On International Day of Action for Women’s Health last month (May 28), a new resource was launched for women affected by cancer, who are experiencing a treatment-induced menopause. 

‘Menopause, Diet & Cancer’ has been designed to offer practical, evidence-based guidance on how dietary and lifestyle choices can alleviate menopausal symptoms and enhance overall wellbeing.  

Developed by dietitians Dr Samantha Cushen and Katie Johnston from School of Food and Nutritional Sciences and Cancer Research at University College Cork in partnership with the Irish Cancer Society, the book emerged from the Women’s Health Initiative ‘Linking You with Support and Advice’ Trial.  

Cancer treatments can sometimes trigger a sudden, intense menopause, often leading to more severe symptoms than those of natural menopause. For some, these symptoms are manageable, while others may find them overwhelming. They can impact quality of life and compound the physical and emotional burdens many women face during and after their cancer journey. 

The resource integrates lived experiences, scientific evidence and the perspectives of patients themselves. 

“Navigating menopause after cancer is hard enough – finding clear nutrition advice shouldn’t be. For too long, women have been left to piece together guidance from too many, often conflicting, sources. In a world full of nutrition misinformation, this book brings it all together – offering clarity, compassion, and credible answers in one evidence-based guide designed to support, inform, and reassure,” said Dr Cushen. 

“Shaped by the voices of 16 women who helped design what they needed most – ‘Menopause, Diet & Cancer’ is not a clinical manual; it’s a book designed to be part of your everyday life and your kitchen,” said Ms Johnston.

The authors believe that it offers trusted dietetic advice for women after cancer, but that more needs to be done to ensure every woman has access, and we are determined to make that a reality.