The Menopause and Cancer Podcast

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/]

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/]

Episode 219 - Who Am I Now: Identity After Menopause and Cancer

In this very special community conversation, I sit down with a group of incredible women from our Menopause and Cancer community to explore something so many of us struggle with after cancer treatment… identity. I’m so grateful the group allowed me to get this conversation out to you! Lucky us. Who are we now? Together, we talk openly about the physical and emotional changes that can leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves — from body image and confidence, to work, relationships, grief, loss, purpose and rebuilding. Rather than bringing in an expert, I thought it might be best to just have an honest conversation, share experiences and learn from one another. Because the wisdom in our community is WONDERFUL! What became clear throughout this discussion is that so many of us are living in what I call “the messy middle” — no longer who we were before cancer, but not yet fully arrived in who we are becoming. If you’ve ever felt lost, changed, disconnected or uncertain about your place in the world after treatment, this episode is for you. YouTube Wellness Series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsUEBZ4ZwowoJ0t4pV-gmwGSqruDPm-2P&si=7UE81giK-2v5eByM [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsUEBZ4ZwowoJ0t4pV-gmwGSqruDPm-2P&si=7UE81giK-2v5eByM] Episode 214 - What It Really Feels Like & And Your Questions Answered: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/episode-214-what-it-really-feels-like-and-your/id1631842514?i=1000762984322 [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/episode-214-what-it-really-feels-like-and-your/id1631842514?i=1000762984322] Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 03:18 Exploring identity and personal growth 07:51 The jar and pebbles analogy 12:31 Coping with treatment and diagnosis 13:49 Discussing challenges of societal expectations 16:47 Struggles with overthinking and doubt 22:47 Facing the unknown post-treatment 23:47 Sharing post-cancer treatment experiences 29:24 Reflecting on life after cancer 32:42 Coping after a mastectomy 35:11 Morning mirror positivity trick 40:24 Navigating daily challenges with compassion 45:36 Navigating menopause and survivorship 47:42 Reflecting on personal growth journey 49:40 Focusing on self-care and being present 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 218 - What Is It Like for Partners? Men Supporting Women Through Cancer & Menopause

In this episode, I’m joined by Rob and Andy, two partners navigating life alongside their wives through cancer and menopause. I actually asked in our Facebook community if anyone’s partners would be willing to come on the podcast… and these two were put forward by their wives — earning themselves serious brownie points in the process. This is a really honest conversation about what it feels like to be on the other side. We talk about the overwhelm, the uncertainty, and that feeling of wanting to help but not always knowing how. From the emotional impact to the mood changes, this episode sheds light on a perspective we don’t hear enough about. Because supporting someone through cancer and menopause doesn’t come with a manual — and partners need support and understanding too. And yes - I did bring up intimacy and low libido - and they did not just quit the call! I am so grateful to Rob and Andy! Thank you so much! If this resonates, do share this episode with your partner — so we can include them in this conversation too. This one is for you… and for them. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 04:13 Discovering and diagnosing cancer 14:49 Discussing menopause challenges and support 18:50 Discussing impacts of menopause 21:49 Challenges in managing menopause symptoms 22:55 Dealing with post-cancer anxiety 30:41 Discussing intimacy post-cancer 34:43 Importance of communication in relationships 37:46 Discussing menopause and HRT advice 42:05 Discussing medically induced menopause 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/]