We are thrilled to engage in a conversation with the remarkable breast oncologist, Dr Elizabeth Comen, hailing from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in the US. Our focus is on unravelling the intricate history of women's hormones, as we embark on a journey to comprehend the missteps along the way.

“The history of women’s healthcare is a story in which women themselves have too often been voiceless—a narrative instead written from the perspective of men who styled themselves as authorities on the female of the species, yet uninformed by women’s own voices, thoughts, fears, pain and experiences. The result is a cultural and societal legacy that continues to shape the (mis)treatment and care of women”, writes Dr Comen.

“All in Her Head” is Dr Comen’s new book and wow - This book will upend everything you thought you knew about your body while empowering you to make better decisions moving forward. I can highly recommend it!

Buy the book here now: https://www.drelizabethcomen.com/book

There is more information on Dr Comen here https://www.drelizabethcomen.com/

JOIN US IN LEEDS: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/menopause-and-cancer-72544601233 

We want to thank our partners https://mpowder.store/ for helping us get this episode out to all of you!

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

07:11 Women's underrepresentation and the impact of gender.

08:20 Hormones influence men and women differently.

16:04 Insufficient hormone studies for triple-negative breast cancer.

22:53 Medical education neglects women's sexual health needs.

26:53 Doctors must balance medical precision with empathy.

31:58 Ethical challenges in cancer care

35:44 Biology and fear for cancer survivors' future.

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

Mentioned in this episode:

https://mpowder.store/

In today's episode, our goal is to help you understand the full spectrum of treatment options available, including guideline-supported non-pharmaceutical therapies, for holistic menopause care following cancer.

Dr. Shelley Latte is a faculty member of the Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in NYC, where they research and apply evidence-based complementary treatments to support cancer patients and survivors. 

As the director of mind-body medicine, Shelley is interested in applications of mindfulness, hypnosis, CBT for symptom management of hot flushes, fatigue, chronic pain and insomnia. 

And we are going to back every treatment modality up with science and facts so that your treatment can be guided by your personal preference and also with the evidence you need to make an informed decision. 

https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/doctors/shelly-latte-naor

Evia Menopause app: https://www.eviamenopause.com/ 

We want to thank our partners https://mpowder.store/ for helping us get this episode out to all of you!

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

05:28 People seeking alternative treatments face barriers.

07:39 Cancer survivors may feel pressure to overachieve.

17:34 Comprehensive symptom assessment, lifestyle, labs, symptom improvement.

20:28 Cognitive behaviour therapy for insomnia.

24:01 Guided integrative plan makes health goals easier.

28:31 Hypnotherapy uses imagination for symptom relief.

31:19 Anchoring wellbeing through visualisation and yoga practice.

33:57 Acupuncture can be effective.

38:55 Finding sustainable exercise strategy despite treatment effects.

40:32 Herbs may not replace tamoxifen for cancer.

52:46 Reflecting on past experiences, seeking new approaches.

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

Mentioned in this episode:

https://mpowder.store/

The combination of hormonal changes, metabolic alterations, muscle loss, fatigue, emotional factors, and medication side effects can make weight loss a significant challenge for women in menopause after cancer treatment. It can feel so depressing when after everything you have been through, the weight is piling on despite your best efforts.

In today’s episode, the brilliant registered dietician Nigel Denby will talk us through the truth about weight loss. We will bust some common myths and share effective strategies with you that are proven to work. 

For more information about Nigel and his work please visit: https://www.harleystathome.com/

We want to thank our partners https://mpowder.store/ for helping us get this episode out to all of you!

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

09:15 Prepare, commit, time is crucial for women's health awareness.

12:59 Identify changes, take charge, and learn from mistakes.

22:20 Misleading marketing in health and wellness trends.

23:12 Tracking blood sugar is not necessarily beneficial for diet.

28:14 Eat vegetables, watch portion sizes, and eat mindfully.

31:51 Focus on putting goodness into ourselves daily.

33:06 Plan and be organised.

37:33 Cooking with a minimum of 6 ingredients for variety.

40:24 Fasting's role in weight loss and health.

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Here is a link to MPowder: https://mpowder.store/

Most of the time when you look for information about which herbal supplements might be useful in helping with symptoms for menopause after cancer, the advice is “Caution - there might be contraindications”! Additionally, 100% of all the people who responded to our survey on social media said they were worried about contraindications and the safety of herbal supplements. 

In today's conversation, we want to find out what is safe and what is not safe for those affected by cancer. Turmeric, ashwagandha, red clover and soy supplements can have a positive effect but we want to know who needs to stay away from them.

I am delighted to get to the bottom of this with Dr. Vera Martins who is a naturopath and herbalist with a PhD in cancer biology and Rebekah Brown, founder of co-community MPowder, a company dedicated to providing insight as well as innovation to ensure we can all ‘meno-well’.

We will look at what we know - what we don’t know and make sense of what that might mean for you.

This is the resource we have put together for you with all the studies and data we mentioned in this conversation: https://mpowder.store/pages/cancer-and-menopause

You can also find a Cancer Booklet which you can download as a PDF.

It’s a great resource!

Share it widely!

Here is a link to MPowder https://mpowder.store/ 

Do your research, support yourself and be curious! And as Rebekah says, be cynical :-)

This is another useful resource for you: https://menopauseandcancer.org/herbal-medicine-for-menopause-after-cancer-current-research/

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

12:34 Turmeric: anti-inflammatory, boosts mood, researched, possible contraindications.

21:29 Ashwagandha research shows benefits for menopausal symptoms.

27:26 Menopause journey led to embracing lifestyle interventions.

32:39 Naturopath as health partner with diverse tools.

38:52 Limited research on soy and red clover.

43:16 Frustration and hope for supplement regulations.

49:35 Antioxidants can help, but be cautious.

57:20 Consistency and whole food for health support.

01:00:21 Consider turmeric, ashwagandha, red clover, whole food supplement.

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

Are you curious about reclaiming control while navigating menopause post-cancer? Tune into this insightful conversation for guidance on getting started. 

Ria Ingleby is a cancer survivor and senior leadership coach, qualified holistic health coach and a trained mindfulness meditation and yoga teacher and she is here to share with us how you can start to figure out what your next steps to recovery and healing could be. 

Ria also shares with us what it’s like to navigate a less common cancer, womb cancer, in her early 30s and how no one in her medical team prepared her for surgical menopause!

Find Ria here https://www.linkedin.com/in/riaingleby/?originalSubdomain=uk and here on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/riaingleby/

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

07:28 Navigating cancer, impacting lives of loved ones.

12:37 Ria experiences unexpected symptoms, identifies menopause.

25:00 Taking hormone replacement therapy.

27:30 Ria’s second cancer diagnosis.

33:57 Embracing chemotherapy drugs for a sense of hope.

36:56 Explored breath work, psychedelics, and inner discovery. 

43:50 Empowered Menopause program shifts questions over time.

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

If you want to change your drinking behaviour or not - this is a must-listen! You’ll learn a lot about yourself - for sure!

Have you thought that you should drink less alcohol? Are people around you talking about doing dry January? Are you worried about the risks of alcohol and cancer? Maybe you don’t drink much but feel guilty even if you have a glass or two. And of course, the social impact is huge! It’s not easy to turn up to parties just sipping away on a bit of sparkling water - initially anyway.

I’m so delighted to have invited sobriety coach and podcaster Danni Carr onto the show to talk us through what is going on and how we could make changes if we want to.

This is a non-judgemental conversation with a compassionate coach. 

Here is more info about Danni https://www.iquitalcohol.com.au/pages/about

And her brilliant podcast “How I quit alcohol” is here: https://www.iquitalcohol.com.au/pages/podcast

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

06:45 Using old habits for momentary comfort.

09:51 Struggled with alcohol, quit for 6 years.

17:41 Moment of clarity led to life change.

21:39 Avoid alcohol for long-term well-being and comfort.

24:00 Prioritising self-care for better habits and wellness.

27:26 Healthier alternatives for moderate alcohol consumption shift.

30:40 Grateful for sobriety, seeing the benefits.

38:12 Deep breathing reduces stress, improves decision-making.

45:57 Let go of negative mindset for change.

47:35 Pros and cons of drinking and quitting.

52:30 Make a mocktail with Dani.

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

Consultant oncologist Dr Nabil Elmahdawi shares with us his number 1 top tip in how he thinks we could all improve our menopause experience post-cancer. 

We are the change makers in our menopause movement - we have to work together, doctors, patients and healthcare providers. 

I promise you will be able to make this a more supported, better informed and positive experience for ourselves and others. 

Right at the end I am sharing a poem and I want to share it with you here as well:

You my friend, you are the change-maker

Amidst the trials, in the face of strife,

Stands a woman, the change-maker in life.

Her bravery soars, a beacon of might,

In the realm of health, she ignites the light.

She walks through the storms, undeterred, unafraid,

With passion and courage, her path she has laid.

Fighting for wellness, in every stride,

For women's health, she stands with pride.

Her voice resonates, breaking barriers tall,

Championing change, she answers the call.

For those unheard, she lends her grace,

Their stories and struggles she boldly will embrace.

She's the hero we need, her actions profound,

Revolutionising health, turning it around.

With each step she takes, a difference she makes,

Her bravery and strength, the world awakes.

Let's hail these women, their valour we acclaim,

In their quest for health, they etch their name.

For change-makers, brave and true,

Women's health thrives, because of you.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

06:20 NHS struggles to address cancer survivor needs.

09:26 Guidelines focus on addressing cancer survivor issues.

12:42 Clinicians rely on emerging publications for guidance.

19:48 Chronic, untreatable condition with far-reaching impacts.

22:46 Navigating cancer treatment conversations with doctors effectively.

26:53 Advocating for timely access to life-saving treatment.

31:48 Facial aesthetics can improve psychological well-being.

35:02 Navigating spiritual and self-care changes positively.

38:35 Formal guidelines for cancer survivors to enjoy life.

41:23 ‘You my friend, you are the change-maker’ poem read by Dani 

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

There are so many conversations about the benefits of fasting - but what does that mean for someone after cancer? Is there any data to support that fasting has a benefit on someone’s overall health, menopausal symptoms or even better, cancer survival rates?

In today’s episode, I speak to cancer survivor, nutritional scientist and integrative oncology practitioner Toral Shah. Toral will dive deep into the understanding of metabolic health, insulin resistance and how that links us back to fasting.

Attached are the scientific papers we mentioned in the conversation and a link to Toral’s course:

Fasting and chemo:

https://oncologypro.esmo.org/meeting-resources/esmo-congress/effects-of-short-term-fasting-on-quality-of-life-as-an-add-on-option-during-chemotherapy#:~:text=Growing%20pre%2D%20and%20clinical%20evidence,reducing%20toxicity%20and%20adverse%20effects.

Fasting and cancer:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6938162/#:~:text=At%20the%20molecular%20level%2C%20fasting,%2C29%2C56%2C124.

Integrative breast cancer course: https://www.theurbankitchen.co.uk/courses 

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

08:02 Fasting benefits explained.

12:19 Challenges women face with menopause and periods.

15:45 Metabolic health is defined by 5 key markers.

22:21 Menopausal insulin resistance leads to weight gain.

23:25 Postmenopausal body struggles with metabolic health, fasting.

31:22 Fasting reduces breast cancer risk, and promotes health.

39:18 Intermittent fasting benefits gut health and repair.

43:21 Body health beyond appearance: focus on essentials.

47:26 Fasting may improve cancer treatment and outcomes.

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

Your actions and your daily habits are immensely powerful. Let’s talk about avoiding triggers, getting to know ourselves a little better, and the role of diet and exercise. I am not going to tell you how and what to eat or how to move, instead, we are going to explore what new micro-changes you can make to get the benefit we seek.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro.

06:50 Identifying stress triggers and developing routines to reduce anxiety.

10:10 Consistency with exercise is important for health, especially for cancer survivors.

15:52 90-second Instagram reels oversimplify health advice.

20:04 Focus on optimising one meal for 2 months, such as breakfast, for a significant impact on diet. 

24:00 Start with small changes, like preparing snack bowls for better eating habits. Avoid spending on new recipes or fancy ingredients.

30:07 Reduce stress with 10-minute daily meditation.

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

Considering complementary therapies can provide additional support and relief. Complementary therapies encompass a range of approaches such as acupuncture, yoga, herbal remedies, and mindfulness techniques, among others. These therapies aim to alleviate menopausal symptoms and improve overall well-being.

For many cancer survivors, traditional medical interventions might not address all aspects of menopause-related issues. Complementary therapies offer holistic approaches that focus on managing symptoms, reducing stress, enhancing quality of life, and supporting emotional well-being during this transitional phase. Let’s dive in!

How to check for contraindications:

https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/diagnosis-treatment/symptom-management/integrative-medicine/herbs?fbclid=IwAR2TDuZ-rrRwlUVofch0gQ4ctNQH6XvzIsfCDlT55D1TGsW5kAd-VYza_SM

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro.

06:06 Complementary therapies require patient participation and may have obstacles.

06:53 Seek acupuncture locally, consider herbal medication cautiously.

10:52 Research herbs, seek medical herbalist help, and practice mindfulness and yoga for stress reduction.

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