Ep 30 - Rethinking Tamoxifen & Aromatase Inhibitors

Both tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are hormonal therapies used in the treatment of oestrogen-positive (ER-positive) breast cancers to stop tumour growth and recurrence and to treat cancer that has come back after initial treatment or that has spread to other parts of the body.These treatments come with the benefits of reducing the risks of cancer recurrence and they also come with a host of unwanted side effects. Many women say that being on a long-term anti-hormone treatment is much harder to navigate than chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery altogether.In today’s episode, I am inviting Dr Alison Macbeth into the conversation. She is a Breast Speciality Doctor in an NHS Breast Surgery in Glasgow and sees NHS patients from all over the west coast of Scotland.She is passionate about meeting the often-overlooked needs of women in all stages of treatment or recovery from breast cancer. She gained experience as an NHS GP with a special interest in Women's Health, Menopause and Genito-urinary prolapse.Alison has an incredible understanding of what women go through and brings a compassionate approach to helping them have a good quality of life after their cancer diagnosis. You can find Dr Alison Macbeth here https://thebms.org.uk/clinic/stobhill-hospital-breast-unit/About Dani:The Menopause and Cancer Podcast is hosted by Dani Binnington, menopause guide, patients advocate for people in menopause after a cancer diagnosis, and founder of the online platform Healthy Whole Me. There is lots of information out there about the menopause but hardly any if you have had a cancer diagnosis as well. Many people say to me they have no idea what their options are, who to ask for help, and that they feel really isolated in their experiences. I started this podcast because there was nothing out there when I was thrown into surgical menopause at the age of 39, which followed on from my cancer diagnosis aged 33.Through the episodes, I want to create more awareness, share information from our fabulous guest experts, doctors and other specialists in the cancer and menopause field. And of course, I will share stories from the people in our community.So that together we can work towards a better menopause experience. For all of us.More educated, better informed and less alone.Connect with Dani:Instagram @healthywholeme  Facebook: @healthywholeme  Join Dani’s private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathubFor oodles of inspiration, healthy recipes, yoga classes and all round positivity go to her website: https://www.healthywholeme.com/Mentioned in this episode:Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/