Episode 177 - Goosebumps & Grit: Ellie on Teenage Menopause After Cancer
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 teenagerThe emotional and physical challenges no one prepares you forSex, intimacy, and identity after cancer — including Ellie’s brilliant campaigns with MacmillanThe power of sharing your story — and what Ellie wants others to knowEpisode Highlights:00:00 Intro03:05 Cancer Inspired Medical Career Path08:54 Family Support During Cancer Journey10:48 Withheld Prognosis for Ellie’s Benefit18:49 Hidden Challenges of Menopause20:03 Desiring Better Menopause Education26:23 "Healthcare Frustration Spurs Private Treatment"32:44 Prioritising Health Over Social Norms35:50 Speaking Out on Post-Cancer Intimacy44:04 Inspiring AwarenessFind 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-intimacyBuy a copy of my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Navigating-Menopause-After-Cancer-comprehensive/dp/1068499907Connect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
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Episode 176 - From Doctor to Patient: Dr Alison Macbeth’s Breast Cancer Story
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 Intro04:34 Breast Cancer Screening Anxiety10:53 Women's Support Crucial in Struggles15:13 Emotional Struggles and Recovery Journey26:41 "Informed Consent Lacking for Women"28:47 Choosing Endocrine Treatment Wisely30:37 "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=enJoin Alison for the Kilt Walk 14th Sept: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/edinburghkiltwalkConnect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
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Episode 175 - Can I Take HRT After Cancer? A Groundbreaking Table
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 HRTThe groundbreaking HRT safety table by Mr Talaulikar featured in Dani’s new book — and how it came togetherWhat patients and doctors really need to understand about HRT across all types of cancerWhy real-world data, like the new PROMMIS study, is finally giving voice to those who’ve been left out of the researchHow survivors can advocate for themselves and bring these conversations into their appointmentsThis 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 Intro06:24 HRT Education and Safety Update16:14 HRT Considerations for Cancer Survivors22:09 Weighing HRT Risks and Benefits29:27 Women's Healthcare Registry Study34:27 Navigating Cancer Treatment Options37:33 Digital Menopause After Cancer Guide41:54 Global Menopause Awareness ExpansionYou can find Mr Talaulikar here https://www.menopausecliniclondon.co.uk/about-usConnect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
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Episode 174 - Just Between Us: The Book Is Here
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 meShare what you’ll learn from the book: from safe treatment options to symptom relief, to long-term health strategiesTell 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 boxAnd, 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 xHere is the link to: Navigating Menopause After Cancer: A comprehensive, empowering guide to all your treatment options, where to get helped how to feel betterConnect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
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Episode 173 - Body Positive, Post-Cancer: Shelley’s Unfiltered Lens
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 treatmentDating with one boobWhat it really takes to feel sexy again in a changed bodyUsing creativity to challenge beauty norms and reclaim powerShelley 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 Intro09:03 Menopause Neglect in Cancer Treatment11:12 Menopause and Cancer: Navigating Risks17:12 Menopause Challenges in the Workplace20:59 Struggling with Post-Cancer Self-Image27:10 Intimacy Challenges Post-Menopause30:35 Life Modelling Boosts Confidence38:56 Focused Support for Cancer SurvivorsConnect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
Has cancer treatment led you to early menopause? Do you feel confused about your options? This podcast hosts conversations with cancer patients, survivors and medical professionals to learn about treatments available for women with a cancer diagnosis.
I’m Dani Binnington, after breast cancer, surgery to remove my ovaries led me to early menopause, I had no idea what my treatment options were and who in my medical team could help me figure out what to do about my symptoms. I felt alone and unsupported. It took me so long to discover I had lots of options too.
If only I’d known sooner!
Everything I wish I’d known back then is inside these conversations - so you can make the right choices now.
These episodes are a good place to start:
1. Rethinking Tamoxifen & Aromatase Inhibitors
2. Why I decided to take HRT after an oestrogen driven cancer
2. Alcohol & Me
Menopause and cancer is also a thriving community online and in real life.
Join the Facebook community to connect with women going through the same thing you are: https://www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
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