The Menopause and Cancer Podcast

Welcome to this special Christmas Day episode of the Menopause and Cancer Podcast. For many of us—cancer survivors navigating treatment-induced menopause—this day might not feel like the picture-perfect celebration we see in movies or on social media. And that’s okay. In today’s episode, I want to turn celebrating on it’s head - and celebrate YOU.  Let’s take a moment to pause, breathe, and reflect on what it means to celebrate ourselves. Whether you’re feeling gratitude, exhaustion, or something in between, this is your gentle reminder that you are enough just as you are. * What does “celebration” really mean on a day like today? * Why it’s okay if today doesn’t feel joyful, and how we can find moments of peace. * Reframing Christmas: turning the focus inward and celebrating your resilience, strength, and small wins. * Wrapping yourself in warmth—literally and figuratively—and filling up your own cup. Make sure you are signed up to our Newsletter HERE [https://menopauseandcancer.aweb.page/p/4cfed538-bdea-4608-b0bf-d35f26bfa946] Episode Highlights: 00:00 Celebrating quiet strength over hustle and tradition. 05:03 Menopause post-cancer impact underestimated; needs support. 07:36 What does celebration mean to you today? 11:24 Feeling detached yet grateful during a family celebration. 14:39 Celebrate yourself with affirmations and self-care. 19:48 Disconnecting from the body impedes true enjoyment. 21:53 Embrace being the proud, empowered, "difficult" woman. 25:49 Celebration for you, unity, connections, and healing. 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/]

This is perhaps the most important practice of 2024. By taking time out for yourself, you’ll be in awe of everything you’ve achieved and overcome this year – you’ll be in awe of yourself. I will guide you through a series of structured questions to help you reflect on the past year and begin looking ahead to the new year with purpose and intention. But don’t worry – we’re absolutely not here to set New Year’s resolutions. This is about something far more meaningful: discovering what truly matters to you and figuring out your priorities in a thoughtful and intentional way. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 07:13 Reflect on events from January 2024 onward. 15:15 Reflect on key life areas: home, mind, and body. 22:06 Reflect on personal growth, challenges, and achievements. 29:13 Did you connect with and care for your body? 40:41 Reflect on personal growth and supportive actions. 55:54 Affirmations nurture self-care and self-acceptance. 58:00 Place affirmations in daily spaces for positivity. 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/]

Today’s 15-minute Yoga Nigra will help you ease anxiety. Welcome to the Menopause and Cancer Podcast Wellbeing Series where we share practical tools to help you heal and recover through and beyond cancer. In this series, we share practical tools to help you release anxiety, improve sleep, reduce stress, and feel more present—through many tools such as meditation and more, all brought to you by our community. Take a moment to relax and rejuvenate. Do not listen while driving. Meditation and mindful movement are powerful tools to support you. This is not a substitute for medical care. Consult a doctor or trusted health professional if needed. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 00:35 Yoga Nidra with Louisa Rasmussen Dr. Shelley Latte-Naor from MSKCC Cancer Center in NYC shares the evidence for the benefit of yoga nidra with us: there is some evidence supportive of the use of yoga in general and yoga nidra in particular both in the menopausal space as well as in cancer survivors.  •   A recent review ( PMID: 37489597) synthesizing the evidence on Yoga Nidra and found benefits in reducing stress, improving mood, enhancing well-being, and improving sleep quality. •   At least two systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PMCID: PMC6980280 and PMCID: PMC6980280) yoga significantly improved hot flashes, total menopausal symptoms, sleep quality, anxiety, depressive symptoms, body mass index, and blood pressure. •   There is also plenty of research of the benefits of yoga with meditative techniques for cancer survivorship. For example large randomized controlled trial ( PMCID: PMC9990873) demonstrated that yoga significantly improved cancer-related fatigue (CRF), physical activity, and quality of life among cancer survivors.  •   In addition to that there's also recent evidence both in the cancer population and in the general population that yoga can improve sleep quality (PMCID: PMC3757292) .  Resources: Go to www.menopauseandcancer.org to join our expert-led workshops, programs and find oodles of inspiration. Recorded for you by Louisa Rasmussen www.breathebalancebe.com Instagram @louisa.breathebalancebe

Feel like you’ve lost your confidence since cancer treatment induced menopause? In this empowering episode, I want to explore the journey of rebuilding confidence after cancer treatment and through menopause. Lack of confidence and loss of self-worth is something we are all too familiar with as we navigate life after cancer and of course the lack of hormones play a part too. I dive into how these life-altering experiences can challenge your sense of self and provide practical tools to help you rise above self-doubt and embrace your strengths.  From managing body image struggles to finding your voice again, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you thrive. Whether you’re navigating treatment-induced menopause, recovering from cancer, or supporting someone on this journey, this episode is for you. Let’s talk about overcoming challenges and rediscovering the amazing person you are. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro. 06:19 Brain fog impairs competence and concentration significantly. 09:44 Cancer can result in self-doubt and distrust in body. 13:50 Overcoming struggles: regain confidence through support. 17:15 Focus on strengths, set manageable goals. 20:05 Overthinking causes exhaustion and lack of confidence. 22:04 Confidence dwindled over years, impacting aspirations. 27:41 Celebrate small successes; utilise reminders and strategies. 29:29 Feeling unworthy, judged, anxious, insecure, sober. 40:02 Embrace emotional growth; CBT strategies can help. 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 conversation, I want to share with you one of the most incredible people, coach Carly Moosah who I had the pleasure of getting to know over the last few years. Carly shares her journey through breast cancer with us, reflecting on lessons in gratitude, joy, and living fully. She talks about her diagnosis, the fear of cancer she had before she was diagnosed even - but most importantly, she shares her journey to finding meaning and fulfilment in every waking day. And now, we can do it too! Enjoy this beautiful conversation. You can find Carly here: https://www.instagram.com/carlymoosah/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/carlymoosah/?hl=en] “Where focus goes, energy flows. And where energy flows, whatever you're focusing on grows. In other words, your life is controlled by what you focus on. That's why you need to focus on where you want to go, not on what you fear.” Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro. 07:42 Reframing cancer's impact. 10:55 Cancer diagnosis strengthened my gratitude for life. 14:03 Meditation challenge helped during breast cancer diagnosis. 19:52 Rollerblading restored my joy post-surgery. 31:04 Difficult days are between active treatments. 36:04 Compassion-focused therapy reshaped my understanding and mindset. 39:31 Cultivate compassion through meditation and journaling. 40:23 Allow feelings space; acknowledge all emotions. 44:42 Prioritise self-compassion and simple restorative activities. 48:37 Be kind to yourself during challenging times. 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/]