The Menopause and Cancer Podcast

This week's episode is a little different.
A few weeks ago, a group of us took on a 53km challenge across the Peak District to raise money for Menopause and Cancer. Somewhere between the hills, the aching feet, the snack stops and plenty of laughter, I had this feeling that I wanted to ‘bottle up’ some of the conversations and the energy we had - to bring it to you.
So, instead of an expert interview, I thought I'd invite you to come along for the post-walk chat with us.
You'll hear honest conversations, a few giggles, reflections on why community matters so much after cancer...and yes, the story of why I ended up feeling rather guilty about keeping hold of one of the prizes that had been donated for our walkers. Let's just say...it involved a rather unexpected gift from our lovely Dr Angela Wright!
This episode is a reminder that healing doesn't only happen in clinic rooms. Sometimes it happens when you're walking alongside people who simply understand.
Whether you've been listening for four weeks or four years, thank you for being part of this community.
And if today's episode leaves you wishing you were there with us, why not join our London Bridges Challenge on 12 September? We'd absolutely love to welcome you. Or perhaps you'll even be tempted by the whispers of an even bigger challenge next year…? You can also take on a challenge anywhere in the world too!
Who's in? 😉
And one more thing...
This is the final episode before a special two-part series where I'll be sharing the next chapter of the podcast. Don't worry: the conversations you know and love aren't going anywhere, but I can't wait to share what's been quietly unfolding behind the scenes.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Intro
06:37 Reflecting on the race challenge
07:34 Struggling during the race
14:29 Walking challenge with friends
18:52 Completing a charity walkathon
22:30 Discussing resilience and support
27:35 Discussing the “Lemon”
32:22 Building a supportive community
34:10 Community and charity challenges
43:50 Fundraising and community involvement
Links & Resources
Navigating Menopause After Cancer: my bestselling book bringing together expert advice, lived experience and practical guidance to help you navigate menopause after cancer. https://amzn.eu/d/0fuL8JSs
Join the Thames Bridges Trek with the Menopause and Cancer Community – 12th September in London https://menopauseandcancer.org/thames-bridges-trek/
Take on any other fundraising challenge anywhere in the world https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/fundraisingideas
If you’re keen to explore another long-distance hike next year, please email phoebe@menopauseandcancer.org
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:
Fundraiser Walk: And walk: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge
Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/

Within just a year of being diagnosed with breast cancer, lawyer mum and so-called ‘midlife-hipster’ George made the deeply personal decision to restart HRT.
This episode isn't about advocating for or against HRT after breast cancer, and it certainly isn't about telling anyone what they should or shouldn't do. Instead, it's about understanding one woman's journey and exploring the thoughts, emotions and experiences that shaped her decision.
This conversation also goes far beyond HRT. George speaks beautifully about something I know many women will recognise: feeling invisible in midlife. Long before she made the decision to restart HRT, she had already begun finding ways to reconnect with herself. We talk about "Sparkly Fridays", bright lipstick, embracing colour, finding moments of joy and slowly rediscovering her confidence. It's a wonderful reminder that getting your mojo back isn't always about one big decision; sometimes it's the many little things that help you feel like yourself again.
When I first spoke to George, she was right in the messy middle. She had restarted HRT but, for the first time, found herself feeling anxious about that decision. I know so many people in our community are asking similar questions, often without straightforward answers.
My hope is that today's conversation helps us take some of the emotion out of these discussions and instead become a little more curious about one another. We don't all have to make the same decisions, but we can learn so much by listening without judgement.
In this episode, we discuss:
George's decision to restart HRT after breast cancer
Living with uncertainty and navigating deeply personal decisions
Anxiety, confidence and trusting yourself
Feeling invisible in midlife
"Sparkly Fridays" and finding joy in the everyday
Why there is no one-size-fits-all approach to menopause after cancer
The importance of listening to one another's stories without judgement

Episode Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
04:53 Building an online community
10:58 Early breast cancer diagnosis story
14:10 Discussing HRT decision after cancer
19:19 Anxiety about cancer recurrence
20:34 Discussing menopause and shared decisions
26:10 Discussing hormones and health choices
29:38 Reflecting on past struggles
34:41 Considering future HRT plans
37:40 Heart and bone health after cancer
42:14 Coping with difficult decisions
Next week, you'll hear from another breast cancer survivor whose story is completely different. HRT isn't something she would personally consider, and that's exactly why I wanted to share these conversations side by side. Every experience is unique, and by hearing a range of perspectives, my hope is that we can all feel a little more informed, a little more understood, and a little less alone.
Enjoy!
Follow George here: https://www.instagram.com/awomancalledgeorge/
Dani’s links:
Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?r=1osz6a&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page
Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb
Join the 12th September Thames Bridges Trek: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge
Set up your own fundraiser: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/fundraisingideas
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:
Fundraiser Walk: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge
Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/

Heart disease is one of the biggest long-term health concerns facing cancer survivors after menopause. But before you panic, there is a lot more within your control than you might think. Just recently, I’ve seen several social media posts talking about how our risk of heart disease increases during menopause, especially if you’re not taking HRT.
I totally understand how, for many cancer survivors, that can feel so frightening.
After all, what do you do if HRT isn’t an option, or if the decision is far more complicated because of your cancer history? Or because you’re super young, maybe?
That’s exactly why I wanted to bring in Dr Jordan Emont. Dr Emont is a board-certified OB-GYN with advanced training in menopause medicine, integrative hormonal care and sexual health.
In this episode, we talk about what menopause really means for our heart and metabolic health, why cholesterol and insulin resistance matter, and most importantly, the practical steps we can take to reduce risk and feel more in control of our future health.
This is a reassuring, empowering conversation that moves beyond fear and focuses on what we can actually do.
Whether you’re on endocrine therapy, navigating treatment-induced menopause, or simply wondering how to protect your long-term health after cancer, I think you’ll find this episode incredibly helpful.
Resources: Find Dr Emont here https://www.drjordanemont.com/
I have also recorded an in-depth episode on ‘How to take control of your cholesterol’. Go check it out! It’s Episode 125: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-125-take-control-of-your-cholesterol/id1631842514?i=1000669090421
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Intro
07:50 Empowering women in healthcare decisions
10:20 Managing menopause and surgery decisions
15:36 Managing health post-ovary removal
19:22 Managing Risk and Health Choices
22:06 Lifestyle and heart health tips
24:58 Menopause specialists and holistic care
29:49 Understanding insulin resistance tests
34:20 Exploring cholesterol medication options
Dani’s links:
Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?r=1osz6a&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page
Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb
Join the 12th September Thames Bridges Trek: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge
Set up your own fundraiser: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/fundraisingideas
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:
Fundraiser Walk: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge
Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/

Whether it's joint pain, fatigue, brain fog, poor sleep, hot flushes or anxiety, it can feel frustrating when symptoms linger long after treatment ends. For many people, supplements seem like a logical place to look for menopause support, but with endless products, conflicting advice and cupboards full of half-used bottles, how do you know what's actually worth taking?
In this episode, I am once again joined by leading oncologist, researcher and integrative medicine specialist Professor Robert Thomas to explore the role supplements may play in supporting health and wellbeing after cancer.
Make sure to have pen and paper ready, as I think you’ll need it!
In this episode, we discuss:
Why so many cancer survivors turn to supplements
How to identify what symptoms you're actually trying to support
Which supplements have anti-cancer properties?
Which supplements help with joint pain?
Supplements that may help with sleep
The role of vitamin D, probiotics and omega-3
What should I NOT have too much of?
The debate around multivitamins after cancer
Common supplement mistakes that waste money
Creatine: what we know and what we still don't know for cancer survivors

One of the most powerful messages from this conversation is that there is rarely one magic supplement. Instead, the best results often come from understanding your symptoms, focusing on overall health and making informed decisions based on evidence rather than marketing.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Introduction
05:06 Discussing supplements with oncologists
08:34 Discussing supplement safety and benefits
11:13 Improving gut health in menopause
16:03 Concerns about multivitamins and antioxidants
17:52 Discussing supplements and deficiencies
20:57 Understanding Mineral Intake from Food
25:44 Discussing creatine vs collagen benefits

Resources
Keep Healthy: keep-healthy.com and https://keep-healthy.com/polyphenols/
Rob’s bestselling book "How to Live"

About Dr Robert Thomas
Dr Robert Thomas is a Consultant Oncologist, Professor of Nutritional and Sports Science, researcher, author and Head of Integrative Oncology at UCLH. His work focuses on helping people combine conventional cancer treatments with evidence-based lifestyle strategies to improve outcomes and quality of life.
He also leads a research unit that has designed landmark scientific studies which provide the evidence that guide nutritionists, support groups, doctors and patients across the World.

As well as mainstream oncology studies, the team focuses on randomised trials that evaluate the impact of exercise, diet, gut health and natural therapies on cancer, long covid and exercise performance, menopause and cancer.
This included 5 RCT's addressing hormone related symptons after breast cancer including patient choice as a primary end point.
His latest two double blind RCTs, discovered that boosting dietary phytochemicals (with Yourphyto) and gut health (with Yourgutplus) slowed prostate cancer progression, improved erectile function and urinary symptoms and improved three key biomarkers of longevity.

Dani’s links:
Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?r=1osz6a&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page
Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb
Join the 12th September Thames Bridges Trek: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge
Set up your own fundraiser: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/fundraisingideas
Mentioned in this episode:
Fundraiser Walk: And walk: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge
Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/

Can turmeric really help with joint pain, inflammation and gut health after cancer? And why are so many people being told to avoid it?
In this fascinating conversation, I sit down with leading oncologist, researcher and integrative medicine expert Professor Robert Thomas to unpack the science behind turmeric, gut health and cancer recovery.
Prof Thomas shares why he believes many patients are receiving outdated advice about turmeric, explains where concerns about tamoxifen interactions originated, and explores what the latest research actually tells us. Together, we discuss the role of gut health in long-term wellbeing, why exercise remains one of the most powerful tools available after cancer, and how lifestyle medicine can work alongside conventional cancer treatments.
In this episode, we discuss:
The surprising evidence behind turmeric and cancer
Why turmeric became controversial in breast cancer care
The difference between turmeric, curcumin and supplements
Gut health, inflammation and the microbiome
Managing joint pain and menopausal symptoms after cancer
Exercise as a tool to improve cancer outcomes
How integrative oncology combines medical treatment with lifestyle strategies
Common myths surrounding supplements and cancer

Resources
Keep Healthy: keep-healthy.com and https://keep-healthy.com/polyphenols/
Rob’s bestselling book "How to Live"

Episode Highlights:
00:00 Introduction
09:33 Discussing hormone therapy options
12:30 Discussing health and patient advocacy
15:00 Discussing menopause treatments
20:06 Turmeric's rise in health circles
22:24 Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits
24:21 Curcumin study and dosage discussion
28:01 Addressing turmeric's cancer misconceptions
32:28 Simplifying Supplement Choices
About Prof Robert Thomas:
Thomas is a Consultant Oncologist, Professor of Nutritional and Sports Science, author, researcher and Head of Integrative Oncology at UCLH. He has published extensively on lifestyle medicine, cancer prevention and survivorship, and is passionate about helping patients make informed decisions about their health using evidence-based approaches.
He also leads a research unit that has designed landmark scientific studies which provide the evidence that guide nutritionists, support groups, doctors and patients across the World.
As well as mainstream oncology studies, the team focuses on randomised trials that evaluate the impact of exercise, diet, gut health and natural therapies on cancer, long covid and exercise performance, menopause and cancer.
This included 5 RCT's addressing hormone related symptons after breast cancer including patient choice as a primary end point.
His latest two double blind RCTs, discovered that boosting dietary phytochemicals (with Yourphyto) and gut health (with Yourgutplus) slowed prostate cancer progression, improved erectile function and urinary symptoms and improved three key biomarkers of longevity.
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:
Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/
Fundraiser Walk: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge