 18:02 "Kindness Cushion for Stress Relief" 22:52 Healthcare Admin Stress in NHS 32:53 Post-Cancer Uncertainty and Menopause 36:26 "Hyper-vigilance and Stress Response" 39:47 "Activating Calm Through Awareness" 42:44 "Manifesting Future Experiences" 48:02 "Anxiety Coping Techniques Explained" Here is more support from Louise: https://on.soundcloud.com/uXzBLOsnuFftph0uAs [https://on.soundcloud.com/uXzBLOsnuFftph0uAs] and https://whileiwait.uk/ [https://whileiwait.uk/] For more suport around FEAR with Louise, find episode 131 For more suport on Anxiety and everything you can do about it, go to Dani’s book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’ https://amzn.eu/d/0eYDBEt [https://amzn.eu/d/0eYDBEt] 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/]

Episode 201 - Sexual Health After Cancer Treatment: A Practical Show-And-Tell Guide

Episode 201 - Sexual Health After Cancer Treatment: A Practical Show-And-Tell Guide In this practical workshop, we focus on sexual health after cancer. This is a hands-on, show-and-tell session, designed to normalise conversations about sexual health and offer realistic options for managing discomfort after cancer, whether you’re navigating this alone or with a partner. We’ll look at dilators, compare vibrators and get into the nitty-gritty of it all! You’ll learn: 1. What Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is, and why it commonly occurs after cancer treatment 2. What practical, evidence-informed tools may help — including dilators, vibrators, sex toys and supportive pelvic aids. Dani and her guest expert Eleanor, will show you lots of options! 3. When and how these tools can be used safely, and how to choose what might be right for you As always, the focus is on choice, reassurance and empowerment, with no pressure and no one-size-fits-all solutions. Our expert is Eleanor Gardener from Pelvic Relief. You can find El here: https://pelvicrelief.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOopffFtQo419pC_DdXAL-7IYwjB487zJNSIyBqOqUHxfmzb91kdz [https://pelvicrelief.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOopffFtQo419pC_DdXAL-7IYwjB487zJNSIyBqOqUHxfmzb91kdz] 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/]

Episode 200 - Lifestyle Medicine for Menopause After Cancer/ Where to Start

In this empowering episode, Dani talks with Dr. Zainab Wasim, an Oncology Specialty Doctor and Board-Certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician, about how simple, evidence-based lifestyle changes can transform life after cancer. You will learn what lifestyle medicine actually is, how the key pillars: movement, nutrition, sleep, stress and social connection - can support recovery, and why starting small can make a real difference to how you feel. Dr. Zainab shares insights from her 12-week coaching pilot for breast cancer survivors, which achieved measurable improvements in wellbeing and confidence, and was featured by the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine. You’ll learn: 1. What lifestyle medicine is and why it matters after cancer 2. How each pillar can support menopause symptoms and survivorship 3. How to choose your first step without feeling overwhelmed 4. Why small, consistent actions create the biggest impact 5. Practical ways to bring lifestyle medicine into daily life Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 06:47 "Prioritising Patient Survivorship Support" 09:45 "Rise of Lifestyle Medicine" 16:09 Holistic Lifestyle Assessment Program 21:03 "Domino Effect of Cancer Support" 23:45 "Introducing Lifestyle Medicine Program" 25:28 Wellness Goals and Group Support 29:36 "Agency in Sustainable Programs" 38:54 Reframing Guilt Through Empowerment You can find Dr Zainab Wasim here on @doctorzainabwasim and here on her website: Zainab Wasim - Lifestyle Doc [https://www.drzainabwasim.com/] Start here with our Our YouTube Wellbeing Series [https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseandCancer?sub_confirmation=1] — guided meditations, breath work & mindfulness. Learn more: ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’ by Dani Binnington — Amazon link [https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1068499907?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_DYH5XQAK4HGJVE97H0D4_1&bestFormat=true] Menopause And Cancer website: www.menopauseandcancer.org [https://menopauseandcancer.org/] 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/]

Episode 199 - Your Personalised Menopause-After-Cancer Care Plan: A New Year Reset

In this New Year episode, Dani is joined once again by Dr Shilpa McQuillan, GP, gynaecologist and menopause specialist for an action-packed conversation that gives you the tools and confidence to build your own personalised menopause-after-cancer care plan. If you’ve ever felt lost in the system, unsure what to ask, or left to manage symptoms on your own, this episode will help you make sense of it all. Together, Dani and Shilpa break down what good care should look like, how clinicians can keep the door open even when HRT isn’t an option, and how you can advocate for yourself in appointments. We cover: • What a personalised menopause-after-cancer care plan includes • Key questions to ask — and red flags to look out for • How to look after your bone health, heart health, metabolic risk • Managing menopause symptoms without hormones • Complementary therapies, lifestyle adjustments and realistic strategies • GSM, sexual wellbeing, lubricants, moisturisers and dilators • Mental health support, screening tools and psychological therapies This is the episode to take notes on - a practical toolkit to help you start the year with clarity, confidence and a plan. If you’re new here, make sure you subscribe, we’ve got an incredible year coming up. And don’t forget to get your copy of Dani’s book, Navigating Menopause After Cancer, now a #1 bestseller https://amzn.eu/d/en8LLC9 [https://amzn.eu/d/en8LLC9] You can find Dr Shilpa McQuillan here on Instagram and https://www.instagram.com/berkshiremenopauseclinic/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/berkshiremenopauseclinic/?hl=en] and here on her website www.berkshiremenopauseclinic.com [http://www.berkshiremenopauseclinic.com] Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 08:51 "Supporting Patients Through Dialogue" 14:01 Individualised Approach to Menopause Symptoms 18:32 "Prioritising Patient Care with Follow-Ups" 22:56 Understanding HRT Beyond Initial Concerns 32:04 "Lifestyle Changes for Menopause Relief" 38:36 "HRT Benefits and Alternatives" 45:36 "Healthcare Awareness and Early Action" 50:56 Assessing Risk Factors in Care 56:02 Empowering Bone Health After Menopause 01:09:11 Anxiety During Menopause: Common Struggles 01:12:29 Practical Local Mental Health Support 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/]

Episode 198 - Making Sense of It All: Menopause After Cancer

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 [https://www.instagram.com/berkshiremenopauseclinic/?hl=en] and here on her website www.berkshiremenopauseclinic.com [http://www.berkshiremenopauseclinic.com] For more support head to www.menopauseandcancer.org [http://www.menopauseandcancer.org] Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 04:38 Menopause Symptoms Overlooked in Cancer 07:53 Clinicians' Fears: Uncertainty and Blame 12:11 "Long-Term Cancer Treatment Challenges" 17:03 Cancer Worries and Holistic Challenges 21:25 "Communication is Key for Care" 23:28 Patient Advocacy and Information Struggles 34:32 Navigating Specialist Pathways Effectively 38:29 Empowering Menopause Health Strategies 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/]