Breast speciality oncologist Dr Claire Macaulay from Glasgow helps us understand how we can navigate difficult treatment decisions.

Many women say that being on a long-term anti-hormone treatment such as tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors is much harder than chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery altogether.

On this podcast we are also joined by a group of our community to give them an opportunity to ask their questions whilst being on the live show!

We talk about patients not feeling they get adequate upfront discussions to make informed decisions. We talk about not being heard. Who holds the risk? What can you do to manage side effects? 

Dr Claire Macaulay recognises the challenges these treatments come with and talks us through our options. 

Dr Macaulay is also a certified sex coach supporting people in menopause to have improved sex lives. You can find her here https://www.pleasurepossibility.com

And join her private Facebook group here 

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro.

09:36 Understanding symptoms can help manage breast cancer.

13:07 Looking at Predict and how to use it.

21:53 Dealing with cancer treatment's psychological impact.

31:11 Managing menopausal symptoms with medications, side effects.

36:13 Importance of NHS and community care support.

42:54 Medical professionals support patient autonomy and choices.

51:17 Individual doctors must decide risk and comfort.

58:50 Concerns about future treatments and emotional support.

About Dani:

The Menopause and Cancer Podcast is hosted by Dani Binnington, menopause guide, patients advocate for people in menopause after a cancer diagnosis, and founder of the online platform Healthy Whole Me. 

There is lots of information out there about the menopause but hardly any if you have had a cancer diagnosis as well. Many people say to me they have no idea what their options are, who to ask for help, and that they feel really isolated in their experiences. 

I started this podcast because there was nothing out there when I was thrown into surgical menopause at the age of 39, which followed on from my cancer diagnosis aged 33.

Through the episodes, I want to create more awareness, share information from our fabulous guest experts, doctors and other specialists in the cancer and menopause field. 

And of course, I will share stories from the people in our community.

So that together we can work towards a better menopause experience. For all of us.

More educated, better informed and less alone.

Connect with us:

For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub