BRCA1, Breast Cancer & Early Menopause. The Untold Reality

What happens when cancer treatment, or preventative surgery for a BRCA1 gene mutation suddenly pushes you into menopause years before you’re ready?
In this deeply personal episode, Dr Shauna Watts speaks with Dani Binnington, yoga teacher and founder of Menopause and Cancer, about the physical and emotional toll of early menopause after breast cancer. Together, they share their own experiences with BRCA1, preventive surgeries, and rebuilding a sense of identity in the aftermath of loss, fear, and uncertainty.

This episode offers comfort, clarity, and evidence based hope for anyone navigating cancer treatment, surgical menopause, or sudden life change.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Understand how cancer treatment and BRCA1 surgery can trigger sudden menopause
• Recognise the signs of post-treatment anxiety, depression, and loss of identity
• Learn how women can rebuild confidence and control after breast cancer
• Discover the role of genetics in breast and ovarian cancer risk
• Explore practical ways to advocate for menopause care after cancer
• Hear Dr Shauna’s and Dani’s shared reflections on finding purpose and community through adversity

For more from Dani Binnington:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dani_binnington/

Podcast: https://menopauseandcancer.org/podcast/

You can find also more resources from Menopause and Cancer:

Website: https://menopauseandcancer.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/menopause_and_cancer/

Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:

Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts

https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgp

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247

Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction02:23 – Dani’s diagnosis: discovering a lump at 3304:13 – Active treatment: chemo, surgery, and survival06:03 – Hair loss, confidence, and pretending to be “fine”07:57 – Anxiety and depression after cancer treatment09:32 – Toxic positivity and the pressure to “stay strong”12:20 – Temporary menopause and fertility fears14:22 – Loss of control, identity, and the future she imagined15:40 – Learning she carried the BRCA1 gene17:10 – Double mastectomy and redefining womanhood18:55 – The role of Angelina Jolie in normalising the BRCA conversation20:46 – Facing risk-reducing surgery and surgical menopause22:37 – Life after ovaries: intimacy, self-image, and healing24:17 – The UK’s “menopause revolution” and gaps in care
27:20 – Finding real menopause support after cancer
29:26 – Dr Shauna’s story: pregnancy to menopause at 34
33:24 – The emotional weight of being both doctor and patient
35:22 – The shock of surgical menopause after caesarean
38:12 – Isolation, sleeplessness, and grief for her old self
41:01 – Why empathy, education, and advocacy matter
43:53 – Shauna’s three takeaways: trauma, awareness, identity
44:11 – Next episode preview: HRT and life after cancer

* Early menopause after cancer

* BRCA1 and menopause

* Dani Binnington story

* Menopause after chemotherapy

* Surgical menopause explained

* Breast cancer and menopause

* BRCA1 preventative surgery

* Life after mastectomy

* Menopause support after cancer

* Cancer survivorship and identity

* Women’s health after cancer

* Perimenopause vs surgical menopause

* Mental health after cancer treatment

* Anxiety and depression in menopause

* Menopause advocacy and support