Episode 201 - Sexual Health After Cancer Treatment: A Practical Show-And-Tell Guide

In this practical workshop, we focus on sexual health after cancer. This is a hands-on, show-and-tell session, designed to normalise conversations about sexual health and offer realistic options for managing discomfort after cancer, whether you’re navigating this alone or with a partner. We’ll look at dilators, compare vibrators and get into the nitty-gritty of it all!

You’ll learn:

1. What Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is, and why it commonly occurs after cancer treatment
2. What practical, evidence-informed tools may help — including dilators, vibrators, sex toys and supportive pelvic aids. Dani and her guest expert Eleanor, will show you lots of options!
3. When and how these tools can be used safely, and how to choose what might be right for you

As always, the focus is on choice, reassurance and empowerment, with no pressure and no one-size-fits-all solutions.

Our expert is Eleanor Gardener from Pelvic Relief. You can find El here:

https://pelvicrelief.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOopffFtQo419pC_DdXAL-7IYwjB487zJNSIyBqOqUHxfmzb91kdz

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 empowering episode, Dani talks with Dr. Zainab Wasim, an Oncology Specialty Doctor and Board-Certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician, about how simple, evidence-based lifestyle changes can transform life after cancer.

You will learn what lifestyle medicine actually is, how the key pillars: movement, nutrition, sleep, stress and social connection - can support recovery, and why starting small can make a real difference to how you feel.

Dr. Zainab shares insights from her 12-week coaching pilot for breast cancer survivors, which achieved measurable improvements in wellbeing and confidence, and was featured by the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

You’ll learn:

1. What lifestyle medicine is and why it matters after cancer
2. How each pillar can support menopause symptoms and survivorship
3. How to choose your first step without feeling overwhelmed
4. Why small, consistent actions create the biggest impact
5. Practical ways to bring lifestyle medicine into daily life

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

06:47 "Prioritising Patient Survivorship Support"

09:45 "Rise of Lifestyle Medicine"

16:09 Holistic Lifestyle Assessment Program

21:03 "Domino Effect of Cancer Support"

23:45 "Introducing Lifestyle Medicine Program"

25:28 Wellness Goals and Group Support

29:36 "Agency in Sustainable Programs"

38:54 Reframing Guilt Through Empowerment

You can find Dr Zainab Wasim here on @doctorzainabwasim and here on her website: Zainab Wasim - Lifestyle Doc

Start here with our Our YouTube Wellbeing Series — guided meditations, breath work & mindfulness.

Learn more: ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’ by Dani Binnington — Amazon link

Menopause And Cancer website: www.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

In this New Year episode, Dani is joined once again by Dr Shilpa McQuillan, GP, gynaecologist and menopause specialist for an action-packed conversation that gives you the tools and confidence to build your own personalised menopause-after-cancer care plan.

If you’ve ever felt lost in the system, unsure what to ask, or left to manage symptoms on your own, this episode will help you make sense of it all. Together, Dani and Shilpa break down what good care should look like, how clinicians can keep the door open even when HRT isn’t an option, and how you can advocate for yourself in appointments.

We cover:

• What a personalised menopause-after-cancer care plan includes

• Key questions to ask — and red flags to look out for

• How to look after your bone health, heart health, metabolic risk

• Managing menopause symptoms without hormones

• Complementary therapies, lifestyle adjustments and realistic strategies

• GSM, sexual wellbeing, lubricants, moisturisers and dilators

• Mental health support, screening tools and psychological therapies

This is the episode to take notes on - a practical toolkit to help you start the year with clarity, confidence and a plan.

If you’re new here, make sure you subscribe, we’ve got an incredible year coming up.

And don’t forget to get your copy of Dani’s book, Navigating Menopause After Cancer, now a #1 bestseller https://amzn.eu/d/en8LLC9

You can find Dr Shilpa McQuillan here on Instagram and https://www.instagram.com/berkshiremenopauseclinic/?hl=en and here on her website www.berkshiremenopauseclinic.com

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

08:51 "Supporting Patients Through Dialogue"

14:01 Individualised Approach to Menopause Symptoms

18:32 "Prioritising Patient Care with Follow-Ups"

22:56 Understanding HRT Beyond Initial Concerns

32:04 "Lifestyle Changes for Menopause Relief"

38:36 "HRT Benefits and Alternatives"

45:36 "Healthcare Awareness and Early Action"

50:56 Assessing Risk Factors in Care

56:02 Empowering Bone Health After Menopause

01:09:11 Anxiety During Menopause: Common Struggles

01:12:29 Practical Local Mental Health Support

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