Welcome to a special crossover episode of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast. Today’s episode is a little different. I’m joined by Shelley Syme — a young breast cancer survivor and the host of One Lump or Two, a brilliant podcast exploring life after cancer. Instead of recording two separate interviews, we hit record together and are sharing this conversation across both of our shows.

We dive into:

• Body image and body confidence after cancer treatment
• Dating with one boob
• What it really takes to feel sexy again in a changed body
• Using creativity to challenge beauty norms and reclaim power

Shelley uses photography as a powerful tool to confront body image pressures and celebrate body positivity. In her iconic image series — think Marilyn Monroe on the cover of Vogue, but with Shelley’s twist and her beautiful body exactly as it is now — she blends humour, art, and honesty to reshape how we view cancer survivorship.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever looked in the mirror and wondered, “How do I learn to love this version of me?”

You can find Shelley here: https://www.instagram.com/shelleyjsyme/

And remember to follow the show to never miss an episode!

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

09:03 Menopause Neglect in Cancer Treatment

11:12 Menopause and Cancer: Navigating Risks

17:12 Menopause Challenges in the Workplace

20:59 Struggling with Post-Cancer Self-Image

27:10 Intimacy Challenges Post-Menopause

30:35 Life Modelling Boosts Confidence

38:56 Focused Support for Cancer Survivors

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

Episode 172 - It’s Not HRT or Herbal – It’s What Works for You

In today’s episode, I’m doing something a little different. I’ve pulled together five short clips from past episodes of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast — covering everything from HRT after breast cancer, to herbal treatments, sleep support, and even intimacy after cancer.

Why? Because this week, my book Navigating Menopause After Cancer is officially at the printers — and I still can’t quite believe it! I wanted to share a little preview of what’s inside. These clips reflect the heart of the book: a holistic menopause after cancer toolkit with real expert advice, real options, and the belief that no one approach is better than another. It’s about finding what’s safe, what’s effective, and what works for you.

I always go to the right expert for the right topic — because that’s how we build truly trustworthy knowledge. I wouldn’t ask a cancer exercise specialist to talk about herbs, and I wouldn’t ask a herbalist about surgical recovery. Each voice in today’s mash-up speaks from the experience in their field.

These are just a few of the amazing contributors to the podcast — and I’m proud to say that over 20 brilliant doctors and specialists contributed to the actual book.

Below, I have linked all the full YouTube videos from the short clips. Just click on the words: Exercise, Herbal Medicine, Sleep, HRT after breast cancer, Intimacy

And finally, you can buy a copy of Navigating Menopause After Cancer super soon - keep your eyes peeled!

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

05:53 "Exercise Boosts Sleep, Reduces Depression"

07:54 Herbal Medicine Insights for Cancer Survivors

10:55 Phytoestrogens: Potential Cancer Benefits

13:49 "Zoe's Sleep Improvement Tips"

18:37 Navigating HRT Conversations After Cancer

22:55 Shared Decision-Making in HRT

27:21 Challenging Emotional Complexity Perceptions

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 final bonus episode before book launch day (hopefully!), I reflect on the bravery it takes to write and publish a book, and the courage and bravery I see in every member of our Menopause and Cancer community. That is you!

To start celebrating, I am joined by the brilliant Jane, a community member who turned her life around after cancer-induced menopause cost her four corporate jobs. Jane found her voice through poetry, and now performs on stage, sharing her story with raw honesty, humour, and heart.

In this episode, we talk about why showing up as your authentic self is the bravest thing you can do!

How Jane found creativity, confidence, and community after cancer.

And make sure to listen to the end, Jane shares a heartfelt poem that’ll make you laugh — and maybe blush!

Don’t miss next week’s episode, where I will share all the exciting launch details for my book Navigating Menopause After Cancer — and how you can be part of this movement.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

10:57 "Jane's Confidence Amid Life Challenges"

16:03 "Breaking Free from Self-Limitation"

21:02 Jane's Brave Authenticity

23:03 Poem, “To All Those Who Have Found Me Inappropriate and Unprofessional”

26:18 "Embracing Contradictions and Freedom"

28:07 "Cancer: Cracking Under Pressure"

32:34 Poem for “Unlikable Women”

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