On Saturday 5 July, the first Menopause and Cancer Walk & Talk will take place in Haslemere.

The event has been organised by local resident Vanessa Johnson who is a Menopause and Cancer volunteer. Menopause and Cancer are the UK’s only not-for-profit organisation supporting those affected by cancer treatment induced menopause. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and hormone blocking therapy, all induce menopause. This can come with severe symptoms, it can come on suddenly and be hard to manage. Women feel isolated, not knowing where to turn to for help. 

The charity was founded by Dani Binnginton. She wanted to ensure that women had the support and resources they needed to navigate their cancer journey. 

Vanessa discovered the charity when she came across Dani's podcasts following her own cancer diagnosis and treatment. Vanessa was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2023 and had to immediately stop HRT and take an aromatase inhibitor. This blocks any oestrogen in the body, resulting in very poor sleep, anxiety, joint aches and many other symptoms that impacted her quality of life way more than the lumpectomy and radiotherapy treatment for the breast cancer itself. In short, Vanessa's cancer treatment plunged her back into horrendous menopausal symptoms. Vanessa told us that she 'could not fault the surgeons, radiologists and oncologists for their care and skill but their understanding of the impact of symptoms from lack of hormones was somewhat lacking.' As a result, Vanessa felt she needed to advocate for herself and find solutions that weren't offered to her by her medical team. 

In Vanessa's words, in Menopause and Cancer, 'I found a resource that was speaking to me and my experience in a very practical, serious and well researched way and it was incredibly helpful.  I feel that despite the fact I knew that my symptoms were due to lack of hormones (having experienced them prior to first taking HRT) it was still a frightening and sometimes lonely experience with the added worry about cancer recurrence.' Vanessa found the resources provided by Menopause and Cancer  'invaluable' as they directly related to her situation and pointed her in the direction of experts whose research she could explore further.

The good news is that Vanessa's treatment was successful and she is currently doing well (despite the ghastly symptoms of menopause!) But she wanted to do something to help others who are facing the same issues as she has been through. 'I thought that for younger women it could be even more worrying and lonely and if I could do something to help I would like to. I have now been on a few of Menopause and Cancer run events and found them to be very supportive, nurturing and positive experiences.  Being able to speak to women who know what it is like and can share hints and tips on what has worked for them and for me to support those that are earlier in their journey than I am has been a very positive experience.'

The walk on 5 July is a chance to meet and connect with those who can understand and support you at whatever stage you're at navigating your cancer diagnosis and subsequent menopause. For those wishing to join the walk, it will start at 10 a.m. from the National Trust Car Park at the Devil's Punch Bowl. Book your place on the walk via Eventbrite.

Going forward, the charity plan to organise many more local meet-ups across the country, with trained volunteers just like Vanessa. 

If you have been directly affected by cancer and menopause, Menopause and Cancer offer a range of practical, free support services. From expert led workshops to podcasts and YouTube videos, aiming to educate and empower.

Even if you have not been directly affected, you can still help. Everyone can help us make a difference to how we survive cancer! Join Menopause and Cancer for a walking challenge to help raise funds for their menopause clinic, or create your own fundraiser - they are so grateful for you support.