Real Pink

Episode 403: Breast Cancer Doesn’t Care How Young You Are

When we think about breast cancer, many of us still picture someone much older. But the reality is that young women can—and do—face this diagnosis, even when breast cancer is the furthest thing from their minds. Today’s guest was just 35 years old when her life changed and she suddenly found herself navigating treatment decisions while raising 3 young children. Amanda Lutricuso’s story is a powerful reminder that you’re never too young to pay attention to your body and to speak up when something

Episode 402: Real Talk: Can AI Improve Breast Health Care?

Technology is rapidly changing the world around us – and the same is true in women’s health. Artificial Intelligence holds enormous promise in understanding risk, detecting cancers earlier and improving treatment options and outcomes for breast cancer patients – but how do we get there and what should we be aware of along the way? Today we’re welcoming Jillian Wright, the CEO of Onsite Women’s Health, the leading provider of convenient, in-office breast health imaging services across the U.S.,

Episode 401: Just Diagnosed: The First 30 Days

The first 30 days after being diagnosed with breast cancer can feel devastating. You’re processing a lot of information, dealing with emotions and often trying to figure out what to do next. Joining us on Real Pink’s 400th episode today is Jennifer Omholt, a journalist and 24-year cancer survivor who was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer when her son was just 16 months old. In the wake of her diagnosis, she desperately searched for something to ease her fear and confusion, but found nothing t

Episode 400: Real Talk: Living One Treatment to the Next

Metastatic breast cancer cannot be cured but it can be treated. Treatment focuses on disease management while maintaining the best possible quality of life. The unfortunate reality is that a treatment will only work for so long, then another one is needed. Joining me today are two women living with metastatic breast cancer who are sharing their experiences, living one treatment to the next. They are tireless advocates for research and the breakthroughs that will ensure their next treatment is a

Episode 399: Transforming Trauma into Triumph

What happens when your life changes in an instant, and then, just when you think you’re beginning to rebuild, you’re faced with another life-altering diagnosis? Shannon Michelle knows that experience firsthand. After a devastating motorcycle accident left her in a coma with a traumatic brain injury, Shannon had to relearn how to walk, read, speak and navigate a life she no longer remembered. Then, during her recovery, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Today, Shannon joins us to talk about

Episode 398: Men Get Breast Cancer Too: Know Your Normal

Bret Miller was 17 when he first felt a lump behind his nipple. For seven years, providers told him it was calcium buildup or that it would go away on its own. It didn't. At 24, Bret was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer — a disease most people, including many of the doctors he saw along the way, don't associate with men at all.In this episode, Bret joins his oncologist, Dr. Priyanka Sharma of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, to unpack why male breast cancer is so often missed or overl

Episode 397: From Self-Advocacy to Survivorship: Choosing to Thrive After Breast Cancer

Breast cancer treatment has a beginning and an end, but healing is often a much longer journey. Today, we are joined by Katie Wasserman, a remarkable mother of four who shares how trusting her instincts and advocating for herself led to her breast cancer diagnosis. She will talk about navigating treatment decisions, the impact it had on her body, and the physical and emotional healing that continues today into survivorship. From managing the fears that linger after treatment ends to intentional

Episode 396: You’re Never Fully Prepared for Breast Cancer

When multiple loved ones are diagnosed with breast cancer within a short period of time, it can leave you wondering if, and when, it might become part of your own story. Megan May knew her family history meant that she was at greater risk of developing breast cancer. She prepared as best she could and underwent regular screenings. However, her diagnosis at age 40 still came as a shock because there are some things that no one can fully prepare you for. Megan is here today to share her story - ho

Episode 395: Beyond Treatment: How the Helpline Supports Disability in Breast Health Care

Disability and breast cancer intersect in more than one direction. Some people develop long-term effects like lymphedema, neuropathy or cognitive changes because of treatment — effects recognized as disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Others are already living with a disability, of any kind, when a breast cancer diagnosis enters the picture. This July, in recognition of Disability Pride Month, Krista Park Berry, Director of Susan G. Komen’s Breast Care Helpline, returns to Re

Episode 394: Leveraging AI In Breast Cancer Research

Artificial Intelligence is buzzy. There’s a lot about it in the news and a lot we think we understand about how to use it and a lot we may not fully understand. But the promise it holds is tremendous, and today we’re going to learn a little more about how it could benefit breast cancer research and patient care in the near future. Drs. Charles Perou at UNC Chapel Hill and Erika Crosby at Duke University are two very accomplished breast cancer researchers who are joining us today to share their

Episode 393: Designing Better Clinical Trials: Why Patient Advocates Belong at the Table

We know that clinical trials are a critical lifeline, offering new ways to prevent, detect, diagnose and treat breast cancer. Today, patient advocates are transforming clinical trials by bringing the real-world experiences of patients directly to researchers. By acting as a bridge between science and the community, patient advocates boost enrollment in clinical trials, and help build a lasting trust Today we are speaking with Dr. Lior Braunstein, a radiation oncologist and researcher at Memoria

Episode 392: When Your Voice Saves Your Life

At just 32 years old, Keisha Kinison was working in women's health when she suddenly found herself as the patient. In this episode, we'll talk about what it was like to discover her diagnosis before a physician had the chance to call, why she made the difficult decision to change doctors during treatment, how her experience transformed her and the incredible support that helped carry her through. Woven throughout every chapter of her story is one powerful message: trust yourself, advocate for yo

Episode 391: Tomorrow's Breakthroughs Depend on Today's Research Investments

There is a lot of conversation right now about funding for cancer research and possible cuts to research projects that will improve our understanding and treatment of breast cancer. I’m pleased to be joined today by two researchers who are sharing their perspectives on the inextricable link between grant funding and sustained research. Dr. Benjamin Schrank is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Dr. Donald McDonnell is the Glaxo-Wellcome Distinguished Professor of Molecular Cancer Biology at Duke University School of Medicine. Dr. McDonnell is a well-established researcher whose work focuses on developing new drugs to treat metastatic breast cancer. Dr. Schrank is early in his research career and focused on harnessing the body’s immune system to improve response to treatments for metastatic breast cancer. Both recently received research grants from Susan G. Komen to support their innovative work that will help improve breast cancer care and patient outcomes. Key Takeaways: Breakthrough cancer treatments can take decades to develop Fundamental research is the foundation of future therapies Early-stage funding is critical for innovation Research funding directly impacts patients Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:40 Meet the researchers and their current projects 03:45 Why medical breakthroughs take decades to achieve 11:15 The critical role of grant funding in scientific research 20:20 Supporting the next generation of cancer researchers Learn more at realpink.komen.org and komen.org Real Pink, by Susan G. Komen, shares real stories and expert insights to support people navigating breast cancer, from diagnosis through survivorship.

Episode 390: Showing Up for Yourself

Welcome to the Komen Health Equity Revolution series on Real Pink — where patients, advocates, researchers and community partners come together to talk honestly about what's standing in the way of breast health equity, and what we're doing to change it. June is Pride Month — a time to celebrate identity, community and the courage it takes to live authentically. Today's conversation sits right at the heart of that. Because advocating for yourself, knowing your body and refusing to be dismissed,

Episode 389: Cancer Doesn’t Get the Final Say

A breast cancer diagnosis may feel like it changes your entire life in an instant, but it doesn’t get to define who you are or make all your choices for you. On today's episode of Real Pink, we're joined by Amanda Sangemino, a remarkable young woman whose diagnosis came at an age when cancer was likely the last thing on her mind. What began with a concern that was initially dismissed ultimately led her to trust her instincts, advocate for herself, and make a series of personal decisions about he

Episode 388: In My Resilience Era

Today on National Cancer Survivor’s Day, we’re joined by a remarkable performer whose strength, vulnerability, and resilience have inspired millions around the world. She has taken the stage as a backup vocalist for numerous top artists and most recently dazzled the crowds on the biggest tour in music history with global superstar Taylor Swift. However, audiences were moved even more deeply when she chose to publicly share something far more personal – her breast cancer journey. After Jeslyn Go

Episode 387: RERUN: Knowing What to Say When Someone is Diagnosed with MBC

This episode originally aired in November 2023. When someone has metastatic breast cancer, it is scary for them - and for you! What can you do to really help? What should you say? Is it better to just listen? Today’s guest received a de novo metastatic diagnosis in January 2021 and then elected to retire early from a 30-year technology sales career in order to slow life down and to focus on family, friends and thriving with MBC. Carlee Dixon’s surprise diagnosis also inspired her to learn as muc

Episode 386: The State of Women's Health

It’s Women’s Health Month — which means a lot of awareness messaging and a lot of conversation about why women’s health matters. But today, we’re going a level deeper. Because awareness doesn’t save lives. Action does. Infrastructure does. Investment does. And honest conversations about why the system isn’t working equally for everyone — those matter too. My guest today is Jenica Patterson — a neuroscientist turned health systems architect who is doing the hard work of figuring out why women’s h

Episode 385: Real Talk: Oh Joy, It’s Menopause

Menopause – it may be the most unwanted time in a woman’s life. It arrives with a vengeance, forcing all kinds of emotional, hormonal and bodily changes onto women as they approach their 50s. But for women going through breast cancer treatment, it can arrive even earlier and be even more unwanted. The good news is no one has to suffer in silence. It is my pleasure to welcome to today’s podcast, Dr. Makeba Williams, the incoming president of The Menopause Society, and Claudia McConnell, a breas

Episode 384: Holding Onto Hope: Fertility, Menopause, and Life After Diagnosis

While menopause is often associated with aging, many women facing breast cancer experience it suddenly and much earlier than expected—bringing a wave of physical and emotional changes. From managing intense symptoms to confronting fears about future family-building, the journey can feel overwhelming. On today’s episode, we are joined by Melody Johnson, a nurse practitioner who specializes in caring for women navigating these exact challenges. She will help us understand how treatment-induced men

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