Episode 220 - What are my rights? Working with cancer and menopause

Episode 224 - Turmeric After Cancer: Have We Got It Wrong? With Professor Robert Thomas

Can turmeric really help with joint pain, inflammation and gut health after cancer? And why are so many people being told to avoid it? In this fascinating conversation, I sit down with leading oncologist, researcher and integrative medicine expert Professor Robert Thomas to unpack the science behind turmeric, gut health and cancer recovery. Prof Thomas shares why he believes many patients are receiving outdated advice about turmeric, explains where concerns about tamoxifen interactions originated, and explores what the latest research actually tells us. Together, we discuss the role of gut health in long-term wellbeing, why exercise remains one of the most powerful tools available after cancer, and how lifestyle medicine can work alongside conventional cancer treatments. In this episode, we discuss: * The surprising evidence behind turmeric and cancer * Why turmeric became controversial in breast cancer care * The difference between turmeric, curcumin and supplements * Gut health, inflammation and the microbiome * Managing joint pain and menopausal symptoms after cancer * Exercise as a tool to improve cancer outcomes * How integrative oncology combines medical treatment with lifestyle strategies * Common myths surrounding supplements and cancer Resources * Keep Healthy: keep-healthy.com [http://keep-healthy.com] and https://keep-healthy.com/polyphenols/ [https://keep-healthy.com/polyphenols/] * Rob’s bestselling book "How to Live [https://www.keep-healthy.com/book]" Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 09:33 Discussing hormone therapy options 12:30 Discussing health and patient advocacy 15:00 Discussing menopause treatments 20:06 Turmeric's rise in health circles 22:24 Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits 24:21 Curcumin study and dosage discussion 28:01 Addressing turmeric's cancer misconceptions 32:28 Simplifying Supplement Choices About Prof Robert Thomas: Thomas is a Consultant Oncologist, Professor of Nutritional and Sports Science, author, researcher and Head of Integrative Oncology at UCLH. He has published extensively on lifestyle medicine, cancer prevention and survivorship, and is passionate about helping patients make informed decisions about their health using evidence-based approaches. He also leads a research unit that has designed landmark scientific studies [http://www.cancernet.co.uk/rthomas.htm] which provide the evidence that guide nutritionists, support groups, doctors and patients across the World. As well as mainstream oncology studies, the team focuses on randomised trials that evaluate the impact of exercise, diet, gut health and natural therapies on cancer, long covid [https://yourgutplus.com/gut-health-and-covid/] and exercise performance, menopause and cancer. This included 5 RCT's addressing hormone related symptons after breast cancer including patient choice as a primary end point. His latest two double blind RCTs, discovered that boosting dietary phytochemicals (with Yourphyto [https://yourphyto.com/]) and gut health (with Yourgutplus [https://yourgutplus.com/]) slowed prostate cancer progression [https://keep-healthy.com/prostate-nutrition-study/], improved erectile function and urinary symptoms [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2588931125002573] and improved three key biomarkers of longevity [https://www.mdpi.com/2673-9259/6/2/35]. 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/] Mentioned in this episode: Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/ Fundraiser Walk: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge

Episode 223 - Four Years, Hundreds of Conversations and One Big Question: What's Next?

Four years ago, I sat down and recorded the very first episode of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast. At the time, I had no idea what I was doing. I didn't know whether anyone would listen, whether I'd make it past a handful of episodes, or that four years later I'd still be here, talking to you every single week. What began as a simple idea, to create the menopause resource I desperately wished I'd had after cancer, has grown into something far bigger than I ever imagined. Over the last four years, we've shared hundreds of conversations with incredible experts, survivors, partners, advocates and healthcare professionals. Together we've explored symptoms, treatments, relationships, intimacy, identity, mental health, grief, hope and everything in between. The podcast has opened doors I never expected. It has led to friendships, opportunities, a bestselling book, healthcare professional training, events, retreats and the growth of Menopause and Cancer into a global movement. But perhaps the greatest gift has been you: your emails, messages and stories. Hosting this podcast has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. And the truth is, I think the podcast has changed me just as much as it has helped others. Over the last four years, life has changed, too. My daughters have grown up. I've become a founder, an author and somehow a CEO. I've gained confidence in some areas and lost it in others. I've learned new skills, made mistakes, changed my mind, needed reading glasses and realised that growth rarely happens in a straight line. Recently, I've been reflecting a lot on identity. For years, I was a yoga teacher. Then an advocate. Then a founder. Now a CEO. And yet, if I'm honest, I don't always feel like any of those labels fully fit anymore. Maybe you've felt that too? Are we constantly in transition? Perhaps that's why this moment feels important. Not because we've reached four years, but because it feels like the beginning of a new chapter. I've recently started a new project called Still Becoming: a kind of blog, and in many ways, this is how it all started for me. It's a space where I can share some of the conversations that don't always fit neatly into a Menopause and Cancer podcast episode: reflections on identity, motherhood, relationships, intimacy, purpose, building a charity and navigating all the messy, beautiful parts of being human. And because this next chapter isn't just about me, I'd love your help. I've created a short listener survey to help shape the future of the podcast. What have you loved? What has helped? What conversations are missing? What would you like more of? I'll also be inviting a small group of listeners to join me on a Zoom call on 9th July at 5pm so we can talk about the future together. For now, though, I simply want to say thank you. Thank you for listening. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for sharing your stories. Thank you for trusting me with them. Links Mentioned The Next Chapter - Shape the future of the show with me: https://forms.gle/cQ36jKzDFqY2p3qy6 [https://forms.gle/cQ36jKzDFqY2p3qy6] Join my blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?r=1osz6a&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page [https://substack.com/@danibinnington?r=1osz6a&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page] Buy the book “Navigating Menopause After Cancer” https://amzn.eu/d/0fPhc0tt [https://amzn.eu/d/0fPhc0tt] Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 03:35 Discovering Menopause Support Needs 09:20 Writing ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’ 13:00 The importance of audience feedback 14:57 Kate's experience with menopause and cancer 20:27 Navigating life after cancer 21:27 Still Becoming: Embracing Multiple Identities 25:07 Listener feedback session invitation 28:14 Podcast future plans announcement 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/] Mentioned in this episode: Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/

Episode 222 - “We Had To Learn Too” Cancer Care Nurses on Menopause After Cancer

In this inspiring episode, Dani is joined by two breast care clinical nurse specialists from Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to explore what’s possible when healthcare professionals truly listen, learn and work together to improve menopause care for women after cancer treatment. If you’re a patient, this is a must-listen so that you can set realistic expectations of what’s possible. If you’re a healthcare professional, you’ll be blown away by what Jaqcui and her team have achieved through hard work and persistence. Clinical Nurse Specialist Jacqui shares how she helped shape and evolve the support offered within her team around menopause after cancer, bringing colleagues together, opening up important conversations, and helping create more compassionate, informed care for patients navigating life after treatment. She is joined by her colleague, Christina for an honest discussion about what they’ve learned from patients over the years, the gaps they began to recognise, and the practical changes that can happen even within stretched NHS services and limited resources. Dani says, “Thank you for being utterly amazing!” Jaqcui and Christina mention Dani’s book and say how helpful it is for them. You can buy a copy here: https://amzn.eu/d/04P0N9FX [https://amzn.eu/d/04P0N9FX] And here is www.menopauseandcancer.org [http://www.menopauseandcancer.org] for more information and support. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 08:06 Addressing menopause post-cancer treatment 14:24 Learning from patient engagement 17:06 New prescribing practices in oncology 20:25 Discussing Tamoxifen Prescription Options 26:16 Discussing hormone therapy side effects 27:46 Discussing bone health in menopause 36:37 Challenges in patient care response 37:53 Menopause care post-cancer 42:44 Focusing on menopause and cancer 43:52 Planning patient support events 49:11 Empowering patient-doctor conversations 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/] Mentioned in this episode: Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/

Episode 221 - Who controls what happens between women’s legs after menopause

Who controls what happens between women’s legs after menopause? It’s a confronting question, but one that sits at the heart of this episode. In this short, powerful conversation, I am joined by menopause specialist and sexologist Dr Angela Wright to explore why so many women — particularly those who have had cancer — are still being denied access to vaginal and vulval oestrogen treatments. And why we’re not routinely having the conversation about sexual health after cancer treatment. Despite being widely recognised as one of the most effective and low-risk treatments for genitourinary symptoms of menopause (GSM), access remains incredibly low. Many women are left navigating pain, dryness, recurrent infections, loss of sexual function, and a deep impact on identity and relationships — often without being offered treatment. Or they’re told ‘no’. This episode explores: * Why are women not allowed to make an informed choice about their intimate health? * The realities of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) — and why it’s more than “just dryness” * The added complexity for women on treatments like aromatase inhibitors (e.g. Letrozole) * The emotional and relational impact of untreated symptoms * How history, culture, and medical caution continue to shape women’s access to care * The growing body of guidance suggesting low-dose vaginal hormones may be appropriate for many women, including after breast cancer * The balance between clinical responsibility and patient autonomy This is not a black-and-white conversation. It’s not about right or wrong. It’s an invitation — to think, to question, and to open up more honest, informed conversations between patients and healthcare professionals. Because at its core, is it about choice? Links mentioned in this episode: You can find Dr Wright here: https://spicedpearhealth.co.uk/about/ [https://spicedpearhealth.co.uk/about/] Sweetness of Venus: A history of the clitoris book https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sweetness-Venus-History-Clitoris/dp/B08W3NZ1H9 [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sweetness-Venus-History-Clitoris/dp/B08W3NZ1H9] Women’s Health Made Easy Book: for Healthcare Professionals, click here [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Womens-Health-Sonnenberg-accredited-specialist/dp/1914961641/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3QM3SH7225FZ1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xS2WDfW7cRp9Jhn1hENQt5-yYaDZde40pNe1zJs6toZtAL-QKw92UEpwjxA_F_oDDUWtZlaHIDoxguC7hwBA-DGKL3Xh82yQH0Wn0cXEQugghlAt1C7tDmfcDIiT8JkQPxHH6NDDQFzdAkjhASyvHx2yZ_tunbdi69NYa6dFnpRwysmpEypRk_GDzLdQFkYNF0tXwARXH_nhNFxlv5fatmDpU-nEt6pKT0Qyt64ZvDE.dr7WM9Dy1lTOSsfPBzKRNDuGZnhtMzfFo0OeeTbvO8c&dib_tag=se&keywords=women's+health+made+easy&qid=1777062099&sprefix=womens+health+made+easy,aps,105&sr=8-1] More information about vaginal oestrogen after breast cancer: https://menopauseandcancer.org/navigating-vaginal-oestrogen-after-breast-cancer-what-every-woman-needs-to-know/ [https://menopauseandcancer.org/navigating-vaginal-oestrogen-after-breast-cancer-what-every-woman-needs-to-know/] Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 05:36 Doctor's journey and women's health 08:17 Challenges of Menopause Treatment 10:32 Debating hormone prescription guidelines 14:25 Discussing medical trauma and autonomy 18:19 Discussing bodily agency and benefits 21:18 Reclaiming life after trauma 24:31 Understanding compliance with endocrine therapies 26:42 Valuing women's opinions in healthcare 29:48 Discussing erectile dysfunction post-cancer 34:39 Opening conversations on sexual health 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 220 - What are my rights? Working with cancer and menopause

Do you know your rights to work after a cancer diagnosis and with ongoing menopause symptoms? From navigating time off, to returning to work, to managing menopause symptoms in the workplace, it can feel overwhelming to know what your rights are and what support you should expect. I’m joined by Barbara Wilson, from Working With Cancer, who brings over 50 years of experience supporting people through cancer at work. Together, we break this down in a really practical way— so you can feel more informed and more confident in advocating for yourself. In this episode, we cover: * Whether cancer is automatically considered a disability under UK law * Your rights when returning to work after treatment * What a good return-to-work plan should actually look like * What “reasonable adjustments” mean — and real-life examples * What counts as discrimination in this context * How much do you need to disclose about your diagnosis (including when applying for a job) * Whether menopause is recognised as a disability under UK law * How treatment-induced menopause after cancer is considered in the workplace * Whether employers are expected to support menopause symptoms Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 06:31 Supporting employees with cancer 08:07 Discussing cancer diagnoses and menopause 13:38 Creating flexible workplace plans 15:29 Discussing cancer disclosure at work 20:23 Discussing return to work planning 22:00 Discussing phased return to work 28:48 Supporting employees with health challenges 31:22 Menopause and post-cancer life changes 37:16 Flexible work schedule adjustments 43:07 Reevaluating work after cancer diagnosis 44:39 Easing back into work 47:52 Disclosing cancer to an employer Link to Working with Cancer: https://workingwithcancer.co.uk/ [https://workingwithcancer.co.uk/] 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/]