The Menopause and Cancer Podcast

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/]

Episode 195 - Living With and Beyond Cancer featuring Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara from Rad Chat

This week’s episode is a special collaboration with the brilliant team from Rad Chat; the multi-award-winning, first therapeutic radiographer–led oncology podcast. And they’re with us on the show today! Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara bring decades of frontline cancer experience, and in this joint conversation we explore menopause after cancer from both the patient and clinician perspective. Together, we discuss: * Why menopause after cancer is so often overlooked in oncology * What clinicians are seeing in their day-to-day practice * How communication can improve so patients feel heard, supported and safe * What needs to change for future generations If you’ve ever wished your oncology team better understood the impact of treatment-induced menopause, this episode is full of “finally, someone is saying this out loud” moments.  You’ll love this one! A huge thank you to Naman and Jo for collaborating with us. Find the Rad Chat podcast here: www.radchat.co.uk [http://www.radchat.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/] CPD Reflection Points: 1. Reflect on your understanding of the relationship between menopause and cancer. Consider how this may influence the way you signpost patients for support. 2. Consider how effectively you recognise and manage the physical and emotional impact of treatment-induced or early menopause in people living with and beyond cancer, and what could you do differently to support their wellbeing? 3. Read the Menopause and Cancer survey [https://menopauseandcancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Menopause-and-Cancer-Survey-Results.pdf] results. 4. Read the symptoms [https://thebms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/17-BMS-TfC-What-is-the-menopause-AUGUST2023-A.pdf] of Menopause. Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form [https://bit.ly/3GbtR1X]. Links from the Episode: * Menopause and Cancer [https://menopauseandcancer.org/] * Navigating Menopause After Cancer: A comprehensive, empowering guide to all your treatment options, where to get help and how to feel better [https://amzn.eu/d/2DiFwIL] * Menopause Support UK [https://menopausesupport.co.uk/] * British Menopause Society [https://thebms.org.uk/] * The Menopause charity [https://themenopausecharity.org/] * Menopause Matters [https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/] Research links from the Episode: * Menopausal hormone therapy and incidence, mortality, and survival of breast cancer subtypes: a prospective cohort study [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13058-024-01897-4] * Menopausal hormone therapy and breast cancer risk: a population-based cohort study of 1.3 million women in Norway [https://www.nature.com/articles/s41416-024-02590-1] * The influence of menopause age on gynecologic cancer risk: a comprehensive analysis using NHANES data [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11851290/] * BMI and breast cancer risk around age at menopause [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1877782124000249] * Hormone Replacement Therapy and Risks of Various Cancers in Postmenopausal Women with De Novo or a History of Endometriosis [https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/4/809] * Menopausal Hormone Therapy in Breast Cancer Survivors [https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/19/3267] * Menopause age and cancer risk is influenced by rare genetic variants [https://www.nature.com/articles/s41594-024-01434-z] Menopause and Cancer Links: * Menopause and Cancer  [https://menopauseandcancer.org/] * Navigating Menopause After Cancer: A comprehensive, empowering guide to all your treatment options, where to get help and how to feel better [https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1068499907?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_XT6SNKW9BF59DCKME55N&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_XT6SNKW9BF59DCKME55N&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_XT6SNKW9BF59DCKME55N&bestFormat=true] Rad Chat Links: * Rad Chat Website [http://www.radchat.co.uk/] * Link Tree [https://linktr.ee/radchat] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/RadChatPodcast/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rad__chat/] * LinkedIn [https://uk.linkedin.com/company/radtalk] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@rad_chat] * BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/radchat.bsky.social] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@radchat2259] Credits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-imaging/] and Adam Cooke [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-cooke-2b9502216/].

Episode 194 - The Double Whammy: When Cancer Means Coming Off HRT

Being diagnosed with cancer is life-changing. But being told you have to stop HRT too? It’s a double whammy that can leave you feeling lost, frightened, and unsure where to turn. In this episode, I speak with Sarah and Laura - two women who’ve lived through that moment. Laura is six months on, and Sarah is a year into life without HRT. They share their feelings on what it feels like, how they’ve coped, and what they’ve learned along the way. This conversation isn’t about what’s right or wrong - it is my hope that you will be able to reflect a little on what has happed to you, or learn how a loved one or patient may experience this double whammy of a situation. HRT can be transformative, even life-saving. So when it’s suddenly taken away, the grief and worry are real. With over 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide every year, thousands will face this same painful dilemma. And currently, there is ZERO support! I am so proud, that at Menopause and Cancer, we are the only organisation dedicated solely to supporting people through the menopause after cancer. Our mission is to make sure no one is left without options, guidance, or hope.  Unsure where to start? Tune into podcast episode 178 - Stopping HRT: The Side Effect I Wasn’t Ready For - with Dr Talaulikar And buy a copy of Dani’s book Navigating Menopause After Cancer: https://amzn.eu/d/6Bw8zmT [https://amzn.eu/d/6Bw8zmT] Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 08:54 HRT Discussions After Breast Cancer 17:39 Navigating HRT and Cancer Diagnosis 25:19 Struggles with Cancer Treatment Decisions 32:26 "Cancer, Menopause, and Recovery" 42:11 "HRT Journey and Adjustments" 47:42 "Ongoing Management of Menopause" 54:10 Navigating Life Without HRT 01:00:53 Support After Cancer Journey 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 193 - Testosterone after breast cancer? What is the current evidence? (Part 2)

In this week’s episode, Dani continues her conversation with Dr Sarah Glynne, GP, menopause specialist, and co-author of the new paper “Menopausal Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer Patients: What Is the Current Evidence?” - to explore one of the most frequently asked questions left after last week’s episode: testosterone therapy after breast cancer. This is Part 2 of our special series following the publication of the new paper. In this episode, Dani and Dr Glynne discuss: What testosterone actually does for energy, mood, and libido. The studies we have so far - and how reliable they are. Whether testosterone can convert into oestrogen. How testing works and when it might be appropriate. Whether testosterone therapy can or should be used alongside endocrine treatments. The paper is here: https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/fulltext/9900/menopausal_hormone_therapy_for_breast_cancer.532.aspx [https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/fulltext/9900/menopausal_hormone_therapy_for_breast_cancer.532.aspx] The Meno ABS trial: https://www.londonbreastcancer.com/meno-abc-trial [https://www.londonbreastcancer.com/meno-abc-trial] Find Dr Glynne here https://www.clairemellon.co.uk/dr-sarah-glynne [https://www.clairemellon.co.uk/dr-sarah-glynne] The episode on testosterone with Dr Rebecca Glaser is Ep 56 The episode with a patient on testosterone therapy is Ep 97 Read all about HRT after breast cancer in Dani’s book “Navigating Menopause After Cancer’ in chapter 6: Buy it here: https://amzn.eu/d/0uLveeE [https://amzn.eu/d/0uLveeE]  Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 03:34 "Testosterone Use in Women" 06:16 Testosterone Debate: Data vs. Choice 10:38 Menopause Consultation & Treatment Approaches 17:45 "Testosterone After Breast Cancer" 21:21 Complexity of Menopause Treatment Conversations 23:49 Vaginal Oestrogen 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 192 - Menopausal Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer Patients: What is the Current Evidence?

In this week’s episode of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast, Dani speaks with two of the authors behind the new paper, Menopausal hormone therapy for breast cancer patients: what is the current evidence? Professor Jayant Vaidya, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, and Dr Sarah Glynne, GP and menopause specialist. This is the first of a two-part special exploring what this new paper and upcoming MENO-ABC clinical trial could mean for breast cancer survivors curious about HRT or already on HRT. Up until recently, most experts thought a study like this would never happen — but it’s happening. Together, they unpack: * What’s new about this paper — and why it matters. * The scientific and ethical concept of equipoise (yes, Dani learned a new word!). * How the new MENO-ABC trial could change what we know about HRT use after breast cancer. * What this research might mean for patients, clinicians, and the future of survivorship care. Next week: Don’t miss part two, where Dani and Dr Sarah Glynne take a deep dive into testosterone use after breast cancer — what we know, what we don’t, and where the conversation is heading. Links & Resources: The paper: https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/fulltext/9900/menopausal_hormone_therapy_for_breast_cancer.532.aspx [https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/fulltext/9900/menopausal_hormone_therapy_for_breast_cancer.532.aspx] The trial: https://www.londonbreastcancer.com/meno-abc-trial [https://www.londonbreastcancer.com/meno-abc-trial] Find Dr Glynne here https://www.clairemellon.co.uk/dr-sarah-glynne [https://www.clairemellon.co.uk/dr-sarah-glynne] Find Professor Vaidya here https://professorvaidya.co.uk/ [https://professorvaidya.co.uk/] Watch Dani’s 5-part Youtube series on HRT after breast cancer, start here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heTF5ufX59Y&list=PLsUEBZ4ZwowpAQ1ueFUHlzDvzAtD_hyQr&index=6 Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 08:01 "HRT Debate and Its Impact" 09:48 Evidence-Based Breast Cancer Trial 13:46 Advances in Breast Cancer Treatment 16:43 HRT Risks Post-Breast Cancer 20:52 Oestrogen Risks in Cancer Relapse 23:17 "Clinical Trial Equipoise Explained" 29:00 "Expert Consensus and Criticism" 29:47 Collaborative Review Strengthened Research 32:52 Breaking Shame Through Conversations 36:04 Weighing Risks for Quality Life 41:57 "Prioritising Quality Over Longevity" 43:08 HRT and Breast Cancer Relapse Risk Read all about HRT after breast cancer in Dani’s book “Navigating Menopause After Cancer’ in chapter 6: Buy it here: https://amzn.eu/d/0uLveeE [https://amzn.eu/d/0uLveeE]