Episode 231 - Anal Cancer, Menopause & Breaking the Silence

Welcome to the first guest episode of Navigating Menopause After Cancer. In the last two episodes, I shared why the podcast has entered a new chapter and reflected on the power of stories: how they help us navigate uncertainty, create connection and remind us that we're never alone. Today's conversation is a really beautiful example of exactly that. I'm joined by Michelle and Becky, two incredible women diagnosed with anal cancer back in 2024. I learned on a previous episode on anal cancer (episode 209) that anal cancer is often surrounded by stigma, shame, embarrassment and silence. It's a cancer that simply isn't talked about enough. And treatment for anal cancer can also induce menopause - so we have to talk about it! Yet despite receiving the same diagnosis at almost the same time, Michelle and Becky's experiences were very different. Michelle openly shared her diagnosis but struggled to find someone else living with anal cancer who truly understood what she was going through. Becky found support from others with anal cancer from the very beginning, but didn't feel comfortable telling many of the people around her she had anal cancer, choosing instead to say she had bowel cancer. Together, they share an honest conversation about diagnosis, treatment, menopause, intimacy, identity, stigma and why sharing our true stories matters. One of my favourite parts of this story actually happened away from the recording. After meeting Michelle in person, I introduced her to Ali who had previously shared her own anal cancer story on this podcast... and something rather special has grown from that connection. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 04:01 Finding support after cancer diagnosis 11:19 Dealing with surgical menopause 13:22 Post-treatment challenges and loneliness 19:17 Rebuilding confidence after cancer 22:01 Adjusting to life after stoma surgery 23:59 Dealing with radiation side effects 28:56 Discussing anal cancer stigma 33:01 Connecting with others on TikTok 40:06 Cancer treatment challenges and recovery 45:06 Returning to fitness after radiotherapy 47:49 Finding support during cancer Links: Find Michelle & Ali’s new anal cancer support here: The Brave Behinds https://www.instagram.com/thebravebehinds/?hl=en Macmillan Anal Cancer Support Forum: https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/anal-cancer-forum Ali Stripling’s episode: Beyond the Pink - Anal Cancer, Menopause & Awareness Day: https://youtu.be/V0_5MedxjKw?si=QB-i9XO1uWhQ1Mwf 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.