Welcome to a special crossover episode of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast. Today’s episode is a little different. I’m joined by Shelley Syme — a young breast cancer survivor and the host of One Lump or Two, a brilliant podcast exploring life after cancer. Instead of recording two separate interviews, we hit record together and are sharing this conversation across both of our shows.

We dive into:

• Body image and body confidence after cancer treatment
• Dating with one boob
• What it really takes to feel sexy again in a changed body
• Using creativity to challenge beauty norms and reclaim power

Shelley uses photography as a powerful tool to confront body image pressures and celebrate body positivity. In her iconic image series — think Marilyn Monroe on the cover of Vogue, but with Shelley’s twist and her beautiful body exactly as it is now — she blends humour, art, and honesty to reshape how we view cancer survivorship.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever looked in the mirror and wondered, “How do I learn to love this version of me?”

You can find Shelley here: https://www.instagram.com/shelleyjsyme/

And remember to follow the show to never miss an episode!

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

09:03 Menopause Neglect in Cancer Treatment

11:12 Menopause and Cancer: Navigating Risks

17:12 Menopause Challenges in the Workplace

20:59 Struggling with Post-Cancer Self-Image

27:10 Intimacy Challenges Post-Menopause

30:35 Life Modelling Boosts Confidence

38:56 Focused Support for Cancer Survivors

Connect with us:

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

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