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 teenager
• The emotional and physical challenges no one prepares you for
• Sex, intimacy, and identity after cancer — including Ellie’s brilliant campaigns with Macmillan
• The power of sharing your story — and what Ellie wants others to know

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

03:05 Cancer Inspired Medical Career Path

08:54 Family Support During Cancer Journey

10:48 Withheld Prognosis for Ellie’s Benefit

18:49 Hidden Challenges of Menopause

20:03 Desiring Better Menopause Education

26:23 "Healthcare Frustration Spurs Private Treatment"

32:44 Prioritising Health Over Social Norms

35:50 Speaking Out on Post-Cancer Intimacy

44:04 Inspiring Awareness

Find 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-intimacy

Buy a copy of my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Navigating-Menopause-After-Cancer-comprehensive/dp/1068499907

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 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 Intro

04:34 Breast Cancer Screening Anxiety

10:53 Women's Support Crucial in Struggles

15:13 Emotional Struggles and Recovery Journey

26:41 "Informed Consent Lacking for Women"

28:47 Choosing Endocrine Treatment Wisely

30:37 "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=en

Join Alison for the Kilt Walk 14th Sept: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/edinburghkiltwalk

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

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 HRT
• The groundbreaking HRT safety table by Mr Talaulikar featured in Dani’s new book — and how it came together
• What patients and doctors really need to understand about HRT across all types of cancer
• Why real-world data, like the new PROMMIS study, is finally giving voice to those who’ve been left out of the research
• How survivors can advocate for themselves and bring these conversations into their appointments

This 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 Intro

06:24 HRT Education and Safety Update

16:14 HRT Considerations for Cancer Survivors

22:09 Weighing HRT Risks and Benefits

29:27 Women's Healthcare Registry Study

34:27 Navigating Cancer Treatment Options

37:33 Digital Menopause After Cancer Guide

41:54 Global Menopause Awareness Expansion

You can find Mr Talaulikar here https://www.menopausecliniclondon.co.uk/about-us

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