The Menopause and Cancer Podcast

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/]

Episode 197 - Reflections, Laughter & Gratitude: Our Christmas Eve Special

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/6Q6Lkp5vk2ILPYKxz Wherever 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 Highlights 16:58 The Power of Shared Connection 21:55 "Reflecting on Remarkable Moments" 25:49 "Overcoming Fears Through Support" 29:30 Connecting with Healthcare Professionals 34:20 Mindfulness & Fundraising Initiatives 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 196 - From GSM to Tantra - A Story of Discovering Pleasure After Cancer

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 Mechanics Beyond Patriarchal Sex Devashi Shakti And some websites to explore: Shamanickink.com [http://shamanickink.com/]. Francesca Gentille and Shadi Terra DancemeetsTantra.com [http://dancemeetstantra.com/] Spencer Jacobson TaoTantricArts.com [http://taotantricarts.com/] Shashi Solluna and Minke de Voss Here is Cay’s email in case you want to connect: caychandler@hotmail.com [caychandler@hotmail.com] And 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 Relief 15:33 "Challenges, Healing, and Diagnosis" 18:51 "Redefining Intimacy After Chemo" 22:17 Cultivating Self-Pleasure 35:14 Healing Power of Kink 38:23 "Safe Space for Transformative Connection" 43:07 Midlife Women Exploring Sexuality 46:17 Healing Through Movement and Expression 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/]