Welcome back to The Menopause and Cancer Podcast. Today, I’m joined by someone whose work has made a massive impact on our community — Mr. Vikram Talaulikar, Consultant in Reproductive Medicine and Associate Professor at UCL. He’s helped shape a groundbreaking part of my book: the table outlining the safety of HRT after all types of cancer. 

In this episode, we explore what it’s really like to come off HRT after a cancer diagnosis — something some describe as a huge worry. We also hear from Rachel and Jo, two fab women from our community who share their experiences with you. You can find Rachel here https://midlifeinterrupted.com/ and Jo here https://www.instagram.com/jomenneernutrition/?hl=en 

We talk about:

• Why stopping HRT can feel so traumatic
• Whether it’s safer to stop suddenly or wean off slowly
• What non-hormonal options are available — from medications to CBT and complementary therapies
• How we can better support survivors facing this experience

We also talk about the survey I’ve launched with Mr. Talaulikar and Dr. Basel Watter, which is helping us better understand the experiences of people who navigate menopause. If that’s you, please take part. 

The link is here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=8y1ywoOIqkup1ZOI4kKt2B5ITslOQvhElyTxa010jzlUNTdRRFNaRkJBWkk1UzNOTDRaMUE3RDdaTiQlQCN0PWcu 

And I’ll be sharing a few powerful stories from members of our community who know this pain firsthand.

If you're a healthcare professional, Navigating Menopause After Cancer may be a really valuable resource for your practice — and yes, every chapter is fully referenced: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Navigating-Menopause-After-Cancer-comprehensive/dp/1068499907

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

03:45 HRT Post-Cancer 

11:23 Stopping HRT Gradually or Suddenly

16:56 Exploring Non-Hormonal Treatment Options

19:18 Navigating Post-Menopause Cancer Challenges

21:45 Rachel’s story

23:40 Jo’s Story

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

If you’re looking for strength, perspective, or just a dose of hope — this episode is for you.

In today’s conversation, you’ll hear from someone who’s walked through the unimaginable and come out shining. You’ll feel inspired, understood, and reminded that even in the hardest times, there is resilience, connection, and possibility.

I’m joined by the incredible Ellie Waters — a cancer survivor, now medical student, and bold advocate for young people navigating menopause after treatment.

Ellie was a teenager when she was diagnosed with a rare soft-tissue cancer, and her treatment pushed her into early menopause. Ellie has turned that experience into something extraordinary: using her voice and advocacy to break down stigma, raise awareness, and support others going through the unimaginable.

We talk about:

• What it’s like going through menopause as a teenager
• The emotional and physical challenges no one prepares you for
• Sex, intimacy, and identity after cancer — including Ellie’s brilliant campaigns with Macmillan
• The power of sharing your story — and what Ellie wants others to know

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

03:05 Cancer Inspired Medical Career Path

08:54 Family Support During Cancer Journey

10:48 Withheld Prognosis for Ellie’s Benefit

18:49 Hidden Challenges of Menopause

20:03 Desiring Better Menopause Education

26:23 "Healthcare Frustration Spurs Private Treatment"

32:44 Prioritising Health Over Social Norms

35:50 Speaking Out on Post-Cancer Intimacy

44:04 Inspiring Awareness

Find Ellie here https://www.instagram.com/teamellie_blog/

Ellie’s Campaign for MacMillan https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/stories-and-media/stories/ellie-on-cancer-treatment-and-the-effect-on-sex-and-intimacy

Buy a copy of my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Navigating-Menopause-After-Cancer-comprehensive/dp/1068499907

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

Today I’m joined by the brilliant Dr Alison Macbeth, one of the most incredible menopause doctors of our generation, who supports our cancer community. Alison has been instrumental in shaping some of the most important chapters in my new book, Navigating Menopause After Cancer — especially those on vaginal oestrogen and the many non-hormonal treatment options available to cancer survivors.

But during the process of helping me with the book, Alison herself was diagnosed with breast cancer.

We talk about what it’s like to cross over — from being the doctor, to becoming the patient. 

We explore how her diagnosis shifted her perspective and what it’s taught her.

We also talk about the importance of friendship, support systems, and what really matters when you’re on the receiving end of care.

It’s an honour to share this conversation with you — and I hope it reminds you, like it reminded me, that none of us are alone in this.

Thank you for listening — and as always, please share this episode with someone who needs it.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

04:34 Breast Cancer Screening Anxiety

10:53 Women's Support Crucial in Struggles

15:13 Emotional Struggles and Recovery Journey

26:41 "Informed Consent Lacking for Women"

28:47 Choosing Endocrine Treatment Wisely

30:37 "Mental Struggles in Treatment"

34:28 "Understanding Personal Impact Varieties"

Order the book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Navigating-Menopause-After-Cancer-comprehensive/dp/1068499907 

Dr Alison Macbeth’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_alison_macbeth/?hl=en

Join Alison for the Kilt Walk 14th Sept: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/edinburghkiltwalk

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

Welcome to the first episode after the launch of Navigating Menopause After Cancer!

And what better way to begin than with one of the experts who helped shape it?

Today, I am joined by the brilliant Mr Vikram Talaulikar, Consultant in Reproductive Medicine and honorary Associate Professor at UCL.

In this episode, we dive back into a topic we’ve covered before — HRT after cancer — but this time, we’re expanding the conversation. We’re talking about the groundbreaking table on the use of HRT and local oestrogen after all types of cancer, which Mr Talaulikar developed for the book.

Together, we explore:

• Why so many cancer survivors receive conflicting advice about HRT
• The groundbreaking HRT safety table by Mr Talaulikar featured in Dani’s new book — and how it came together
• What patients and doctors really need to understand about HRT across all types of cancer
• Why real-world data, like the new PROMMIS study, is finally giving voice to those who’ve been left out of the research
• How survivors can advocate for themselves and bring these conversations into their appointments

This episode is honest, practical, and deeply empowering — and it’s one you won’t want to miss.

Get your copy of Navigating Menopause After Cancer here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Navigating-Menopause-After-Cancer-comprehensive/dp/1068499907 

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

06:24 HRT Education and Safety Update

16:14 HRT Considerations for Cancer Survivors

22:09 Weighing HRT Risks and Benefits

29:27 Women's Healthcare Registry Study

34:27 Navigating Cancer Treatment Options

37:33 Digital Menopause After Cancer Guide

41:54 Global Menopause Awareness Expansion

You can find Mr Talaulikar here https://www.menopausecliniclondon.co.uk/about-us

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

Hello and welcome to this very special episode of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast. I’m Dani Binnington — and today, I’m quietly announcing something deeply personal and long in the making: my book, Navigating Menopause After Cancer, is now published.

There’s no big media campaign, no marketing team, no fanfare — just me, sitting here with you, sharing this moment. Because this book was always just meant to be helping our community, I truly hope it will be a lifeline for those of us who’ve been left out of the menopause conversation for far too long.

In this episode, I:

• Read the poem She Let Go by Safire Rose — a reflection of what this moment means to me
• Share what you’ll learn from the book: from safe treatment options to symptom relief, to long-term health strategies
• Tell you the behind-the-scenes story of how the book came to life — from flights to Japan, to typing in the garden with a laptop in a cardboard box
• And, for the first time ever, I ask something of you: if the podcast has helped you, please consider buying a copy of the book and leaving a review so others can find it too.

This isn’t just a launch. It’s a letting go. And a hope that it reaches the people who need it most.

With all my love,

Dani x

Here is the link to: Navigating Menopause After Cancer: A comprehensive, empowering guide to all your treatment options, where to get helped how to feel better

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

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

Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

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

Episode 172 - It’s Not HRT or Herbal – It’s What Works for You

In today’s episode, I’m doing something a little different. I’ve pulled together five short clips from past episodes of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast — covering everything from HRT after breast cancer, to herbal treatments, sleep support, and even intimacy after cancer.

Why? Because this week, my book Navigating Menopause After Cancer is officially at the printers — and I still can’t quite believe it! I wanted to share a little preview of what’s inside. These clips reflect the heart of the book: a holistic menopause after cancer toolkit with real expert advice, real options, and the belief that no one approach is better than another. It’s about finding what’s safe, what’s effective, and what works for you.

I always go to the right expert for the right topic — because that’s how we build truly trustworthy knowledge. I wouldn’t ask a cancer exercise specialist to talk about herbs, and I wouldn’t ask a herbalist about surgical recovery. Each voice in today’s mash-up speaks from the experience in their field.

These are just a few of the amazing contributors to the podcast — and I’m proud to say that over 20 brilliant doctors and specialists contributed to the actual book.

Below, I have linked all the full YouTube videos from the short clips. Just click on the words: Exercise, Herbal Medicine, Sleep, HRT after breast cancer, Intimacy

And finally, you can buy a copy of Navigating Menopause After Cancer super soon - keep your eyes peeled!

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

05:53 "Exercise Boosts Sleep, Reduces Depression"

07:54 Herbal Medicine Insights for Cancer Survivors

10:55 Phytoestrogens: Potential Cancer Benefits

13:49 "Zoe's Sleep Improvement Tips"

18:37 Navigating HRT Conversations After Cancer

22:55 Shared Decision-Making in HRT

27:21 Challenging Emotional Complexity Perceptions 

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

In this final bonus episode before book launch day (hopefully!), I reflect on the bravery it takes to write and publish a book, and the courage and bravery I see in every member of our Menopause and Cancer community. That is you!

To start celebrating, I am joined by the brilliant Jane, a community member who turned her life around after cancer-induced menopause cost her four corporate jobs. Jane found her voice through poetry, and now performs on stage, sharing her story with raw honesty, humour, and heart.

In this episode, we talk about why showing up as your authentic self is the bravest thing you can do! 

How Jane found creativity, confidence, and community after cancer.

And make sure to listen to the end, Jane shares a heartfelt poem that’ll make you laugh — and maybe blush!

Don’t miss next week’s episode, where I will share all the exciting launch details for my book Navigating Menopause After Cancer — and how you can be part of this movement.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

10:57 "Jane's Confidence Amid Life Challenges"

16:03 "Breaking Free from Self-Limitation"

21:02 Jane's Brave Authenticity

23:03 Poem, “To All Those Who Have Found Me Inappropriate and Unprofessional”

26:18 "Embracing Contradictions and Freedom"

28:07 "Cancer: Cracking Under Pressure"

32:34 Poem for “Unlikable Women”

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

In this powerful episode, Dani explores what happens when cancer changes everything, including your career. Whether it’s out of necessity or a deep desire to follow a new path, many of us find ourselves questioning what’s next after treatment. Together with Philippa and Kerry, two community members, they explore what happens during time off, what happens when we return to work, and what they've learned along the way.

Expect real talk, courage, and plenty of inspiration. Because starting again isn’t easy – but it is possible.

Philippa mentions getting together at the Kent Challenge - you can find more information here https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/kentdownsultrachallenge

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

04:05 Chemo Fear: Hair Loss and Identity

11:39 Fertility Concerns Amid Cancer Treatment

19:42 "Coping with Menopause After Cancer"

22:45 Unexpected Resilience Amid Cancer Battle

26:00 BRCA Genes and Life-Altering Choices

30:11 Adjusting Post-Cancer Treatment

34:33 Career Reflections

35:48 Navigating Cancer While Working NHS

50:11 Embrace Courage and Future Choices

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

Welcome to our fourth special bonus edition of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast, where I take you behind the scenes of writing Navigating Menopause After Cancer.  In today’s episode, I will share with you the incredible story - and this can’t be a coincidence - of how the cover came to life. It was truly at this point that this book truly became a book from the community, for the community. 

Dani’s guest and the designer of the beautiful cover for the book is Laura - you can find more information here https://www.laurawoussen.co.uk/

I’m so glad you’re here. It’s getting so close. 

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

02:02 How Dani and Laura met

08:02 Nerves before the publisher meeting

12:00 Book Production: A Complex Journey

13:15 Laura’s cancer journey 

23:47 Creating boundaries within family

32:10 Coping with cancer anniversary

35:31 Renaming the book

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