The Menopause and Cancer Podcast

Episode 209 - Beyond the Pink - Anal Cancer, Menopause & Awareness Day

On this episode of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast, we’re marking Anal Cancer Awareness Day (21 March) by shining a light on a cancer that is often misunderstood, stigmatised, and rarely talked about. Anal cancer is caused by HPV, just like cervical cancer, yet it doesn’t receive the same awareness or open conversation. It might not feel as “pink” or as socially comfortable to talk about as breast cancer. It’s not a cancer that gets glossy campaigns or big awareness drives. There’s often stigma. There’s embarrassment. There’s silence. And that silence can leave people feeling incredibly alone. I’m joined by Ali, who shares her honest experience of being diagnosed with anal cancer; what treatment involved, the physical and emotional impact, and how it affected her confidence, menopause and sexual wellbeing. We also explore an important question: can treatment for anal cancer induce menopause? Pelvic radiotherapy and chemotherapy can affect ovarian function, sometimes triggering sudden or early menopause. We discuss what that means, and whether HRT or local oestrogen may be options. This episode is about inclusion. It’s about making sure everyone — regardless of cancer type — feels seen in menopause conversations. If you’ve ever felt that your cancer isn’t the “right” kind to talk about, this episode is for you. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 04:33 Cancer Diagnosis: Fear and Isolation 12:15 "Stage 3 Cancer Challenges" 14:32 "Breaking Stigma Around Cancer" 23:22 "Menopause, HRT, and Cancer Journey" 27:07 Burnout, Anxiety, and Menopause Journey 30:36 "Pelvic Radiotherapy: Long-Term Impacts" 36:01 "Barbie Butt: Finding Joy Amid Struggles" 41:38 "Menopause, Cancer, and Support Gaps" About our guest Ali: Ali Stripling is a qualified Menopause Wellness Practitioner who was diagnosed with Stage 3 anal cancer in October 2024. She now speaks in workplaces about menopause, cancer and life in remission. Ali is also the author of #TweakAWeek, a practical framework helping perimenopausal women make positive changes without overwhelm. https://www.linkedin.com/in/alistripling/ Links: Macmillan Anal Cancer Support Forum: https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/anal-cancer-forum [https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/anal-cancer-forum] The Farrah Fawcett Foundation https://thefarrahfawcettfoundation.org/ [https://thefarrahfawcettfoundation.org/] This podcast episode was supported by an unrestricted grant from Incyte Biosciences. Incyte had no involvement in the development, content, or editorial review of the activities associated with this initiative. 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 208 - Fatigue: Why Am I Still So Tired? Is It Menopause or Something Else?

One of the hardest things about fatigue after cancer is not knowing what’s causing it. Is it the lasting impact of cancer treatment? Is it menopause? Is it hormone therapy — or all of it together? For many people, it’s impossible to tease apart, and that uncertainty alone can be exhausting. And please don’t tell me to ‘do less’ to feel better! Fatigue is one of the most common and most misunderstood long-term effects of cancer and its treatment. Many people are told it’s “normal”, something they just have to live with. But for those experiencing it, this exhaustion can be overwhelming, persistent, and life-limiting. In this episode, Dani is joined by Dr. Jessa Landman, a leading naturopathic doctor specialising in integrative oncology. Together they unpack what cancer-related fatigue really is — and how menopause can intensify it further. Together, they explore why this fatigue is not the same as everyday tiredness, why rest alone often doesn’t help, and how hormonal changes, endocrine therapy, disrupted sleep, emotional load and identity loss can all layer on top of each other. This conversation is about validation, understanding, and practical ways forward! You can find more information about Dr Jessa Landman here: Website: https://drjessalandmann.com/ [https://drjessalandmann.com/] Pre-order Jessa’s new Book: https://www.wiley.com/en-ca/Beyond+Cancer+Fatigue%3A+A+Path+to+Reclaiming+Energy-p-9781394381371 [https://www.wiley.com/en-ca/Beyond+Cancer+Fatigue%3A+A+Path+to+Reclaiming+Energy-p-9781394381371] You can find Dani’s Book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’ here: https://amzn.eu/d/0d9bgNBU [https://amzn.eu/d/0d9bgNBU] It is now also available as an audiobook! Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 06:32 "Complementary Care for Cancer Recovery" 12:19 Enduring Fatigue and Recovery Struggles 15:31 Cancer Fatigue vs Exhaustion 17:40 Understanding Individual Health Needs 20:49 "Food and Lifestyle as Medicine" 25:27 Sleep Issues Post-Cancer Treatment 29:22 Muscle, Nutrition, and Energy Balance 33:15 Exercise: Finding What Works 36:26 "Menopause Fatigue and Herbal Remedies" 42:07 "Wellness Foundations and Options" 47:34 "Menopause Fatigue: 3P 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 207 - Why Menopause After Cancer Comes With Grief

Grief isn’t a ‘real menopause symptom’, I know, but… how can I host a podcast for people affected by cancer and not talk about grief! Grief isn’t only about losing someone we love. It can also mean the loss of fertility, the loss of identity when our bodies and sexuality feel unfamiliar, the loss of certainty about our future, or even the loss of trust in a body that feels changed by treatment. And grief comes up in most of our conversations! So in this episode, I am joined by therapeutic coach Henny Flynn to talk about it. Henny runs our Empowered Menopause After Cancer programs, and she is an incredible coach with so much wisdom and knowledge. Subscribe to our Menopause And Cancer newsletter: https://menopauseandcancer.aweb.page/p/4cfed538-bdea-4608-b0bf-d35f26bfa946 [https://menopauseandcancer.aweb.page/p/4cfed538-bdea-4608-b0bf-d35f26bfa946] If you want to learn more about how you can tackle some of your most stubborn menopause symptoms, get a copy of Dani’s book here: https://amzn.eu/d/bjU18OM [https://amzn.eu/d/bjU18OM] Other Episodes with Henny: Ep 110 - Fierce and Practical Self-Compassion: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ep-110-fierce-and-practical-self-compassion/id1631842514?i=1000660975386 [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ep-110-fierce-and-practical-self-compassion/id1631842514?i=1000660975386] Episode 162 - Beyond Being Strong: Self-Compassion and the Realities of Life After Cancer: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/episode-162-beyond-being-strong-self-compassion-and/id1631842514?i=1000710207943 [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/episode-162-beyond-being-strong-self-compassion-and/id1631842514?i=1000710207943] Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 07:42 Empowered Menopause Support Gap 18:17 Facing Grief with Compassion 21:33 Survivor or Victim: Embracing Grief 25:34 Navigating Grief and Uncertainty 28:47 The Weight of Constant Grief 35:04 "Walk, Talk, Heal Together" 37:32 "Bravery and Self-Compassion" 39:36 "Addressing Grief as Actionable" 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 206 - Tamoxifen and Aromatase Inhibitors: The Side Effects No One Warns You About

What happens after active cancer treatment ends, when you’re sent on your way with hormone therapy such as tamoxifen or Aromatase Inhibitors and expected to just get on with life? I’m joined by oncologist Claire Macaulay, a breast oncologist whose work focuses on what happens when patients fall off what she powerfully describes as the “treatment conveyor belt.” We’re also joined by a whole group of people from our community who will inform how this session goes. Together we explore: 1. When oncology appointments end, but the impact of hormone treatments on daily life is only just beginning. 2. Why so many people struggle to stay on Tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors 3. How side effects can impact quality of life, relationships, and sexual wellbeing, and why up to half of patients don’t complete their prescribed course. 4. How to know the unique benefit for you of being on these treatments This is a compassionate, practical conversation about treatment-induced menopause, being believed when side effects are severe, and how better support could help people stay on treatment without suffering in silence. Please leave us a review for the podcast - it means the world to us You can also leave a review here: https://g.page/r/CY_ucIbbJqWMEAI/review Dani’s book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’ https://amzn.eu/d/0eYDBEt [https://amzn.eu/d/0eYDBEt] Blog post mention: https://menopauseandcancer.org/menopause-post-cancer-relief-from-hot-flushes-and-night-sweats/ [https://menopauseandcancer.org/menopause-post-cancer-relief-from-hot-flushes-and-night-sweats/] Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 11:48 "Managing Breast Cancer Recurrence Risk" 18:12 Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Hormones 25:09 "Balancing Cancer Treatment and Quality" 31:46 Longevity, Menopause, and Health Concerns 35:02 Menopause, Cancer, and Conflicting Advice 42:40 "Diagnostic Holiday for Symptoms" 48:52 Tamoxifen vs Aromatase: Bone Health 51:26 "Managing Medication Washout Decisions" 01:00:09 Managing Night Sweats and Sleep 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 205 - Keep Going: Finding Strength After Cancer

If you’re feeling low on motivation to start exercising or to keep up the good work, this episode is for you. In this episode, I’m joined by Christine. Christine is here to remind you that even when life changes overnight, strength, movement and hope can still be found. Christine had to relearn how to walk after cancer and then to relearn how to cycle. Just one month after lung surgery, she took part in Tour de 4, founded by Chris Hoy. She cycled 38 miles and raised over £10,000 for Cancer Research UK, as part of an event that raised more than £3 million for cancer charities. Amazing! In this conversation, we talk about finding motivation after life-altering treatment, using movement as medicine, and focusing on the here and now. If you’re inspired, join us for our BOOST30 challenge in March or for a fundraising event later in the year. JOIN BOOST30: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/Boost30 [https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/Boost30] GET INVOLVED: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/ [https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/] To sponsor Christine's next event, go here: https://gofund.me/16fe7fc67 [https://gofund.me/16fe7fc67] Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 06:06 Post-Cancer Recovery Challenges 07:51 "Facing Cancer with Resilience" 12:17 Thriving as Amputee and Survivor 19:01 "Monumental Charity Event Experience" 23:21 Adapting to Running with Prosthetics 27:23 "Embracing Change, Winging It" 28:30 Couch to 5K and Community 33:13 Boost30 Challenge: Empower & 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/]