In this special bonus episode of Radiotherapy, Holly is joined by Sandyford consultants Dr Kay McAllister and Dr Janine Simpson for an open and honest conversation about sexual health and wellbeing after cancer treatment. Drawing on years of experience supporting patients, they explore the often-overlooked impact cancer can have on fertility, contraception, menopause, body confidence, intimacy and sexual function. The discussion tackles the challenges young people face when treatment disrupts education, friendships and normal conversations about sex, as well as the growing influence of social media on sexual health information. The episode also highlights where to find trusted support, why these conversations matter, and how specialist services like Sandyford can help people regain confidence and improve their quality of life after cancer. Episode Highlights • Why sexual health often becomes the forgotten part of cancer recovery. • Fertility, contraception and the realities of hormone-related treatments. • Early menopause and the long-term health impacts survivors should know about. • The connection between physical recovery, mental wellbeing and intimacy. • How social media and online content are shaping young people's understanding of sex. • The effects of medical trauma, body image changes and rebuilding confidence. • Practical advice on accessing confidential support and specialist service

RadioTherapy podcast is sponsored by the Beatson Cancer Charity Home | Beatson Cancer Charity and The National Lottery Community Fund Young Start programme, Young Start | The National Lottery Community Fund and is recorded by Go Radio in Glasgow Go Radio | 90's 00's & Now | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West (thisisgo.co.uk) 

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In this powerful and deeply insightful episode host Erin sits down with Dr. Jen Sassarini, a gynaecologist and menopause specialist, and Dani Binnington, founder of Menopause and Cancer, to unpack the often-overlooked connection between cancer treatment, early menopause, and young people’s fertility.

Together, they shed light on what menopause really is, why it’s so different for young people - especially those navigating life after cancer - and how symptoms can impact mental health, identity, relationships, and long-term wellbeing. From practical explanations of medical terms like FSH and AMH to frank conversations about sexual health, brain fog, anxiety, and the sense of “loss” many young patients feel, this episode offers clarity, validation, and hope.

Listeners will learn about treatment options such as HRT, non-hormonal alternatives, and lifestyle approaches, and why there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Erin, Dr. Jen, and Dani emphasise empowerment, self-advocacy, and the critical importance of community, support services, and speaking openly about menopause, fertility and post-cancer recovery.

RadioTherapy podcast is sponsored by the Beatson Cancer Charity Home | Beatson Cancer Charity and The National Lottery Community Fund Young Start programme, Young Start | The National Lottery Community Fund and is recorded by Go Radio in Glasgow Go Radio | 90's 00's & Now | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West (thisisgo.co.uk) 

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In this candid and emotionally rich episode Fiona sits down with Emma and Katie to unpack the complex, often overwhelming world of fertility when you're diagnosed with cancer as a young person. Across honest stories and shared frustrations, the trio explore the decisions they faced, the pressure of time, the emotional toll of uncertainty, and the long‑term impact treatment has had on their bodies, hormones, and sense of future.

From egg-freezing dilemmas to early menopause symptoms, irregular periods, and the awkwardness of fertility discussions at a young age, the conversation shines a light on the realities young people rarely expect to confront. They also reflect on the loneliness of being “the youngest in the waiting room,” the slow pace of non‑urgent referrals, and the constant feeling of living in the unknown.

It’s raw, relatable, and full of moments that will resonate with anyone navigating cancer treatment, fertility decisions, or the pressure of life milestones happening around you.

RadioTherapy podcast is sponsored by the Beatson Cancer Charity Home | Beatson Cancer Charity and The National Lottery Community Fund Young Start programme, Young Start | The National Lottery Community Fund and is recorded by Go Radio in Glasgow Go Radio | 90's 00's & Now | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West (thisisgo.co.uk) 

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In this episode host Erin sits down with Hannah and Ed, a young couple navigating the emotional, physical, and life‑altering journey of cancer, treatment, and fertility challenges. At just 22 years old, Hannah was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer; an experience that led to rapid medical decisions, intense treatment, and a sudden confrontation with her future fertility.

Together, Hannah and Ed open up about coping with the diagnosis, gruelling chemo cycles, the trauma of hair loss, early menopause, and the emotional toll of uncertainty. With honesty and humour, they share the realities of supporting a partner through illness, the strain and strength in their relationship, and the difficult fertility conversations no couple expects to have so young.

Despite the challenges, this episode is full of resilience, unexpected laughter, and hope. Hannah reflects on the importance of support networks, finding joy in small moments, and rediscovering herself after treatment, while the couple looks ahead to new beginnings, including their first home and getting back on their motorbikes.

RadioTherapy podcast is sponsored by the Beatson Cancer Charity Home | Beatson Cancer Charity and The National Lottery Community Fund Young Start programme, Young Start | The National Lottery Community Fund and is recorded by Go Radio in Glasgow Go Radio | 90's 00's & Now | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West (thisisgo.co.uk) 

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In this episode Aaron and Elena, both medical students with a lived experience of cancer, sit down with Professor Richard Anderson, a leading expert in fertility preservation, to unpack how cancer treatments can impact future fertility for young people.

Professor Anderson explains the differences between egg freezing, ovarian tissue freezing, and emerging approaches for pre‑pubertal boys, emphasising how decisions depend heavily on age, diagnosis, and treatment urgency.

The conversation also tackles the emotional weight of fertility discussions at diagnosis, the importance of accurate information, and the shift toward patient‑centred, routine fertility counselling in oncology.

RadioTherapy podcast is sponsored by the Beatson Cancer Charity Home | Beatson Cancer Charity and The National Lottery Community Fund Young Start programme, Young Start | The National Lottery Community Fund and is recorded by Go Radio in Glasgow Go Radio | 90's 00's & Now | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West (thisisgo.co.uk) 

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In this powerful and deeply honest episode of Radiotherapy, Erin is joined by Grace and Grace; three young women navigating life after cancer while facing fertility loss and early menopause. Together, they unpack the shock of hearing life-changing fertility news years after treatment, the physical and emotional realities of early menopause, and the silence that still surrounds young women’s reproductive health.

From navigating HRT and confusing medical systems to dating and relationships, this conversation is raw, authentic and relatable. It’s about learning to advocate for your body, finding your people, and discovering that even when something is taken away, hope can still exist in unexpected forms.

RadioTherapy podcast is sponsored by the Beatson Cancer Charity Home | Beatson Cancer Charity and The National Lottery Community Fund Young Start programme, Young Start | The National Lottery Community Fund and is recorded by Go Radio in Glasgow Go Radio | 90's 00's & Now | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West (thisisgo.co.uk) 

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In this episode, host Hollie, one of our previous podcasters, introduces listeners to Caroline, co-founder of Calum’s Cabin, and Olivia Grace, a young person who experienced the charity’s life-changing support.

In this powerful episode we hear how Calum’s wish to help other families led to one of Scotland’s most impactful childhood cancer charities. Caroline highlights what the charity offers to children, young people and their families across Scotland: Holiday homes, Glasgow flats for those who need to relocate for treatment for various lengths of time, mindfulness sessions, hospital gifts, snacks in Teenage Cancer Trust units and emergency support.

Olivia Grace shares how time away from hospital at of the charity's holiday homes gave her quality time with her family and helped her reconnect with her siblings.

Caroline explains the importance of volunteering, fundraising, and spreading awareness to reach families who don’t know their help exists

RadioTherapy podcast is sponsored by the Beatson Cancer Charity Home | Beatson Cancer Charity and The National Lottery Community Fund Young Start programme, Young Start | The National Lottery Community Fund and is recorded by Go Radio in Glasgow Go Radio | 90's 00's & Now | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West (thisisgo.co.uk) 

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In this episode host Abby sits down with Jill from the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and Matt, a young person who recently joined one of their sailing trips. Together, they explore how the charity transforms lives by taking young people living through and beyond cancer on unforgettable sailing adventures. From overcoming fears to building confidence and friendships, this conversation dives deep into why being out on the water is more than just a trip: it’s a turning point.

During the discussion we learn how Ellen MacArthur turned her passion for sailing into a charity that now supports over 700 young people every year, and what a typical four-day sailing trip looks like, from learning knots to epic water fights between yachts. Matt shares why saying “yes” to the trip became one of the best experiences of his life, and we hear how sailing helps rebuild confidence, independence, and connection after cancer treatment.

RadioTherapy podcast is sponsored by the Beatson Cancer Charity Home | Beatson Cancer Charity and The National Lottery Community Fund Young Start programme, Young Start | The National Lottery Community Fund and is recorded by Go Radio in Glasgow Go Radio | 90's 00's & Now | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West (thisisgo.co.uk) 

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