Why I’m doing BOOST30 for Menopause and Cancer

If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know I’m not one for sitting still. But lately, between the fatigue, brain fog, and emotional ups and downs of life in menopause after cancer, I’ve realised I need a reset. A BOOST.

I’m doing the BOOST30 for menopause and cancer challenge for 2 reasons – yes for myself, to prioritise my own physical and mental wellbeing — but also to raise awareness for Menopause and Cancer, a cause that means a lot to me.

Why support Menopause and Cancer?

Menopause after cancer is rarely talked about. Often, It is triggered by treatment – it can be chemotherapy, surgery, some types of radiotherapy and endocrine therapy. Its sudden, intense, and complex — many of us are thrown into it overnight, and it’s tough. And the worst thing is that many women are woefully underprepared for this dramatic change and support is patchy.

As a director of Menopause and Cancer alongside the amazing Dani Binnington, I see just how many women are left without the help they need. At Menopause and Cancer,  it is our mission to bring together a community of experts with our community of patients to provide them with the information and support they need and deserve.

It’s a growing problem. The World Health Organisation predicts by 2050, 16.3 million women each year will be diagnosed with cancer. Due to advances in medicine, more are surviving – we know that in the UK survival rates in women aged 35-69 have grown 33%  (1993-2018) and news hot off the press in the last 50 years overall cancer survival rates have increased 22% – which is great.  But what has not grown or improved, although it is changing, is the support for people in menopause after their treatment

BOOST30 for menopause and cancer is part of our mission to support the community. It’s a challenge designed to help us feel better, together and raise funds so we can continue to support the many thousands of women in menopause after cancer.

What’s Involved in BOOST30?

BOOST30 is a 30-day wellbeing challenge with 5 rules:

• ✅ 45 minutes of movement — anything goes! Walk, swim, yoga, strength training, even 15-minute exercise snacks. (Think squats whilst the kettle is boiling!)
• 📖 15 minutes of reading – I love getting immersed in a good book, I’m starting the month with Sweat by Emma Healy
• 💧 2 litres of water – this one is hard for me, but I forget I drink a lot of herbal teas on top of water and it all adds up
• 🍷 No or low alcohol (weekends or special occasions can be an exception)
• 🥦 30 plant points each week – easier than you think because it includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices