In this week’s episode of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast, Dani speaks with two of the authors behind the new paper, Menopausal hormone therapy for breast cancer patients: what is the current evidence? Professor Jayant Vaidya, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, and Dr Sarah Glynne, GP and menopause specialist.

This is the first of a two-part special exploring what this new paper and upcoming MENO-ABC clinical trial could mean for breast cancer survivors curious about HRT or already on HRT.

Up until recently, most experts thought a study like this would never happen — but it’s happening.

Together, they unpack:

• What’s new about this paper — and why it matters.
• The scientific and ethical concept of equipoise (yes, Dani learned a new word!).
• How the new MENO-ABC trial could change what we know about HRT use after breast cancer.
• What this research might mean for patients, clinicians, and the future of survivorship care.

Next week: Don’t miss part two, where Dani and Dr Sarah Glynne take a deep dive into testosterone use after breast cancer — what we know, what we don’t, and where the conversation is heading.

Links & Resources:

The paper: https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/fulltext/9900/menopausal_hormone_therapy_for_breast_cancer.532.aspx

The trial: https://www.londonbreastcancer.com/meno-abc-trial

Find Dr Glynne here https://www.clairemellon.co.uk/dr-sarah-glynne

Find Professor Vaidya here https://professorvaidya.co.uk/

Watch Dani’s 5-part Youtube series on HRT after breast cancer, start here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heTF5ufX59Y&list=PLsUEBZ4ZwowpAQ1ueFUHlzDvzAtD_hyQr&index=6

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

08:01 "HRT Debate and Its Impact"

09:48 Evidence-Based Breast Cancer Trial

13:46 Advances in Breast Cancer Treatment

16:43 HRT Risks Post-Breast Cancer

20:52 Oestrogen Risks in Cancer Relapse

23:17 "Clinical Trial Equipoise Explained"

29:00 "Expert Consensus and Criticism"

29:47 Collaborative Review Strengthened Research

32:52 Breaking Shame Through Conversations

36:04 Weighing Risks for Quality Life

41:57 "Prioritising Quality Over Longevity"

43:08 HRT and Breast Cancer Relapse Risk

Read all about HRT after breast cancer in Dani’s book “Navigating Menopause After Cancer’ in chapter 6: Buy it here: https://amzn.eu/d/0uLveeE

Many people in our community say it has become virtually impossible to shift the weight since cancer and menopause. So of course we ask ourselves: What role do GLP-1 medicines play in cancer survivorship and what do we really know about their safety, risks, and benefits?

In this episode, I’m joined by Caroline Tweedie, currently working as the lead cancer nurse in the North East of England. With over 17 years’ experience as a Clinical Nurse Breast Specialist, Caroline has dedicated her career to improving the lives of those affected by breast cancer and sits on the NICE committee shaping national breast cancer guidance.

We explore, with curiosity - and never with judgement:

- What GLP-1 medicines are and why they are so effective

- Safety concerns and what the evidence shows for cancer survivors

- Why these drugs matter in breast cancer survivorship

- The role of GLP-1s in weight, muscle, bone health, inflammation, and fatigue

- Natural strategies that may work on similar pathways

- Key risks to be aware of: hair loss, sarcopenia, drug absorption, and endocrine therapy interactions

- What happens when you stop taking the drug

- Practical advice for patients and clinicians navigating this new landscape

Caroline also shares her insights on why weight loss isn’t the same as fitness, why muscle is the “anti-fatigue organ,” and what both patients and healthcare professionals need to know before considering GLP-1 use in survivorship care.

This is a nuanced, evidence-based discussion that puts patients at the centre. Whether you’re a survivor curious about GLP-1s or a healthcare professional supporting patients, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and practical takeaways.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

12:09 Survivorship Challenges Beyond Cancer Treatment

15:35 Weight Loss Treatments: Risks & Support

16:42 Bariatric Surgery vs Rapid Weight Loss

22:18 Protein Intake for Menopause Health

25:04 "Deciding on GLP1 Treatment"

29:06 GLP-1 Eligibility Criteria Explained

35:40 "Drug Trials and Patient Safety"

42:19 Obesity Support After Cancer

43:31 Diabetes Drugs, Costs, Future Hope

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

Inflammation is a word we hear everywhere these days but what does it really mean for cancer survivors going through treatment-induced menopause? Could the foods we eat, the drinks we choose, and the daily habits we build really make a difference to menopause symptoms like joint pain, hot flushes, fatigue, and brain fog?

In this episode, I’m joined by nutritionist Julie Webb, a specialist in oncology nutrition, to break down the science of inflammation and turn it into practical, everyday advice. Together, we explore:-

- What inflammation is and why it matters after cancer treatment

- How treatment-induced menopause can increase inflammation in the body

- The role of diet, which foods help reduce inflammation and which ones make it worse

- Omega-3s and fibre

- Practical tips for eating well when you may worry about weight

Whether you’re newly out of treatment or years into survivorship, this conversation is full of simple, actionable steps to help you feel stronger, calmer, and more in control.

For more information on how diet cane ease menopause symptoms, buy my new book: Navigating Menopause After Cancer: https://amzn.eu/d/2BycL21

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

04:46 Inflammation: Essential Immune Response

08:58 Understanding Body Changes and Symptoms

10:09 "Tips to Reduce Inflammation"

16:53 "10 Portions: A Healthy Challenge"

21:08 "Helpful Eating Habits"

24:10 Reduce Inflammation: Beans & Veg

30:48 Low Fibre Diet Tips

39:00 Boost Gut Health Naturally

45:29 Turmeric and Contraindications

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