Today, we’re exploring the evidence with medical acupuncturist Maria Vega.

Many cancer survivors experience menopause symptoms such as hot flushes, joint pain, insomnia and anxiety — often while navigating complex treatment plans or endocrine therapy. For some, HRT may not be an option, which leads many people to explore complementary approaches like acupuncture.

But does acupuncture really work? And what does the research say?

In this episode, I’m joined by Maria Vega, a medical acupuncturist who works in integrative oncology supporting people after cancer with a whole array of evidence-based strategies.

We explore the evidence behind acupuncture for symptoms such as hot flushes, aromatase inhibitor–related joint pain, sleep disturbances and anxiety, while also discussing safety considerations and how acupuncture may fit into a broader, integrative approach to managing menopause after cancer.

1. What is acupuncture and how does it work?
2. The science behind acupuncture and menopause symptoms
3. Research on acupuncture for hot flushes and joint pain after cancer
4. Safety considerations for cancer survivors

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

05:42 Integrative Oncology Nurse Specialist

07:52 Acupuncture: TCM and Western medical acupuncture

12:25 "Acupuncture and Medications Evidence"

16:02 "Improving Menopause Care Approach"

17:49 "Managing Hot Flushes Effectively"

24:50 "Acupuncture Safety in Oncology Treatment"

27:53 Acupuncture Recognition in Oncology

33:39 "Acupressure: Empowering Patient Self-Care"

You can find Maria here https://holohealth.co.uk/

This paper sums up the recommendations Maria speaks about:

https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.22.01357

Here is an open-source link as the ASCO paper requires a subscription.

https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jicm.2024.0452

Highlight from ASCO - SIO guidelines: Among adult patients, acupuncture should be recommended for aromatase inhibitor–related joint pain. Acupuncture or reflexology or acupressure may be recommended for general cancer pain or musculoskeletal pain.

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

On this episode of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast, we’re marking Anal Cancer Awareness Day (21 March) by shining a light on a cancer that is often misunderstood, stigmatised, and rarely talked about.

Anal cancer is caused by HPV, just like cervical cancer, yet it doesn’t receive the same awareness or open conversation. It might not feel as “pink” or as socially comfortable to talk about as breast cancer. It’s not a cancer that gets glossy campaigns or big awareness drives. There’s often stigma. There’s embarrassment. There’s silence.

And that silence can leave people feeling incredibly alone.

I’m joined by Ali, who shares her honest experience of being diagnosed with anal cancer; what treatment involved, the physical and emotional impact, and how it affected her confidence, menopause and sexual wellbeing.

We also explore an important question: can treatment for anal cancer induce menopause?

Pelvic radiotherapy and chemotherapy can affect ovarian function, sometimes triggering sudden or early menopause. We discuss what that means, and whether HRT or local oestrogen may be options.

This episode is about inclusion.

It’s about making sure everyone — regardless of cancer type — feels seen in menopause conversations.

If you’ve ever felt that your cancer isn’t the “right” kind to talk about, this episode is for you.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

04:33 Cancer Diagnosis: Fear and Isolation

12:15 "Stage 3 Cancer Challenges"

14:32 "Breaking Stigma Around Cancer"

23:22 "Menopause, HRT, and Cancer Journey"

27:07 Burnout, Anxiety, and Menopause Journey

30:36 "Pelvic Radiotherapy: Long-Term Impacts"

36:01 "Barbie Butt: Finding Joy Amid Struggles"

41:38 "Menopause, Cancer, and Support Gaps"

About our guest Ali:

Ali Stripling is a qualified Menopause Wellness Practitioner who was diagnosed with Stage 3 anal cancer in October 2024. She now speaks in workplaces about menopause, cancer and life in remission. Ali is also the author of #TweakAWeek, a practical framework helping perimenopausal women make positive changes without overwhelm. https://www.linkedin.com/in/alistripling/

Links:

Macmillan Anal Cancer Support Forum: https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/anal-cancer-forum

The Farrah Fawcett Foundation https://thefarrahfawcettfoundation.org/

This podcast episode was supported by an unrestricted grant from Incyte Biosciences. Incyte had no involvement in the development, content, or editorial review of the activities associated with this initiative.

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

One of the hardest things about fatigue after cancer is not knowing what’s causing it. Is it the lasting impact of cancer treatment? Is it menopause? Is it hormone therapy — or all of it together? For many people, it’s impossible to tease apart, and that uncertainty alone can be exhausting. And please don’t tell me to ‘do less’ to feel better!

Fatigue is one of the most common and most misunderstood long-term effects of cancer and its treatment. Many people are told it’s “normal”, something they just have to live with. But for those experiencing it, this exhaustion can be overwhelming, persistent, and life-limiting.

In this episode, Dani is joined by Dr. Jessa Landman, a leading naturopathic doctor specialising in integrative oncology. Together they unpack what cancer-related fatigue really is — and how menopause can intensify it further.

Together, they explore why this fatigue is not the same as everyday tiredness, why rest alone often doesn’t help, and how hormonal changes, endocrine therapy, disrupted sleep, emotional load and identity loss can all layer on top of each other.

This conversation is about validation, understanding, and practical ways forward!

You can find more information about Dr Jessa Landman here:

Website: https://drjessalandmann.com/

Pre-order Jessa’s new Book: https://www.wiley.com/en-ca/Beyond+Cancer+Fatigue%3A+A+Path+to+Reclaiming+Energy-p-9781394381371

You can find Dani’s Book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’ here: https://amzn.eu/d/0d9bgNBU

It is now also available as an audiobook!

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

06:32 "Complementary Care for Cancer Recovery"

12:19 Enduring Fatigue and Recovery Struggles

15:31 Cancer Fatigue vs Exhaustion

17:40 Understanding Individual Health Needs

20:49 "Food and Lifestyle as Medicine"

25:27 Sleep Issues Post-Cancer Treatment

29:22 Muscle, Nutrition, and Energy Balance

33:15 Exercise: Finding What Works

36:26 "Menopause Fatigue and Herbal Remedies"

42:07 "Wellness Foundations and Options"

47:34 "Menopause Fatigue: 3P Strategies"

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