Episode 209 - Beyond the Pink - Anal Cancer, Menopause & Awareness Day

Episode 209 - Beyond the Pink - Anal Cancer, Menopause & Awareness Day

From The Menopause and Cancer Podcast by Dani Binnington

March 17, 2026 · 48 min · Episode 209

About this episode

This episode discusses anal cancer, its stigma, and its impact on menopause, featuring a guest's personal experience.

On this episode of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast , we’re marking Anal Cancer Awareness Day (21 March) by shining a light on a cancer that is often misunderstood, stigmatised, and rarely talked about. Anal cancer is caused by HPV, just like cervical cancer, yet it doesn’t receive the same awareness or open conversation. It might not feel as “pink” or as socially comfortable to talk about as breast cancer. It’s not a cancer that gets glossy campaigns or big awareness drives. There’s often stigma. There’s embarrassment. There’s silence. And that silence can leave people feeling incredibly alone. I’m joined by Ali, who shares her honest experience of being diagnosed with anal cancer; what treatment involved, the physical and emotional impact, and how it affected her confidence, menopause and sexual wellbeing. We also explore an important question: can treatment for anal cancer induce menopause? Pelvic radiotherapy and chemotherapy can affect ovarian function, sometimes triggering sudden or early menopause. We discuss what that means, and whether HRT or local oestrogen may be options. This episode is about inclusion. It’s about making sure everyone — regardless of cancer type —…

People in this episode

Host: Dani Binnington

Guest: Ali

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: HPV, cervical cancer, breast cancer, HRT, local oestrogen

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