Episode 159 - The Future of Sexual Health After Cancer: Can Vaginal Probiotics Help?
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 game-changer for improving symptoms and restoring comfort.We discuss:- Why the vaginal microbiome matters for post-cancer care.- How vaginal probiotics are showing promise as a non-hormonal treatment.- The current research gaps and why more studies are needed.- The importance of patient-centred care in sexual health post-cancer.While more research is needed, the early signs are promising—and for many survivors, this could be the breakthrough they've been waiting for.Episode Highlights:00:00 Intro05:05 Gynaecological Cancer and Menopause Treatment17:22 Empowering Women's Health Choices18:21 Exploring Non-Hormonal Gynaecological Treatments22:53 "Vaginal Probiotics for Menopausal Health"28:40 Ultimate V & Health ProductsThe probiotics mentioned can be found here: https://pelvicrelief.co.uk/ This episode is proudly sponsored by Pelvic Relief, a company dedicated to improving women’s pelvic health with science-backed solutions. They offer a curated range of products, including the vaginal probiotics we’ll discuss today—plus lubes, moisturisers, the Ohnut, and more to support pelvic pain, menopause symptoms, and post-cancer recovery. Check them out here https://pelvicrelief.co.uk/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 158 - Call It Out: Granola Won’t Fix Menopause
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 end, where Dani shares a few nuggets of an exciting new challenge if becoming active with a little support is what you need right now! Subscribe to the newsletter here https://menopauseandcancer.aweb.page/p/4cfed538-bdea-4608-b0bf-d35f26bfa946 to stay in the loop with all of Menopause And Cancer’s events and challenges.Episode Highlights:00:00 Intro07:44 Menopause Conversations: Beyond Tick Boxes15:12 Reclaiming Identity Post-Cancer19:23 Yoga's Healing Power for Survivors23:00 "Boost 30 Challenge Announcement"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 157 - Friendship, Mental Health & Self-Care: Navigating Cancer Survivorship
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 helpRedefining success after cancer to embracing vulnerabilityWhat it really means to be a supportive friend.Cancer affects mental health just as much as physical health.Sharing our stories helps us feel less alone.What’s wrong with ‘assumptions’This conversation is filled with wisdom, honesty, and hope. I can’t wait for you to listen!Episode Highlights:00:00 Intro05:26 Embracing Vulnerability and Openness08:35 "Prioritise Big Rocks First"14:42 Coaching Conversations: Navigating Health Decisions16:46 Supportive Friendships: Guidance Without Directing20:12 "Podcast Insights on Assumptions"31:14 "Reflections on Cancer and Recovery"33:40 Be the Friend You SeekListen to Rebecca’s podcast here https://headflex.co.uk/#83b77e94-775f-4144-ab1b-c69a481a6128 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 156 - How to Start Strength Training After Cancer: Safe & Effective Workouts
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 survivorsHow to prevent injury & ease into strength trainingThe benefits of weight training for bone health and menopauseHow heavy should your weights be?How to stay motivated in your fitness journeyAre heavier weights better than smaller weights and more repetitions?Episode Highlights:00:00 Intro03:36 Cancer Recovery Fitness Specialist Journey06:09 Exercise Challenges During Cancer Treatment15:15 "Strength Training Post-Cancer"23:26 Post-Cancer Mobility and Strength Guide27:54 Lymphedema: Wear Compression During Exercise32:50 Functional Exercises for Everyday Movement36:16 Weight Training Progression Guide39:44 Strength Training: 5 Key Principles42:52 Squat Variations for Leg Targets46:43 Post-Surgery Upper Body Exercises48:30 "Lunge Modifications for Joint Comfort"51:23 "Tea Time Workout Routine"If you're navigating menopause after cancer and want support, visit Menopause and Cancer for more resources.Connect to Sarah from Get Me Back here and sign up to her fantastic online program today https://www.getmeback.uk/ To follow Sarah on Instagram, go here https://www.instagram.com/getmebackuk/If you want to find out more of what the evidence of strength training and exercise says on cancer recurrence, watch our YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8WDtAM-lrg
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Episode 155 - Broadway Star Turned Cancer Survivorship and Menopause Advocate
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 Program and started a dedicated menopause clinic to support survivors in reclaiming their well-being.Join us as we discuss the power of integrative care, movement, and mindfulness, and how Rachel is changing the future of menopause support for cancer survivors. This conversation is full of wisdom, hope, and a reminder that the right care can change lives.Episode Highlights:00:00 Intro05:27 Rachel’s Yoga Journey13:07 Comprehensive Patient Follow-Up Visits16:51 Post-Treatment Confusion and Anxiety20:15 Embracing a Healthcare Paradigm Shift23:13 Menopausal Symptoms in Cancer Survivors24:30 "Advocating Awareness in Cancer Care"29:09 Empowering Mid-Level Providers in Oncology31:42 Yoga Program Reduces Treatment Side Effects35:35 Community Healing Through Connection38:17 Normalising Post-Cancer Intimacy ChallengesFind Rachel here https://www.instagram.com/rachelfrankenthal/ Attached are resources: The British Gyn Cancer Society Guidelines https://thebms.org.uk/publications/bms-guidelines/management-of-menopausal-symptoms-following-treatment-of-gynaecological-cancer/- Here's the link to Rachel’s course "Hormone Therapy for Gyn Cancer Survivors": https://heatherhirschacademy.com/course/managing-hormone-therapy-for-gynecologic-cancer-survivors/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
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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