Understand
Banbury woman shares experience of being blindsided by early menopause following cancer treatment
Overview
Danielle Standen, a 41-year-old woman from Banbury, has spoken out about being thrust into early menopause at age 33 following her breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent chemotherapy. Charities and patients highlight that the sudden onset of treatment-related menopause—often called "crash menopause"—frequently lacks adequate information and support, though health authorities and trusts state they are working to improve care.
Key points
- Danielle Standen was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 33 in 2018 and entered early menopause immediately after starting chemotherapy.
- She described feeling blindsided by the lack of information and experiencing intense symptoms such as low mood, hot flushes, brain fog, and loss of libido.
- Cancer support charity Maggie's noted that while medical treatments focus on cancer, the severe impact of a sudden "crash menopause" is often underestimated.
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust apologized that Ms Standen did not receive the necessary information and stated it is working to strengthen support for women.
- The Department of Health and Social Care stated that a National Cancer Plan will ensure personalised plans and named nurse specialists recognise the long-term effects of treatment, including menopause.