HRT, Sugar, Turmeric & Myths: Cancer & Menopause Facts You Need to Hear

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Liz O’Riordan, a former breast cancer surgeon, three-time cancer survivor, and author of The Cancer Roadmap: Real Science to Guide Your Treatment Path. Liz shares the motivation behind her latest book, and the most common myths surrounding cancer, treatment, and menopause.

We discuss the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis and evidence-based insights into controversial topics like diet, turmeric, juicing, alternative therapies, and HRT after cancer. We also talk about deodorants and clean skin care and I share with Liz why I can’t quite believe that ‘normal skincare’ including parabens and aluminium, make no difference.

Liz also breaks down key misconceptions:
“Menopause after cancer is the same as natural menopause.”
“Now you’ve had cancer, you can’t just take HRT.”
“Your menopause symptoms will settle down over time.”
“If you’re young, your body will just bounce back.”
“You should just be grateful you survived.”
“Tamoxifen is just a little white pill—what’s the big deal?”
"Sex and Intimacy Are Over After Cancer and Menopause”


Episode Highlights:
00:00 Intro
10:19 Cancer: A Slow, Unseen Process
17:24 Turmeric Supplements: Absorption Challenges
20:10 Exposing the Juicing Myth
25:15 Parabens: Safety in Skin Absorption
31:50 Tamoxifen Side Effects
35:21 Empowered Patients: Advocating for Change
39:40 Struggle with Hormone Blocker Side Effects
52:38 Understanding Your Motivations for Health Choices

Connect with Dani & Menopause and Cancer: menopauseandcancer.org

Thank you to The Pink Ribbon Foundation for supporting our work, including this resource.