Episode 179 - Vaginal Oestrogen After Breast Cancer: A Worldwide View and Guidance
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. We talk about the real barriers that cancer survivors face when trying to get treatment for vaginal dryness and genitourinary symptoms, and we unpack the science behind the risks and benefits.If you’ve been told you can’t have vaginal oestrogen, this episode is especially for you. The landscape is shifting — and I want you to feel informed, empowered, and ready to explore your options.This conversation and Dr Macbeth’s work, are a true gift to our community. I can’t wait for you to listen.Episode Highlights:00:00 Intro08:06 Menopausal Urinary and Vaginal Issues11:30 Breast Cancer's Impact on Women's Health16:09 Vaginal Care: Tips and Products17:29 Lubricant vs Moisturiser in Healthcare24:40 Menopause Hormone Guidance Update27:56 Aromatase Inhibitors and Vaginal Oestrogen35:16 Vaginal Oestrogen and Cancer Risk37:29 Medication Non-Compliance in Medical Studies42:26 Menopause Care and GP OptionsGet your copy of Navigating Menopause After Cancer here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Navigating-Menopause-After-Cancer-comprehensive/dp/1068499907Find out more about Dr Macbeth here: https://healthinmenopause.co.uk/meet-the-team/Connect 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 178 - Stopping HRT: The Side Effect I Wasn’t Ready For
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 experiences with you. You can find Rachel here https://midlifeinterrupted.com/ and Jo here https://www.instagram.com/jomenneernutrition/?hl=en We talk about:Why stopping HRT can feel so traumaticWhether it’s safer to stop suddenly or wean off slowlyWhat non-hormonal options are available — from medications to CBT and complementary therapiesHow we can better support survivors facing this experienceWe also talk about the survey I’ve launched with Mr. Talaulikar and Dr. Basel Watter, which is helping us better understand the experiences of people who navigate menopause. If that’s you, please take part. The link is here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=8y1ywoOIqkup1ZOI4kKt2B5ITslOQvhElyTxa010jzlUNTdRRFNaRkJBWkk1UzNOTDRaMUE3RDdaTiQlQCN0PWcu And I’ll be sharing a few powerful stories from members of our community who know this pain firsthand.If you're a healthcare professional, Navigating Menopause After Cancer may be a really valuable resource for your practice — and yes, every chapter is fully referenced: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Navigating-Menopause-After-Cancer-comprehensive/dp/1068499907 Episode Highlights:00:00 Intro03:45 HRT Post-Cancer 11:23 Stopping HRT Gradually or Suddenly16:56 Exploring Non-Hormonal Treatment Options19:18 Navigating Post-Menopause Cancer Challenges21:45 Rachel’s story23:40 Jo’s StoryConnect 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 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
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
Ireland