Episodes

  • Episode 225 - Supplements And Cancer: Are We Missing Out?

    Episode 225 - Supplements And Cancer: Are We Missing Out?
    Jul 8 2026
    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 supplementsHow to identify what symptoms you're actually trying to supportWhich supplements have anti-cancer properties?Which supplements help with joint pain?Supplements that may help with sleepThe role of vitamin D, probiotics and omega-3What should I NOT have too much of?The debate around multivitamins after cancerCommon supplement mistakes that waste moneyCreatine: what we know and what we still don't know for cancer survivorsOne 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 Introduction05:06 Discussing supplements with oncologists08:34 Discussing supplement safety and benefits11:13 Improving gut health in menopause16:03 Concerns about multivitamins and antioxidants17:52 Discussing supplements and deficiencies20:57 Understanding Mineral Intake from Food25:44 Discussing creatine vs collagen benefitsResourcesKeep Healthy: keep-healthy.com and https://keep-healthy.com/polyphenols/Rob’s bestselling book "How to Live"About Dr Robert ThomasDr 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-pageBuy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBbJoin the 12th September Thames Bridges Trek: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallengeSet up your own fundraiser: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/fundraisingideasMentioned in this episode:Fundraiser Walk: And walk: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • Episode 224 - Turmeric After Cancer: Have We Got It Wrong? With Professor Robert Thomas

    Episode 224 - Turmeric After Cancer: Have We Got It Wrong? With Professor Robert Thomas
    Jul 1 2026
    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 cancerWhy turmeric became controversial in breast cancer careThe difference between turmeric, curcumin and supplementsGut health, inflammation and the microbiomeManaging joint pain and menopausal symptoms after cancerExercise as a tool to improve cancer outcomesHow integrative oncology combines medical treatment with lifestyle strategiesCommon myths surrounding supplements and cancerResourcesKeep Healthy: keep-healthy.com and https://keep-healthy.com/polyphenols/Rob’s bestselling book "How to Live"Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction09:33 Discussing hormone therapy options12:30 Discussing health and patient advocacy15:00 Discussing menopause treatments20:06 Turmeric's rise in health circles22:24 Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits24:21 Curcumin study and dosage discussion28:01 Addressing turmeric's cancer misconceptions32:28 Simplifying Supplement ChoicesAbout 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_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub Mentioned in this episode:Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/ Fundraiser Walk: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge
    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • Episode 223 - Four Years, Hundreds of Conversations and One Big Question: What's Next?

    Episode 223 - Four Years, Hundreds of Conversations and One Big Question: What's Next?
    Jun 24 2026
    Four years ago, I sat down and recorded the very first episode of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast.At the time, I had no idea what I was doing. I didn't know whether anyone would listen, whether I'd make it past a handful of episodes, or that four years later I'd still be here, talking to you every single week.What began as a simple idea, to create the menopause resource I desperately wished I'd had after cancer, has grown into something far bigger than I ever imagined.Over the last four years, we've shared hundreds of conversations with incredible experts, survivors, partners, advocates and healthcare professionals. Together we've explored symptoms, treatments, relationships, intimacy, identity, mental health, grief, hope and everything in between.The podcast has opened doors I never expected. It has led to friendships, opportunities, a bestselling book, healthcare professional training, events, retreats and the growth of Menopause and Cancer into a global movement.But perhaps the greatest gift has been you: your emails, messages and stories.Hosting this podcast has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. And the truth is, I think the podcast has changed me just as much as it has helped others.Over the last four years, life has changed, too.My daughters have grown up. I've become a founder, an author and somehow a CEO. I've gained confidence in some areas and lost it in others. I've learned new skills, made mistakes, changed my mind, needed reading glasses and realised that growth rarely happens in a straight line.Recently, I've been reflecting a lot on identity.For years, I was a yoga teacher.Then an advocate.Then a founder.Now a CEO.And yet, if I'm honest, I don't always feel like any of those labels fully fit anymore.Maybe you've felt that too? Are we constantly in transition?Perhaps that's why this moment feels important. Not because we've reached four years, but because it feels like the beginning of a new chapter.I've recently started a new project called Still Becoming: a kind of blog, and in many ways, this is how it all started for me. It's a space where I can share some of the conversations that don't always fit neatly into a Menopause and Cancer podcast episode: reflections on identity, motherhood, relationships, intimacy, purpose, building a charity and navigating all the messy, beautiful parts of being human.And because this next chapter isn't just about me, I'd love your help.I've created a short listener survey to help shape the future of the podcast. What have you loved? What has helped? What conversations are missing? What would you like more of?I'll also be inviting a small group of listeners to join me on a Zoom call on 9th July at 5pm so we can talk about the future together.For now, though, I simply want to say thank you.Thank you for listening.Thank you for showing up.Thank you for sharing your stories.Thank you for trusting me with them.Links MentionedThe Next Chapter - Shape the future of the show with me: https://forms.gle/cQ36jKzDFqY2p3qy6Join my blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?r=1osz6a&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-pageBuy the book “Navigating Menopause After Cancer” https://amzn.eu/d/0fPhc0ttEpisode Highlights:00:00 Intro03:35 Discovering Menopause Support Needs09:20 Writing ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’13:00 The importance of audience feedback14:57 Kate's experience with menopause and cancer20:27 Navigating life after cancer21:27 Still Becoming: Embracing Multiple Identities25:07 Listener feedback session invitation28:14 Podcast future plans announcementConnect 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 Mentioned in this episode:Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • Episode 222 - “We Had To Learn Too” Cancer Care Nurses on Menopause After Cancer

    Episode 222 - “We Had To Learn Too” Cancer Care Nurses on Menopause After Cancer
    Jun 17 2026

    In this inspiring episode, Dani is joined by two breast care clinical nurse specialists from Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to explore what’s possible when healthcare professionals truly listen, learn and work together to improve menopause care for women after cancer treatment.

    If you’re a patient, this is a must-listen so that you can set realistic expectations of what’s possible. If you’re a healthcare professional, you’ll be blown away by what Jaqcui and her team have achieved through hard work and persistence.

    Clinical Nurse Specialist Jacqui shares how she helped shape and evolve the support offered within her team around menopause after cancer, bringing colleagues together, opening up important conversations, and helping create more compassionate, informed care for patients navigating life after treatment. She is joined by her colleague, Christina for an honest discussion about what they’ve learned from patients over the years, the gaps they began to recognise, and the practical changes that can happen even within stretched NHS services and limited resources.

    Dani says, “Thank you for being utterly amazing!”

    Jaqcui and Christina mention Dani’s book and say how helpful it is for them. You can buy a copy here: https://amzn.eu/d/04P0N9FX

    And here is www.menopauseandcancer.org for more information and support.

    Episode Highlights:

    00:00 Intro

    08:06 Addressing menopause post-cancer treatment

    14:24 Learning from patient engagement

    17:06 New prescribing practices in oncology

    20:25 Discussing Tamoxifen Prescription Options

    26:16 Discussing hormone therapy side effects

    27:46 Discussing bone health in menopause

    36:37 Challenges in patient care response

    37:53 Menopause care post-cancer

    42:44 Focusing on menopause and cancer

    43:52 Planning patient support events

    49:11 Empowering patient-doctor conversations

    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/

    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • Episode 221 - Who controls what happens between women’s legs after menopause

    Episode 221 - Who controls what happens between women’s legs after menopause
    Jun 10 2026
    Who controls what happens between women’s legs after menopause?It’s a confronting question, but one that sits at the heart of this episode.In this short, powerful conversation, I am joined by menopause specialist and sexologist Dr Angela Wright to explore why so many women — particularly those who have had cancer — are still being denied access to vaginal and vulval oestrogen treatments. And why we’re not routinely having the conversation about sexual health after cancer treatment.Despite being widely recognised as one of the most effective and low-risk treatments for genitourinary symptoms of menopause (GSM), access remains incredibly low. Many women are left navigating pain, dryness, recurrent infections, loss of sexual function, and a deep impact on identity and relationships — often without being offered treatment. Or they’re told ‘no’.This episode explores:Why are women not allowed to make an informed choice about their intimate health?The realities of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) — and why it’s more than “just dryness”The added complexity for women on treatments like aromatase inhibitors (e.g. Letrozole)The emotional and relational impact of untreated symptomsHow history, culture, and medical caution continue to shape women’s access to careThe growing body of guidance suggesting low-dose vaginal hormones may be appropriate for many women, including after breast cancerThe balance between clinical responsibility and patient autonomyThis is not a black-and-white conversation. It’s not about right or wrong.It’s an invitation — to think, to question, and to open up more honest, informed conversations between patients and healthcare professionals.Because at its core, is it about choice?Links mentioned in this episode:You can find Dr Wright here: https://spicedpearhealth.co.uk/about/Sweetness of Venus: A history of the clitoris book https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sweetness-Venus-History-Clitoris/dp/B08W3NZ1H9Women’s Health Made Easy Book: for Healthcare Professionals, click hereMore information about vaginal oestrogen after breast cancer: https://menopauseandcancer.org/navigating-vaginal-oestrogen-after-breast-cancer-what-every-woman-needs-to-know/Episode Highlights:00:00 Intro05:36 Doctor's journey and women's health08:17 Challenges of Menopause Treatment10:32 Debating hormone prescription guidelines14:25 Discussing medical trauma and autonomy18:19 Discussing bodily agency and benefits21:18 Reclaiming life after trauma24:31 Understanding compliance with endocrine therapies26:42 Valuing women's opinions in healthcare29:48 Discussing erectile dysfunction post-cancer34:39 Opening conversations on sexual healthConnect 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
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • Episode 220 - What are my rights? Working with cancer and menopause

    Episode 220 - What are my rights? Working with cancer and menopause
    Jun 3 2026

    Do you know your rights to work after a cancer diagnosis and with ongoing menopause symptoms?

    From navigating time off, to returning to work, to managing menopause symptoms in the workplace, it can feel overwhelming to know what your rights are and what support you should expect.

    I’m joined by Barbara Wilson, from Working With Cancer, who brings over 50 years of experience supporting people through cancer at work.

    Together, we break this down in a really practical way— so you can feel more informed and more confident in advocating for yourself.

    In this episode, we cover:

    • Whether cancer is automatically considered a disability under UK law
    • Your rights when returning to work after treatment
    • What a good return-to-work plan should actually look like
    • What “reasonable adjustments” mean — and real-life examples
    • What counts as discrimination in this context
    • How much do you need to disclose about your diagnosis (including when applying for a job)
    • Whether menopause is recognised as a disability under UK law
    • How treatment-induced menopause after cancer is considered in the workplace
    • Whether employers are expected to support menopause symptoms

    Episode Highlights:

    00:00 Introduction

    06:31 Supporting employees with cancer

    08:07 Discussing cancer diagnoses and menopause

    13:38 Creating flexible workplace plans

    15:29 Discussing cancer disclosure at work

    20:23 Discussing return to work planning

    22:00 Discussing phased return to work

    28:48 Supporting employees with health challenges

    31:22 Menopause and post-cancer life changes

    37:16 Flexible work schedule adjustments

    43:07 Reevaluating work after cancer diagnosis

    44:39 Easing back into work

    47:52 Disclosing cancer to an employer

    Link to Working with Cancer: https://workingwithcancer.co.uk/

    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

    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • Episode 219 - Who Am I Now: Identity After Menopause and Cancer

    Episode 219 - Who Am I Now: Identity After Menopause and Cancer
    May 27 2026

    In this very special community conversation, I sit down with a group of incredible women from our Menopause and Cancer community to explore something so many of us struggle with after cancer treatment… identity. I’m so grateful the group allowed me to get this conversation out to you! Lucky us.

    Who are we now?

    Together, we talk openly about the physical and emotional changes that can leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves — from body image and confidence, to work, relationships, grief, loss, purpose and rebuilding.

    Rather than bringing in an expert, I thought it might be best to just have an honest conversation, share experiences and learn from one another. Because the wisdom in our community is WONDERFUL!

    What became clear throughout this discussion is that so many of us are living in what I call “the messy middle” — no longer who we were before cancer, but not yet fully arrived in who we are becoming.

    If you’ve ever felt lost, changed, disconnected or uncertain about your place in the world after treatment, this episode is for you.

    YouTube Wellness Series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsUEBZ4ZwowoJ0t4pV-gmwGSqruDPm-2P&si=7UE81giK-2v5eByM

    Episode 214 - What It Really Feels Like & And Your Questions Answered: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/episode-214-what-it-really-feels-like-and-your/id1631842514?i=1000762984322

    Episode Highlights:

    00:00 Introduction

    03:18 Exploring identity and personal growth

    07:51 The jar and pebbles analogy

    12:31 Coping with treatment and diagnosis

    13:49 Discussing challenges of societal expectations

    16:47 Struggles with overthinking and doubt

    22:47 Facing the unknown post-treatment

    23:47 Sharing post-cancer treatment experiences

    29:24 Reflecting on life after cancer

    32:42 Coping after a mastectomy

    35:11 Morning mirror positivity trick

    40:24 Navigating daily challenges with compassion

    45:36 Navigating menopause and survivorship

    47:42 Reflecting on personal growth journey

    49:40 Focusing on self-care and being present

    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/

    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
  • Episode 218 - What Is It Like for Partners? Men Supporting Women Through Cancer & Menopause

    Episode 218 - What Is It Like for Partners? Men Supporting Women Through Cancer & Menopause
    May 20 2026

    In this episode, I’m joined by Rob and Andy, two partners navigating life alongside their wives through cancer and menopause.

    I actually asked in our Facebook community if anyone’s partners would be willing to come on the podcast… and these two were put forward by their wives — earning themselves serious brownie points in the process.

    This is a really honest conversation about what it feels like to be on the other side.

    We talk about the overwhelm, the uncertainty, and that feeling of wanting to help but not always knowing how. From the emotional impact to the mood changes, this episode sheds light on a perspective we don’t hear enough about.

    Because supporting someone through cancer and menopause doesn’t come with a manual — and partners need support and understanding too.

    And yes - I did bring up intimacy and low libido - and they did not just quit the call! I am so grateful to Rob and Andy! Thank you so much!

    If this resonates, do share this episode with your partner — so we can include them in this conversation too.

    This one is for you… and for them.

    Episode Highlights:

    00:00 Introduction

    04:13 Discovering and diagnosing cancer

    14:49 Discussing menopause challenges and support

    18:50 Discussing impacts of menopause

    21:49 Challenges in managing menopause symptoms

    22:55 Dealing with post-cancer anxiety

    30:41 Discussing intimacy post-cancer

    34:43 Importance of communication in relationships

    37:46 Discussing menopause and HRT advice

    42:05 Discussing medically induced menopause

    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/

    Show More Show Less
    45 mins