Urgent Call for Change in Cancer Care

Campaigners are intensifying their calls for menopause support to be integrated into cancer treatment plans. A staggering 90% of the 1,200 individuals surveyed by the initiative Menopause and Cancer reported they received no assistance in managing menopause symptoms exacerbated by their cancer treatments.

Voices of Experience

Dani Binnington, founder and CEO of Menopause and Cancer, expressed that these findings were sadly expected. She highlighted the absence of a clear pathway for menopause treatment within existing cancer care frameworks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive training for healthcare providers, enhanced access to supportive therapies, and specialized care.

At 33, Binnington was diagnosed with breast cancer and faced early menopause at 39 due to treatment. This personal battle prompted her to launch a charity aimed at empowering patients and educating healthcare professionals.

Real Stories Highlighting the Gaps

Rachel Bowman, a 49-year-old from Brighton, shared her journey, having been first diagnosed with breast cancer at 46. She was prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to combat perimenopausal symptoms but only received a menopause management plan after her second cancer diagnosis in 2023.

Similarly, Penny Giles-McLoughlin, a 54-year-old from Kent, reported feeling abandoned after her breast cancer diagnosis at age 50, as she too received no guidance on navigating the menopause induced by her treatment.

The Need for Integrated Care

Dr. Carys Sonnenberg, a GP and menopause specialist in Surrey, noted that the historical focus in oncology has primarily been on treating cancer survival, often neglecting long-term quality of life issues such as menopause.

She stressed that the various branches of healthcare — oncology, gynecology, and primary care — frequently lack coordination, often leaving patients lost and unsupported. Dr. Sonnenberg insists that menopause care should be a fundamental component of cancer care strategies from the outset.

A Call to Action

As the conversation around this urgent issue gains momentum, advocates are determined to push for systemic changes that ensure no one has to navigate these challenging health changes alone. The time for enhancing support in cancer care plans is now!