Research shows two thirds of the public do not know that cancer treatment can cause ‘crash menopause’

The OnePoll survey also showed that:

• almost three fifths (59%) of people had never heard of the term ‘crash menopause’, confirming low awareness of the grueling side effect of some cancer treatments
• almost one third of people (30%) polled did not know that the difference between a ‘natural menopause’ or ‘medically induced crash menopause’ which can in fact be much more severe
• more than six in ten people (62%) didn’t know whether women could go into a ‘second menopause’ following cancer treatment

In addition, an internal **Maggie’s survey shows 72% of women with a cancer diagnosis and who had subsequently attended Maggie’s menopause workshops were given little to no information by their medical teams, explaining that treatment could suppress their hormones and cause menopause symptoms.

What is crash menopause?

Crash menopause is the sudden onset of menopausal symptoms following changes in oestrogen and testosterone levels.

This can be induced by many cancer treatments and may lead to a range of symptoms including hot flushes, brain fog, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia and joint/bone pain. 

These changes can make life even more challenging whilst going through cancer treatment and beyond.

Let's keep the conversation going

Our new campaign aims to raise awareness of this unknown and often debilitating side effect of cancer treatment.

The campaign includes support and information on common symptoms and how to manage them, a short film (below) with NHS leaders, celebrities and TV doctors encouraging people to “keep the conversation going about crash menopause.”

Contributors include celebrity doctors Dr Nighat Arif, Dr Anisha Patel, Dr Naomi Potter and Dr Liz O’Riordan and well-known faces including broadcaster Adele Roberts, broadcaster and author Kirsty Wark, and counseling psychologist and broadcaster Dr Sian Williams. 

Other contributors include Carolyn Harris MP and Baroness Merron. 

Awareness is frighteningly low

Dame Laura Lee DBE, our Chief Executive, said: “Crash menopause can be brutal for so many women who are already going through cancer - yet awareness is frighteningly low, so this campaign really matters. 

“Menopause was once a taboo topic which nobody discussed but now we have many celebrities shining a light on the subject - we need to do the same for ‘crash menopause’ - we want to let people know we are here with them during cancer treatment and all it brings, including ‘crash menopause’.

“If we keep the conversation going, more women, and their friends and families, can identify the signs and symptoms and get the help they need – whether that is psychological support or help to understand what it might mean for their fertility, or to protect their longer-term health. 

"If you or a family or friend is going through crash menopause as a result of cancer treatment – please come forward and get support from Maggie's – no one needs to go through this alone.”

Our focus is to help people feel less alone

Our menopause workshops run online and at our centres across the UK. 

They were developed by Dr Angela Sharma and Dr Angela Wright of Spiced Pear Health alongside Maggie's Cambridge Centre Head, Lisa Punt, who is Maggie's lead on treatment-induced menopause.

Lisa Punt, Centre Head at Maggie’s in Cambridge, and lead clinician on Maggie’s menopause workshops across the UK, said: “The incredible clinical advances in cancer treatment mean more people live beyond and alongside a cancer diagnosis. 

"The impact on quality of life and emotional well-being following a treatment-induced menopause can be long lasting and, for some traumatic.

"At Maggie’s, our focus is to help people feel less alone and give them the advice and information needed to support them through the changes they can face.”

More women to access support and face these changes together

Dr Sue Mann, National Clinical Director of Women's Health for the NHS in England said: “The way we talk about the menopause has improved massively in recent years with more women feeling empowered to share their experiences, but with growing numbers of people being diagnosed with cancer, it’s important we also raise awareness of crash menopause – a lesser-known side effect of some treatments.
 
“It can be really difficult for women who experience early onset menopause on top of having cancer, but they are not alone – the NHS provides help for women alongside their cancer treatment and Maggie’s has a whole host of great support available, including their in-person and virtual menopause groups and online advice. 

"If we keep talking, we can help more women to access support and face these changes together.”

How we can help

Whatever kind of cancer, whatever stage you're at, Maggie's is here with you.

Our expert staff are here to listen to your concerns and find the help you need wherever you are – over the phone and online.

There are men’s support groups on offer, as well as specific cancer type groups, exercise, nutrition and one to one support with a psychologist.

If you or anyone you know has cancer, they can just come into any of the centres, there is no need for a referral or appointment.

• Find your nearest Maggie's centre 
• Call us on 0300 123 180 
• Email us at enquiries@maggies.org 
• Our phone lines and centres are open  Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm

*OnePoll online survey commissioned by Maggie’s of 2000 UK adults nationally representative based on age, gender and region.

This survey was sponsored by Theramex, a pharmaceutical company dedicated to women’s health.

**Maggie’s Internal survey results from 192 women surveyed anonymously who took part in online and in person workshops. Respondents potentially from across the UK.