The Menopause and Cancer Podcast

In this episode, I speak with Laura – a young cancer survivor who was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma (a form of cervical cancer) at just 31 years old. Like so many others, her treatment pushed her into early menopause, and she was left with more questions than answers.

Laura opens up about:

Episode 180 - No amount of alcohol is safe. Now what?

In this episode, I revisit the topic of alcohol after cancer, following powerful updates from the World Cancer Research Fund’s “Alcohol and Cancer: Let’s Talk” campaign.

We now know alcohol causes at least seven types of cancer, including breast and bowel. And while the safest amount to drink is none, real life drinking habits are of course much more complicated. 

In this episode, I share my own journey with alcohol and I ask you gently to reflect on your own relationship with it...

In this episode of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast, I’m joined once again by the incredible Dr Alison Macbeth – a top menopause specialist supporting breast cancer patients, and one of the key medical contributors to my book Navigating Menopause After Cancer.

This time, we’re diving deep into the topic of vaginal oestrogen after breast cancer — and what you’ll hear is the most up-to-date and comprehensive guidance out there.

We explore what’s happening across the world when it comes to access, safety, and prescribing practices — and zoom in on the current situation in the UK. 

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...

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 treatmen...

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 e...

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 T...

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.

...

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:

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 he...

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...

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 Cha...

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.laurawou...

You may be experiencing menopausal symptoms and side effects due to taking medications such as tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors, also called endocrine therapy. You may wonder how much longer you can go on like this. And you may not know what your true benefit of being on these medications is for you. 

So in today’s conversation, Dani is joined by breast speciality oncologist Dr Claire Macaulay, who looks after patients in a busy NHS hospital in Scotland. Dr Macaulay helps us understand how you can find out and what it means for individual patients.

Dan...

Episode 167 - Bonus Friday Episode 3 - Will it ever happen and “it takes a village”

Welcome to our third special bonus edition of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast, where I take you behind the scenes of what I have been working on for a very long time. 

In this behind-the-scenes episode, I share the emotional rollercoaster of bringing Navigating Menopause After Cancer to life — from self-doubt to meeting the people who have been instrumental in making this happen. In fact, without them - I am sure - I would not have come this far!

It re...

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Alice Smellie, journalist, author, and co-founder of Menopause Mandate. Alice shares her deeply personal experience of navigating menopause after cancer, including the unexpected challenge of having to stop HRT after years of advocating for its safe and informed use.

This is a conversation about real life — the messy, non-linear, and often imperfect reality of menopause after cancer. Alice speaks with honesty and warmth, offering both insight and solidarity for anyone trying to figure it all out.

We talk about advocacy, resilience, and how sometimes, even when yo...

Episode 165 - Bonus Friday Episode 2 - Doubt, not fitting in and no publishing deal

Welcome to a very special bonus edition of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast. I’m Dani Binnington — cancer survivor, menopause advocate, and founder of Menopause and Cancer — and today marks the start of something I’ve been quietly working on for years.

This is our second bonus episode, and I’m once again inviting you behind the scenes of my brand-new book, Navigating Menopause After Cancer.

I’ve shared bits of this story before — how the book almost didn’t happen — and h...

In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Dr. Tiffany Troso-Sandoval — a leading medical oncologist with over 25 years of experience — for an honest and deeply empowering conversation about cancer, survivorship, and putting yourself first.

Dr. Troso-Sandoval shares her journey in oncology and her passion for helping women navigate not only treatment, but life after cancer. From the importance of second opinions to the psychological toll of survivorship, she offers both professional insight and heartfelt advice.

Her top tip for doing survivorship? Well (Hint: it’s in the episode title!)

This is a must-l...

Welcome to a very special bonus edition of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast. I’m Dani Binnington — cancer survivor, menopause advocate, and founder of Menopause and Cancer — and today marks the start of something I’ve been quietly working on for years.

In this episode, I’m inviting you behind the scenes of my brand-new book, Navigating Menopause After Cancer. This book didn’t just appear overnight — in fact, the journey started back in 2018, when I first signed with a literary agent and began dreaming of putting everything I’d learned into one place.

Over the next few Fri...

So many of us have been made to feel like we should just be “okay” after cancer—that if we’re not constantly “beating it” or “staying strong,” then somehow we’re failing. That we should be grateful it was “only” this stage, “only” this treatment. But the truth is, it’s not only anything. It’s hard, it’s relentless, and the weight of having to hold it together for everyone else can be exhausting.

And yet, within this shared experience, there is so much strength. Today, we’re joined by the wonderful Henny Flynn, a therapeutic coach who helps people...

If you’ve been feeling confused by the high-protein hype, this episode will bring clarity. In this episode, I’m joined once again by the brilliant Julie Webb – a nutritionist with decades of experience supporting people through cancer and recovery. She’s been on the podcast before, and I knew I had to bring her back because she has so much practical, no-nonsense wisdom to share.

We talk all about protein – and why more isn’t always better. I ask Julie:

Today, we’re opening up an important conversation about menopause, cancer, and the barriers that can make getting the right support even harder. My guest, Dr. Ferhat Udin, is a GP menopause specialist. She’ll be sharing her expertise on the unique challenges faced by women from ethnic minorities, alongside some of her own challenges as a female doctor wearing a headscarf—but this conversation is relevant for all of us.

No matter your background, we all need to break the silence around menopause, challenge the stigma, and push for better care. Understanding different experiences helps us suppor...

Could a breakthrough in women's health change the way we manage sexual health after cancer? In this episode, I sit down with Jo Bailey, a consultant gynaecologist surgeon, specialising in gynaecological cancers, to explore an exciting and emerging treatment—vaginal probiotics.

Many cancer survivors struggle with menopause symptoms, including vaginal dryness, discomfort, and pain during intimacy. With traditional treatments like hormone replacement therapy (HRT) not always being an option, the search for safe and effective solutions continues. Jo explains how the vaginal microbiome plays a crucial role in post-menopausal health and how vaginal probiotics could be a ga...

In this powerful solo episode, Dani invites you to press pause, tune in, and reflect — while also arming you with clarity around some of the noise in the menopause space. You’ll learn how to check in with yourself emotionally, spot the signs of meno-washing in the wellness industry, and take small but meaningful steps to reclaim your voice and your story.

Whether you're newly diagnosed, deep in treatment, or navigating life years on, this episode is a reminder that you don’t need fixing — you need truth, space, and support.

Make sure to listen to the e...

In this episode, I sit down with Rebecca Walker, a coach and podcast host, but also my very dear friend who has helped me personally so much over the years. 

We talk about the power of friendship and support when navigating cancer and mental health challenges. We explore the emotional ups and downs of survivorship, the impact of anxiety and the role of friends.

Takeaways from our conversation:

Friendship can be a lifeline during tough times.

How coaching can help

Redefining success after cancer to embracing vulnerability

W...

Want to regain strength after cancer treatment but don’t know where to start? 

In this episode, I speak with Sarah Newman, a cancer survivor who has turned her frustration and passion into becoming an exercise specialist for survivors. We’ll talk about how to begin strength training after cancer, what exercises are safe, and how to rebuild muscle after treatment. 

We cover:

The best beginner strength exercises for cancer survivors

How to prevent injury & ease into strength training

The benefits of weight training for bone health...

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Rachel Frankenthal, a board-certified Physician Assistant and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, whose work is transforming the lives of cancer survivors. Rachel specialises in gynaecological oncology at UCLA, supporting women through both cancer treatment and survivorship—particularly those navigating treatment-induced menopause.

But Rachel’s story is anything but ordinary! From her early days as a Broadway performer to becoming a leading voice in survivorship care, she shares how her journey shaped her passion for holistic, patient-centred healthcare. She has played a pivotal role in developing UCLA’s Gynaecologic Cancer Survivorship Progra...

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Liz O’Riordan, a former breast cancer surgeon, three-time cancer survivor, and author of The Cancer Roadmap: Real Science to Guide Your Treatment Path. Liz shares the motivation behind her latest book, and the most common myths surrounding cancer, treatment, and menopause.

We discuss the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis and evidence-based insights into controversial topics like diet, turmeric, juicing, alternative therapies, and HRT after cancer. We also talk about deodorants and clean skin care and I share with Liz why I can’t quite believe that ‘normal skincare...

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Melinda McDougall, a registered Medical Herbalist. Melinda has analysed hundreds of research papers on herbal medicine and menopause to uncover what truly works for some of our most bothersome menopause symptoms. Today, she brings that knowledge to us so that we can find out what considerations we have to make when also dealing with the complexities of a cancer diagnosis.

What We Cover in This Episode:

Are your bones at risk after cancer treatment? Many cancer survivors experience bone loss due to treatments that affect hormones and bone density. In this episode, we break down what you need to know about osteoporosis, how to assess your risk, and the steps you can take to protect your bone health.

Our expert guest, Dr. Olivia Hum, is a GP specialising in women’s and sexual health, an accredited British Menopause Society Menopause Specialist, and a member of the BMS Medical Advisory Council. She recently contributed to The Guardian on this topic—read the article here: Feel...

Navigating menopause after cancer treatment comes with unique challenges, and finding the right support can make all the difference. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Laura James, a board-certified naturopathic oncologist with over 20 years of experience in integrative cancer care. No one mentioned to Laura that her own medical treatment would stop her ovaries from functioning when she was a young woman of 26, so she knows what many of us experience. 

The total void of what it is to navigate menopause after cancer!

Together, we explore:

- What integrative medicine looks lik...

Many of our listeners are on a quest to improve their menopause symptoms and overall health, trying this and trying that. But as we all know, making lasting lifestyle changes can be tough—especially after cancer treatment. In this conversation, we explore how to turn good intentions into real, lasting habits that will help improve your health, reduce the risk of recurrence, and manage menopause symptoms.

I speak with Nienke Lees, a GP who is passionate about lifestyle medicine and helping her patients succeed. We discuss the power of SMART goals and the three essential components of be...

In today’s conversation, I speak to Emily Lunn who shares her personal journey through breast cancer and the challenges she faced with surgical menopause. Emily managed to find strategies to ‘win over her menopause’ as she says and I am so excited to share her story with you.

We also talk about feelings of low mood and suicidal thoughts and so please listen with caution if you are struggling at the moment. Emily came to one of our workshops last year and had little hope that what she would learn would be of benefit to her - but...

Today we’re joined by an extraordinary guest—Tatum, a true warrior who has faced and navigated menopause not once, not twice, but three times!

Tatum has been a cancer survivor for over 10 years and shares with us what each menopause has brought with it: the challenges and lessons learned. Her invaluable insights, alongside realistic expectations and what she’s discovered along the way, leave us with one important message: You are not broken!

This conversation is all about resilience, hope, and empowerment. And to honour Tatum’s journey, I’ll also be reading a special po...

Welcome to today’s most practical podcast episode, where we’re diving into one of the most common and confusing questions for those navigating menopause after cancer: "How should I be eating?"

We know how overwhelming it can be to understand what works best for your body after cancer treatment, especially when menopause throws in extra challenges. 

That’s why we’re thrilled to bring you this incredible workshop featuring Julie Webb, a leading nutritionist and expert in menopause and cancer nutrition.

She’ll answer questions like:

In today’s episode, Dr Zoe Schaedel shares with us how we can plan for better sleep. When you’re up in the middle of the night, unable to fall asleep, everything seems so much worse. Insomnia is very common in cancer patients and most people struggle unable to sleep for years after their initial diagosis even. Is that you? What you need, is a plan. You’d be surprised, this plan starts in the morning.

We will discuss:

In today’s episode, Dr Angela Wright, a clinical sexologist trained in psychosexual therapy, will guide us through this intimate, interactive and thought-provoking episode on how to find pleasure and intimacy after cancer. “This has been one of the most valuable sessions I have attended after since my cancer treatment”, said a member who joined us at the end of the recording. 

Low libido, zero libido is a common side effect of cancer treatment and as we’re about to find out, most people feel very much alone with it. 

Before we dive in, we will also...

In today’s episode, Dr. Olivia Hum, a British Menopause Society expert, will guide us through expert solutions to manage joint aches and pains and what we can do to look after our bone health.

We will also discuss:

This episode is sponsored by Astellas Pharma Limited - Thank you for your support.

Dr Ol...

In today’s episode, Dr. Zoe Schaedel, a British Menopause Society expert, will guide us through your non-hormonal prescribable options for helping with your menopause symptoms. “What can your doctor prescribe if you can’t have HRT?”, I what we asked.

We will also discuss:

...

Episode 142 - Exercise Solutions: What Really Works for Menopause Symptoms

In today’s episode, we will explore which type of exercise and which dose of exercise will help ease cancer treatment-induced symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, depression, insomnia and bone health. 

In this episode, we are going to explore: what exercise can do for you.

We are joined by Professor Anna Campbell and a whole group of the women in our community. Professor Campbell has published over 60 research papers and three academic book chapters in the field of exercise and...