Breast Cancer & Menopause: Empowering Women Through Awareness, Action & Advocacy

Lynne on October 8, 2025

To continue our Breast Cancer Awareness Month blog series, we’re diving deep into the intersection of breast cancer and menopause—a critical space where awareness, science, and self-care must come together.

October is a powerful time to reflect, honor, and take action. At MenopauseNetwork.org, we stand with women of all ages, especially those navigating midlife transitions, where hormonal shifts, lifestyle stressors, and long-term health planning converge. This season is a reminder that knowledge isn’t just power—it’s prevention, treatment, and survival.

In this edition, we highlight key insights from Dr. Marisa Weiss, a leading oncologist, breast cancer survivor, and founder of Breastcancer.org, who recently appeared on The TODAY Show. Dr. Weiss offered a powerful look at what’s changing in breast cancer care—and how women can take charge of their health journeys, especially during perimenopause and menopause. Here’s what we learned:

Breast Cancer in a Changing Landscape

While breast cancer is often associated with older women, a troubling rise in diagnoses among women under 40 has experts concerned. Dr. Weiss pointed out in her TODAY Show interview:

“More women are being diagnosed at younger ages—and they’re not benefiting from early detection because screening guidelines don’t cover them.”

This means we need to rethink how we approach risk, screening, and education, especially for women in their 30s and early 40s who are often overlooked by standard protocols.

Hope Through Innovation: What’s New in Breast Cancer Treatment

Dr. Weiss shared that the current era of breast cancer care is one of hope, innovation, and personalization. Thanks to cutting-edge science, we’ve moved far beyond one-size-fits-all treatment models.

Key Advances Include:

  • Targeted Therapies: Medications tailored to specific tumor markers
  • Immunotherapy: Engaging the immune system to attack cancer
  • Precision Radiation: Lower damage, faster healing
  • Less Invasive Surgeries: More options for breast-conserving treatment

Women today have more tools than ever—and clinical trials are a critical way to access the newest options.

Dr. Weiss advises: “Ask your doctor: Am I eligible for a clinical trial? It’s not a last resort—it’s a smart move.”

The Power of Genetic Testing

If you’ve ever questioned whether you carry a hereditary risk for breast cancer, now is the time to act. Genetic testing can uncover mutations in genes like BRCA1, BRCA2, and others that significantly increase your lifetime risk.

Why It Matters:

  • Determines which treatments will work best for you
  • Provides insight into risk for other cancers
  • Helps assess risk for your children and family members

Good news: The test is non-invasive (just saliva or blood), and most insurance plans now cover it.

Dr. Weiss shared that even young women—especially those with family history—should consider testing.

What’s Driving the Increase in Early Diagnoses?

We don’t yet know exactly why more young women are being diagnosed, but Dr. Weiss outlined several likely contributors:

Potential Risk FactorLifestyle Link
Increased alcohol useMany women in midlife drink daily or socially
Sedentary lifestylesDesk jobs and long commutes reduce activity
Poor sleep & stressHormonal imbalance and emotional burnout
Processed foodsInflammation and hormonal disruption

“Most breast cancers aren’t inherited. They’re linked to how you live, what goes in, on, and around you.” — Dr. Weiss

Your Breast Health Action Plan (Especially During Menopause)

Let’s take Dr. Weiss’s powerful guidance and transform it into a practical, midlife-focused breast health checklist that you can start today.

1. Get Your Screenings Up to Date

  • Women 40 and up should have annual mammograms
  • If under 40 with family history, ask about early screening or MRI
  • Include clinical breast exams in your annual wellness visits

2. Ask About Genetic Testing

  • Especially if:
    • You have a family history of breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer
    • You’re of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry
    • You’ve had multiple cancer types in your family
  • Talk to your doctor about BRCA or multigene panel testing

3. Consider Clinical Trials

  • Access to new treatments before they hit the market
  • Could offer better outcomes or fewer side effects
  • Search for trials at clinicaltrials.gov or ask your care team

4. Transform Lifestyle Habits

Dr. Weiss reminds us that breast health = women’s health. Every change you make in your daily habits ripples across your health journey.

Healthy HabitBreast Health Benefit
🏃‍♀️ Regular ExerciseReduces estrogen levels and inflammation
🥗 Mediterranean DietRich in antioxidants, fiber, healthy fats
🍷 Limit AlcoholKeep to 1 drink/day or less
🚭 Quit SmokingSignificantly lowers cancer risk
😴 Prioritize SleepSupports immune function and hormone balance
🧘‍♀️ Manage StressReduces cortisol, inflammation, emotional strain

Start with one. Build from there. Movement is a great first step, as Dr. Weiss noted:

“When you start with exercise, you’re more likely to succeed with everything else.”

5. Know the Warning Signs

Breast cancer symptoms aren’t always a lump. Be aware of:

  • Breast or nipple changes in shape or texture
  • New pain or swelling
  • Unusual discharge
  • Skin dimpling or thickening

Listen to your body. If something feels off, don’t wait. Early detection is everything.

Why Menopausal Women Must Be Proactive

Menopause is a pivotal time in a woman’s health journey. It’s also a window of opportunity—to catch risks early, modify habits, and advocate for yourself. Hormonal shifts can influence your breast tissue, and in some cases, increase risk.

If you’re considering HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy), talk to your doctor about how it may impact your individual breast cancer risk.

Celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month — With Action

This October, let’s go beyond pink ribbons. Let’s take real steps toward real change. Whether you’re in your 30s navigating perimenopause or well into your 60s redefining your power, this is your moment.

Breast Health Checklist for Women 40+

✅ Annual mammogram
✅ Monthly self-exams
✅ Ask about genetic testing
✅ Get moving (150 minutes/week)
✅ Eat more plants & healthy fats
✅ Limit alcohol
✅ Prioritize sleep
✅ Quit smoking
✅ Manage stress
✅ Know your body & speak up

Resources

Every woman deserves access to lifesaving information, early detection, and compassionate care. Whether you’re seeking prevention strategies, navigating a diagnosis, or supporting a loved one, know this:

Menopause at Work: Let’s Make Support the New Norm

Lynne on January 6, 2025

Picture this: you’re back at work, and in the middle of a meeting, nailing your points, when out of nowhere—you’re hit with a hot flash so intense it feels like you’ve been teleported into a sauna. Or maybe you’ve been staring at the same email for 10 minutes, trying to decode it through a foggy brain that refuses to cooperate. Sound familiar? That’s menopause and perimenopause for you: a natural part of life that doesn’t wait for convenient timing—and definitely doesn’t stop at the office door.

Millions of women experience these challenges at work every day, yet nobody’s talking about it. Why? Because menopause is still treated like a taboo topic—something to suffer through quietly. But here’s the reality: the symptoms of menopause aren’t just uncomfortable; they can derail careers, shrink confidence, and make women feel like they have to choose between their health and their job.

That’s not just bad for women—it’s bad for businesses. Companies that ignore the realities of menopause lose out on talented, experienced employees who are vital to their teams. It’s time to change the script. Let’s open up the conversation, ditch the stigma, and create workplaces where women can thrive at every stage of life. Because menopause isn’t the problem—the lack of support is.

Ready to dive in? Let’s talk about how workplaces can step up, starting today.

Menopause: More Than Hot Flashes

Perimenopause—the not-so-fun dress rehearsal before menopause—typically kicks off in a woman’s 40s or 50s and can last for years. It’s not just about hot flashes, though those are memorable. Here’s what women face during work hours (and beyond):

  • Brain Fog: Can’t remember where you left your coffee or what that email was about? It’s not you, it’s the hormones.
  • Sleepless Nights: Tossing and turning means waking up more zombie than boss lady.
  • Physical Surprises: Joint pain, night sweats, and sudden temperature shifts that feel like personal weather patterns.
  • Mood Swings: Confidence, meet rollercoaster. Anxiety, self-doubt, and irritability are regular guests.

These aren’t minor hiccups. For many women, these symptoms are career derailers, forcing them to step back from leadership roles or even leave the workforce entirely.

Why Women Stay Quiet

So, why don’t more women speak up about menopause at work? It boils down to one word: fear. Women worry that opening up about their symptoms—like brain fog, mood swings, or even hot flashes—might lead to unfair judgments. They fear being labeled as less capable, overly emotional, or even “past their prime,” which can put their careers and professional reputations at risk. This fear isn’t unfounded; in many workplaces, the stigma surrounding menopause is real and pervasive, creating an environment where silence feels safer than vulnerability. Unfortunately, this silence doesn’t just mask their struggles—it perpetuates a cycle where menopause remains an invisible issue, leaving workplaces uninformed and ill-equipped to offer meaningful support. Until we break this stigma, women will continue to bear the burden of managing their symptoms alone, and workplaces will miss the opportunity to foster a truly inclusive environment.

Here’s What Workplaces Can Do (Hint: It’s Not Hard)

Supporting women through menopause doesn’t mean rewriting the employee handbook. Small, thoughtful changes can make a big difference. Here’s where to start:

1. Talk About It!

Normalize the conversation with workshops, manager training, and open discussions. Understanding menopause fosters empathy, breaks stigma, and signals to employees: “We’ve got your back.”

2. Flexibility Is Key

Offer flexible work hours or remote options for tough days. In-office? Simple tweaks like fans, temperature controls, or quiet spaces can turn a meltdown into a manageable day.

3. Revamp Benefits

Ensure healthcare plans cover menopause-related needs like hormone therapy, counseling, or specialized sleep treatments. Access to experts can be a game-changer.

4. Rethink Workloads

On brain-foggy days, allow women to focus on high-priority tasks rather than juggling everything at once. A little grace goes a long way.

5. Stock the Small Stuff

Cooling wipes, period products, and other essentials in office bathrooms aren’t just practical—they show women they’re seen and supported.

6. Build a Sisterhood

Encourage peer support groups or networks where women can share tips, advice, and a little humor (because, let’s be honest, sometimes you’ve just got to laugh about it).

Remote Work: A Blessing and a Challenge

For women working from home, flexibility is a perk, but isolation can amplify symptoms like anxiety or brain fog. Employers can help by setting up virtual support groups or encouraging outdoor breaks to recharge.

Self-Advocacy: It’s Your Superpower

Workplaces play a role, but so do women. Advocate for yourself by talking to HR or your manager about accommodations that can make your day-to-day easier. Remember, prioritizing your health isn’t just good for you—it’s a step toward making menopause a workplace norm.

Why Menopause Support Is Good Business

Here’s the bottom line: when women thrive, businesses thrive. Supporting employees during menopause isn’t just about being nice—it’s about retaining top talent, boosting productivity, and creating a culture where every employee feels valued.

Menopause isn’t a career death sentence or a dirty secret. It’s a natural transition that women can navigate with the right tools, understanding, and support. When workplaces get this right, everyone wins.

Embracing Menopause: Let’s Talk About It Like Never Before!

Lynne on November 5, 2024

In a refreshingly honest chat, Hollywood star Drew Barrymore, Gayle King, and journalist Nikki Battiste tackled menopause—yup, the big “M” that’s often kept under wraps. As part of CBS Morning’s “Facing Fertility” series, they’re spilling all the details about what it’s really like to experience menopause, sharing the highs, the lows, and even some laughs along the way. Let’s dive into this enlightening (and pretty hilarious) conversation on what women go through during menopause, why we should talk about it more, and how we can all approach it with a bit more understanding.

So, What’s the Deal with Menopause and Perimenopause?

Menopause is that life stage when the body wraps up its baby-making days, usually around age 51. But here’s the twist—before you hit menopause, you get to know its little cousin: perimenopause! This is the fun phase where things get, well, unpredictable. Periods get wonky, hormones go haywire, and symptoms pop up out of nowhere. Drew and Gayle shared how they were completely blindsided by some of the changes, like periods every two weeks and surprise hot flashes.

Drew recounts how her period suddenly doubled up, leaving her thinking, “What’s going on?” Gayle, on the other hand, recalls those infamous hot flashes—the ones that make you feel like you’re roasting from the inside out. As Gayle explains, these flashes aren’t just a quick warm-up; they can turn you into a sweaty mess at the worst times (imagine the red carpet!). Their honesty about these early signs of menopause makes it clear that more women need to hear about perimenopause, so they’re not left wondering if they’re the only ones going through it.

Beyond the Hot Flashes: Let’s Get Real About the Symptoms

Yes, hot flashes are part of it, but there’s a whole menu of menopause symptoms. Enter the infamous dryness (if you know, you know) and mood swings that feel like they belong in a soap opera. These symptoms can be uncomfortable, even embarrassing, but they’re part of the ride, and it’s time we talk about them without whispering.

Dryness, for example, is usually left out of the conversation, even though it affects so many women. As Drew and Gayle pointed out, it’s high time we laugh about it, normalize it, and stop hiding in silence. Gayle even quips that when she told people about her hot flashes, they’d almost whisper back, as if it was something scandalous. It’s just menopause, folks! By sharing these details, they’re helping make menopause less of a “secret club” and more of a reality that we all understand.

To HRT or Not to HRT?

The big question: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)—yay or nay? Some women swear by it, while others, like Drew and Gayle, have decided to go the natural route. For some, HRT is a lifesaver, but it’s all about personal choice. Gayle explains that she wasn’t sold on HRT because her doctor seemed a bit too eager. Drew, meanwhile, just wanted to see how she’d fare without it before making any big moves.

Their takeaway? You don’t have to be a hero if you don’t want to be. Whether you go with HRT or not, it’s your choice, and it’s all about finding what works for you. Plus, as the ladies point out, it’s really important to get good advice from a doctor who actually listens to your needs.

Busting the Menopause Myths

The stereotype of menopause as some sort of “you’re old now” milestone is as outdated as bell-bottoms. When people think of menopause, they think of women over the hill, with their best days behind them. But as Drew and Gayle argue, menopause doesn’t mean you’re old, washed up, or ready to retire to a knitting circle. Nope—women are redefining what it means to be in their 40s, 50s, and beyond. They’re vibrant, confident, and very much still thriving!

Gayle points out that we need to stop associating menopause with being “done.” Just because society has traditionally viewed menopause as the end of a woman’s prime doesn’t mean we have to stick with that narrative. Michelle Obama’s mantra, “No shame in my menopause game,” is all about taking pride in this stage of life. These ladies are proving that menopause is just another chapter—and it can be a pretty fabulous one, too.

Let’s School the Kids

One of the coolest things they brought up? Teaching kids about menopause! Yeah, that’s right—boys and girls. Gayle and Drew agree that talking to children about these changes, especially boys, could lead to a world where menopause isn’t seen as strange or embarrassing. The goal? Helping the next generation grow up with empathy and understanding about what women experience, instead of brushing it off as “icky.”

By educating both girls and boys, they hope to create a more open, accepting society where menopause isn’t a punchline or a secret. Drew and Gayle both say they want to raise kids who are comfortable with these conversations, so no one has to face menopause like it’s some big unknown.

Redefining the Big M

The conversation wraps up with each of the women sharing a single word they associate with menopause. Drew says “reality,” while Gayle chooses “natural.” Their point? Menopause is a normal part of life, not some crisis to be hushed up. For these women, it’s about approaching menopause as a new adventure, one they’re ready to tackle with humor, honesty, and a lot of support.

For far too long, menopause has been the “Voldemort” of women’s health—the thing that shall not be named. But by chatting about it openly and adding a dose of humor, Drew, Gayle, and Nikki are helping make menopause something we can talk about freely. This conversation isn’t just about hot flashes or HRT; it’s about lifting the curtain on a big part of life that every woman faces.

So, here’s to menopause! It’s real, it’s natural, and thanks to people like Drew and Gayle, it’s no longer just a whispered word. They’re here to remind us all that menopause is just another step on the journey—one that’s definitely worth talking about.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the insightful and candid conversation featured on CBS Mornings as part of their “Facing Fertility” series. Special thanks to CBS Mornings, Drew Barrymore, Gayle King, and Nikki Battiste for shedding light on this important topic and encouraging open discussions about menopause.

From Hollywood to Capitol Hill: Halle Berry Champions Menopause Awareness

Lynne on May 10, 2024

Washington, D.C. — In a moving address on Capitol Hill, Hollywood actress and women’s rights advocate Halle Berry called for a de-stigmatization of menopause and better healthcare for women experiencing this natural phase of life. Speaking in a room full of supporters and several U.S. senators, Berry shared her personal journey with menopause, emphasizing the broad impact it has on women’s health and advocating for legislative action.

Berry’s presence marked a key moment as she and several legislators unveiled a bill to boost menopause care nationwide. With bipartisan backing visible, she expressed her gratitude towards Senators Patty Murray and Lisa Murkowski for their commitment to advancing women’s health issues.

The Need for a Shift in Menopause Perception

Halle opened her speech by expressing how honored she was to advocate for such a vital cause, one she never anticipated championing in her lifetime. The cause, she noted, is not just a health issue but a human rights issue that transcends political lines.

“Menopause is something that affects all women, yet it’s often seen as an issue only for the old,” Berry remarked. “Society tells us to fade away, but we are far from needing to step back. I am here to say, at 58, I have never been more ready to make a difference.”

She emphasized the extensive impact of menopause, explaining how it reaches beyond just the reproductive system and affects overall health, including mental clarity, thanks to the widespread role of estrogen in the body.

A Story of Overcoming Silence

With a lighthearted recount of a recent doctor’s visit, Berry illustrated the lingering stigma and lack of awareness that surrounds menopause. “I had to be the one to bring it up,” she recounted with an easy chuckle, stressing how vital it is for healthcare providers to be open and well-informed on the topic.

Uniting for a Common Cause

The event also served as a perfect stage for Berry to call for more support for the proposed bill, playfully noting her bright orange suit meant to make her—and the cause—stand out. She expressed hope that more senators would join the cause, emphasizing the need for a united front.

“Today, I’m not just wearing this suit for myself but for all women who suffer in silence,” Berry declared, her voice a powerful echo in the halls of power.

A Rallying Cry for Support

Concluding with a spirited call to action, Berry urged women across the country to make their voices heard by reaching out to their senators. “Let’s ensure the conversation around menopause is loud, clear, and positive,” she urged.

Advocating for Change

Berry’s advocacy marks a significant step towards changing the narrative around menopause, aiming to treat it as a crucial health issue that deserves recognition and action. By sharing her story and rallying support, she hopes to spark a movement that prioritizes menopause care in women’s health policies.

As the bill progresses, Berry and her supporters in the Senate are working to lay down a framework that ensures every woman receives the support and resources she deserves during menopause. With continued effort and advocacy, the outlook for women’s health care looks brighter and more inclusive, thanks to voices like Berry’s leading the charge.