Episode 202 - Scanxiety and Menopause: Why It Feels So Intense (and What Can Help)

This week, we’re diving into something that so many of us know far too well — scanxiety. That mix of fear, worry, and sleepless nights that builds before routine scans can be overwhelming on its own… But when you add menopause after cancer into the mix, it can get even more intense.

To help us unpack what’s really going on, I’m joined by Louise Baker, an applied neuroscience specialist who works with people recovering from brain tumours. Louise explains what happens inside the brain during moments of stress and fear, and shares practical tools to help manage scanxiety with more understanding and self-compassion.

In this episode:

1. Why scanxiety happens and why it’s so normal
2. How menopause symptoms can make it worse — physically and emotionally
3. What’s going on in the brain during periods of stress
4. Practical, science-based tips to ease anxiety before and during scan time

Whether you’re counting down the days to your next scan or supporting someone who is, this conversation is for you. You’re not alone.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

09:01 Fear, Neuroscience, and Interoception

10:37 "Living with Persistent Stress"

15:12 "Coping with Scanxiety"

18:02 "Kindness Cushion for Stress Relief"

22:52 Healthcare Admin Stress in NHS

32:53 Post-Cancer Uncertainty and Menopause

36:26 "Hyper-vigilance and Stress Response"

39:47 "Activating Calm Through Awareness"

42:44 "Manifesting Future Experiences"

48:02 "Anxiety Coping Techniques Explained"

Here is more support from Louise: https://on.soundcloud.com/uXzBLOsnuFftph0uAs and https://whileiwait.uk/

For more suport around FEAR with Louise, find episode 131

For more suport on Anxiety and everything you can do about it, go to Dani’s book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’ https://amzn.eu/d/0eYDBEt

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