Life-saving cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, or hormone therapy result in 40% of women under 40, and 70%-90% of women over 40 entering permanent menopause, and many more experiencing temporary symptoms.
Entering the menopause at this time brings many challenges and women have reported that managing it can feel harder than experiencing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. In a survey, the organisation found that 88% of women received no help in managing menopausal symptoms after cancer and spoke of ‘feeling isolated’, ‘not knowing who to turn to’ and ‘not being listened to’.
With only 100 NHS menopause specialists in the UK, no mandatory menopause training for GPs, and nearly half of oncology/clinical nurses not providing menopause advice, women are being failed at a time when they most need support.
Menopause and Cancer is a patient-advocacy organisation providing unique digital and in-person support to those over 18, with any cancer type, who experience menopause as a result of treatment or surgery.
Since 2021 they have reached thousands through workshops, programmes, website, social media, and podcast. With content that is developed in conjunction with healthcare professionals, their holistic approach helps decrease anxiety, aid symptom-management, increase confidence, build relationships, and improve medical outcomes.
Dani Binnington founded Menopause and Cancer after being thrown into surgical menopause at 39, following a cancer diagnosis five years earlier, and receiving no information or support. She has made it her mission to change that: ‘Together we can work towards a better menopause experience. More educated, better informed, and less alone’.
Funding from the John Good Group will enable Menopause and Cancer to develop its digital fact sheets and content. Available on their website, and promoted via newsletter, social media and podcast, these digital resources are a vital source free information for those who are in the menopause after a cancer diagnosis. They help women to understand treatment options, as well as providing support for mental, physical and sexual health, exercise and nutrition. Additionally, they are accessed by health professionals for up-to-date information to support their patients, as there is currently no other dedicated resource such as this.
“Moving forward from a cancer diagnosis and treatment is almost impossible without addressing a woman’s menopausal symptoms, which are often brought on early and more severely from cancer treatment. 90% of the women we speak to say their cancer treatment resulted in early menopause. 88% say they have not had adequate help. We are on a mission to change this and we are so grateful that you are considering helping us support more women.”
“I really enjoyed our eye-opening meeting with Daniela and Esther from Menopause and Cancer. As menopause is something that we are all becoming more educated in generally, it is important to also realise the large numbers of people for whom menopause might come with additional complexities.
Daniela is very passionate about the project, and they already have a large team of volunteers who have helped them develop so far with a small amount of funding.
Leveraging strong partnerships with other charities and healthcare professionals, they aim to increase awareness both with the general public and medical professionals so that women are better supported and better informed to make decisions about their health.”
Latest Project Updates
March 2024
Granted £5,000
After employees at the John Good Group voted for their favourite causes, Menopause and Cancer came first place, receiving a grant of £5,000.
February 2024
Grants for Good Finalist
Menopause and Cancer has become one of the top five finalists in the latest Grants for Good round, and will receive a grant between £2000 and £5000 after employees at the John Good Group have voted on their favourite causes.