The Menopause and Cancer Podcast

In this honest and judgment-free conversation, Dani is joined by cancer survivors Emily and Anita to explore their relationship with alcohol after cancer and during menopause.
Together, they talk openly about questioning drinking habits, attempts to moderate or stop altogether, the social shifts that come with drinking less, and the impact on identity and relationships.
We know that no amount of alcohol is completely safe. Large studies show that alcohol increases the risk of at least seven different cancers, and it can also worsen menopause symptoms such as hot flushes, poor sleep, and anxiety. But this episode isn’t about shame or blame.
It’s an invitation to reflect — gently and without judgement — on your own relationship with alcohol.
Whether you drink occasionally, regularly, or not at all, this conversation creates space to pause and ask: Is this still serving me?
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Intro
06:41 "Finding My People Alcohol-Free"
13:20 "Alcohol-Free Holiday Journey"
16:37 "Redefining Roles When Sober"
24:34 "Sober Struggle with Moderation"
26:37 "Authentic Connections Without Alcohol"
30:26 Alcohol, Endometriosis, and Regret
32:03 Alcohol, Cancer, and Self-Blame
35:14 "Individual Choices in Health"
41:06 "Sober Journey, New Experiences"

These are the websites Anita and Emily mention:
https://besober.co.uk/ and https://soberbutterfly.com/
You can find Anita here https://yogaandsoundwithanita.co.uk/
And Emily here https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-lunn-4931b3106/

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 episode of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Susanna Unsworth, GP and menopause specialist at the Cambridge breast unit, to talk about why menopause after cancer can sometimes feel like such a complex and at times controversial area of medicine.
We explore why medical opinions can differ, why this space is not always black and white, and what happens when new research starts to challenge long-held assumptions.
A big focus of this conversation is the PIONEER trial, a Cambridge-led study looking at whether megestrol acetate — a drug that acts on the progesterone receptor — could be used alongside standard anti-oestrogen treatment in oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer and how it may also help with hot flushes!
It’s a bit mind-blowing when you think that all we hear all the time is NO to any HORMONES after breast cancer!
So we talk about why that finding has caught so much attention.
We also talk about the very real emotional burden of endocrine therapy, the impact on quality of life, and why so many patients feel stuck between wanting to reduce recurrence risk and wanting to feel more like themselves again.
Susanna also shares how the Cambridge breast unit is developing its menopause service, including group education sessions to help prepare patients earlier and improve access to support.
This is a really thoughtful conversation about evidence, uncertainty, quality of life, and why people affected by cancer deserve honest, nuanced menopause care.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Introduction
04:49 "World Menopause & Cancer Day"
06:21 GP Turned Women's Health Specialist
09:44 "Menopause, Breast Cancer, and Controversies"
13:29 Progesterone Trial Slows Cancer Growth
17:13 Hormonal Interplay and Cancer Risk
22:40 "Balancing Treatment Choices Carefully"
26:46 "Menopause, Social Media, and HRT"
32:05 Creating seminars to deliver information to more women

About my guest
Dr Susanna Unsworth is a GP and menopause specialist working within the breast unit in Cambridge, supporting patients experiencing menopause symptoms after breast cancer treatment. She also works more broadly in women’s health and community gynaecology. You can find her here: You can find Susanna here https://cambridgewomenshealth.co.uk/about

Resources and links
The Cambridge-led PIONEER trial article is here https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/hot-flush-treatment-has-anti-breast-cancer-activity-study-finds

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, we’re exploring the evidence with medical acupuncturist Maria Vega.
Many cancer survivors experience menopause symptoms such as hot flushes, joint pain, insomnia and anxiety — often while navigating complex treatment plans or endocrine therapy. For some, HRT may not be an option, which leads many people to explore complementary approaches like acupuncture.
But does acupuncture really work? And what does the research say?
In this episode, I’m joined by Maria Vega, a medical acupuncturist who works in integrative oncology supporting people after cancer with a whole array of evidence-based strategies.
We explore the evidence behind acupuncture for symptoms such as hot flushes, aromatase inhibitor–related joint pain, sleep disturbances and anxiety, while also discussing safety considerations and how acupuncture may fit into a broader, integrative approach to managing menopause after cancer.
What is acupuncture and how does it work?
The science behind acupuncture and menopause symptoms
Research on acupuncture for hot flushes and joint pain after cancer
Safety considerations for cancer survivors

Episode Highlights:
00:00 Introduction
05:42 Integrative Oncology Nurse Specialist
07:52 Acupuncture: TCM and Western medical acupuncture
12:25 "Acupuncture and Medications Evidence"
16:02 "Improving Menopause Care Approach"
17:49 "Managing Hot Flushes Effectively"
24:50 "Acupuncture Safety in Oncology Treatment"
27:53 Acupuncture Recognition in Oncology
33:39 "Acupressure: Empowering Patient Self-Care"

You can find Maria here https://holohealth.co.uk/

This paper sums up the recommendations Maria speaks about:
https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.22.01357

Here is an open-source link as the ASCO paper requires a subscription.
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jicm.2024.0452

Highlight from ASCO - SIO guidelines: Among adult patients, acupuncture should be recommended for aromatase inhibitor–related joint pain. Acupuncture or reflexology or acupressure may be recommended for general cancer pain or musculoskeletal pain.

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

On this episode of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast, we’re marking Anal Cancer Awareness Day (21 March) by shining a light on a cancer that is often misunderstood, stigmatised, and rarely talked about.
Anal cancer is caused by HPV, just like cervical cancer, yet it doesn’t receive the same awareness or open conversation. It might not feel as “pink” or as socially comfortable to talk about as breast cancer. It’s not a cancer that gets glossy campaigns or big awareness drives. There’s often stigma. There’s embarrassment. There’s silence.
And that silence can leave people feeling incredibly alone.
I’m joined by Ali, who shares her honest experience of being diagnosed with anal cancer; what treatment involved, the physical and emotional impact, and how it affected her confidence, menopause and sexual wellbeing.
We also explore an important question: can treatment for anal cancer induce menopause?
Pelvic radiotherapy and chemotherapy can affect ovarian function, sometimes triggering sudden or early menopause. We discuss what that means, and whether HRT or local oestrogen may be options.
This episode is about inclusion.
It’s about making sure everyone — regardless of cancer type — feels seen in menopause conversations.
If you’ve ever felt that your cancer isn’t the “right” kind to talk about, this episode is for you.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Introduction
04:33 Cancer Diagnosis: Fear and Isolation
12:15 "Stage 3 Cancer Challenges"
14:32 "Breaking Stigma Around Cancer"
23:22 "Menopause, HRT, and Cancer Journey"
27:07 Burnout, Anxiety, and Menopause Journey
30:36 "Pelvic Radiotherapy: Long-Term Impacts"
36:01 "Barbie Butt: Finding Joy Amid Struggles"
41:38 "Menopause, Cancer, and Support Gaps"

About our guest Ali:
Ali Stripling is a qualified Menopause Wellness Practitioner who was diagnosed with Stage 3 anal cancer in October 2024. She now speaks in workplaces about menopause, cancer and life in remission. Ali is also the author of #TweakAWeek, a practical framework helping perimenopausal women make positive changes without overwhelm. https://www.linkedin.com/in/alistripling/

Links:
Macmillan Anal Cancer Support Forum: https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/anal-cancer-forum

The Farrah Fawcett Foundation https://thefarrahfawcettfoundation.org/
This podcast episode was supported by an unrestricted grant from Incyte Biosciences. Incyte had no involvement in the development, content, or editorial review of the activities associated with this initiative.

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

One of the hardest things about fatigue after cancer is not knowing what’s causing it. Is it the lasting impact of cancer treatment? Is it menopause? Is it hormone therapy — or all of it together? For many people, it’s impossible to tease apart, and that uncertainty alone can be exhausting. And please don’t tell me to ‘do less’ to feel better!
Fatigue is one of the most common and most misunderstood long-term effects of cancer and its treatment. Many people are told it’s “normal”, something they just have to live with. But for those experiencing it, this exhaustion can be overwhelming, persistent, and life-limiting.
In this episode, Dani is joined by Dr. Jessa Landman, a leading naturopathic doctor specialising in integrative oncology. Together they unpack what cancer-related fatigue really is — and how menopause can intensify it further.
Together, they explore why this fatigue is not the same as everyday tiredness, why rest alone often doesn’t help, and how hormonal changes, endocrine therapy, disrupted sleep, emotional load and identity loss can all layer on top of each other.
This conversation is about validation, understanding, and practical ways forward!
You can find more information about Dr Jessa Landman here:
Website: https://drjessalandmann.com/
Pre-order Jessa’s new Book: https://www.wiley.com/en-ca/Beyond+Cancer+Fatigue%3A+A+Path+to+Reclaiming+Energy-p-9781394381371

You can find Dani’s Book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’ here: https://amzn.eu/d/0d9bgNBU
It is now also available as an audiobook!

Episode Highlights:
00:00 Intro
06:32 "Complementary Care for Cancer Recovery"
12:19 Enduring Fatigue and Recovery Struggles
15:31 Cancer Fatigue vs Exhaustion
17:40 Understanding Individual Health Needs
20:49 "Food and Lifestyle as Medicine"
25:27 Sleep Issues Post-Cancer Treatment
29:22 Muscle, Nutrition, and Energy Balance
33:15 Exercise: Finding What Works
36:26 "Menopause Fatigue and Herbal Remedies"
42:07 "Wellness Foundations and Options"
47:34 "Menopause Fatigue: 3P Strategies"

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