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

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