The Menopause and Cancer Podcast

Welcome to a special crossover episode of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast. Today’s episode is a little different. I’m joined by Shelley Syme — a young breast cancer survivor and the host of One Lump or Two, a brilliant podcast exploring life after cancer. Instead of recording two separate interviews, we hit record together and are sharing this conversation across both of our shows. We dive into: * Body image and body confidence after cancer treatment * Dating with one boob * What it really takes to feel sexy again in a changed body * Using creativity to challenge beauty norms and reclaim power Shelley uses photography as a powerful tool to confront body image pressures and celebrate body positivity. In her iconic image series — think Marilyn Monroe on the cover of Vogue, but with Shelley’s twist and her beautiful body exactly as it is now — she blends humour, art, and honesty to reshape how we view cancer survivorship. This episode is for anyone who’s ever looked in the mirror and wondered, “How do I learn to love this version of me?” You can find Shelley here: https://www.instagram.com/shelleyjsyme/ [https://www.instagram.com/shelleyjsyme/] And remember to follow the show to never miss an episode! Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 09:03 Menopause Neglect in Cancer Treatment 11:12 Menopause and Cancer: Navigating Risks 17:12 Menopause Challenges in the Workplace 20:59 Struggling with Post-Cancer Self-Image 27:10 Intimacy Challenges Post-Menopause 30:35 Life Modelling Boosts Confidence 38:56 Focused Support for Cancer Survivors 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 172 - It’s Not HRT or Herbal – It’s What Works for You In today’s episode, I’m doing something a little different. I’ve pulled together five short clips from past episodes of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast — covering everything from HRT after breast cancer, to herbal treatments, sleep support, and even intimacy after cancer. Why? Because this week, my book Navigating Menopause After Cancer is officially at the printers — and I still can’t quite believe it! I wanted to share a little preview of what’s inside. These clips reflect the heart of the book: a holistic menopause after cancer toolkit with real expert advice, real options, and the belief that no one approach is better than another. It’s about finding what’s safe, what’s effective, and what works for you. I always go to the right expert for the right topic — because that’s how we build truly trustworthy knowledge. I wouldn’t ask a cancer exercise specialist to talk about herbs, and I wouldn’t ask a herbalist about surgical recovery. Each voice in today’s mash-up speaks from the experience in their field. These are just a few of the amazing contributors to the podcast — and I’m proud to say that over 20 brilliant doctors and specialists contributed to the actual book. Below, I have linked all the full YouTube videos from the short clips. Just click on the words: Exercise [https://youtu.be/n8WDtAM-lrg?si=Gtti4Br4gx477NzN], Herbal Medicine [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGaWxMTpEb4&list=PLsUEBZ4Zwowqe6ntVorUkW4bq9DxLRGuf&index=8], Sleep [https://youtu.be/RtiZWpildiw?si=BeiEFs7PGGjFbgm_], HRT after breast cancer [https://youtu.be/Fna6g-zJcC0?si=YIstgoeYQDd11iPE], Intimacy [https://youtu.be/4nLolXf-vdc?si=6sI2V-EnpWlEZbxj] And finally, you can buy a copy of Navigating Menopause After Cancer super soon - keep your eyes peeled! Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 05:53 "Exercise Boosts Sleep, Reduces Depression" 07:54 Herbal Medicine Insights for Cancer Survivors 10:55 Phytoestrogens: Potential Cancer Benefits 13:49 "Zoe's Sleep Improvement Tips" 18:37 Navigating HRT Conversations After Cancer 22:55 Shared Decision-Making in HRT 27:21 Challenging Emotional Complexity Perceptions  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 final bonus episode before book launch day (hopefully!), I reflect on the bravery it takes to write and publish a book, and the courage and bravery I see in every member of our Menopause and Cancer community. That is you! To start celebrating, I am joined by the brilliant Jane, a community member who turned her life around after cancer-induced menopause cost her four corporate jobs. Jane found her voice through poetry, and now performs on stage, sharing her story with raw honesty, humour, and heart. In this episode, we talk about why showing up as your authentic self is the bravest thing you can do!  How Jane found creativity, confidence, and community after cancer. And make sure to listen to the end, Jane shares a heartfelt poem that’ll make you laugh — and maybe blush! Don’t miss next week’s episode, where I will share all the exciting launch details for my book Navigating Menopause After Cancer — and how you can be part of this movement. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 10:57 "Jane's Confidence Amid Life Challenges" 16:03 "Breaking Free from Self-Limitation" 21:02 Jane's Brave Authenticity 23:03 Poem, “To All Those Who Have Found Me Inappropriate and Unprofessional” 26:18 "Embracing Contradictions and Freedom" 28:07 "Cancer: Cracking Under Pressure" 32:34 Poem for “Unlikable Women” 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 powerful episode, Dani explores what happens when cancer changes everything, including your career. Whether it’s out of necessity or a deep desire to follow a new path, many of us find ourselves questioning what’s next after treatment. Together with Philippa and Kerry, two community members, they explore what happens during time off, what happens when we return to work, and what they've learned along the way. Expect real talk, courage, and plenty of inspiration. Because starting again isn’t easy – but it is possible. Philippa mentions getting together at the Kent Challenge - you can find more information here https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/kentdownsultrachallenge [https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/kentdownsultrachallenge] Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 04:05 Chemo Fear: Hair Loss and Identity 11:39 Fertility Concerns Amid Cancer Treatment 19:42 "Coping with Menopause After Cancer" 22:45 Unexpected Resilience Amid Cancer Battle 26:00 BRCA Genes and Life-Altering Choices 30:11 Adjusting Post-Cancer Treatment 34:33 Career Reflections 35:48 Navigating Cancer While Working NHS 50:11 Embrace Courage and Future Choices 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 to our fourth special bonus edition of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast, where I take you behind the scenes of writing Navigating Menopause After Cancer.  In today’s episode, I will share with you the incredible story - and this can’t be a coincidence - of how the cover came to life. It was truly at this point that this book truly became a book from the community, for the community.  Dani’s guest and the designer of the beautiful cover for the book is Laura - you can find more information here https://www.laurawoussen.co.uk/ [https://www.laurawoussen.co.uk/] I’m so glad you’re here. It’s getting so close.  Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 02:02 How Dani and Laura met 08:02 Nerves before the publisher meeting 12:00 Book Production: A Complex Journey 13:15 Laura’s cancer journey  23:47 Creating boundaries within family 32:10 Coping with cancer anniversary 35:31 Renaming the book 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/]