Real Pink

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Episode 224: Fighting while Expecting May 08, 2023

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In this episode of the Susan G. Komen "Real Talk" podcast series, Alison LoCoco and Kate Ratajczak share their personal journeys of being diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant. As guests on the show, they candidly discuss the challenges they faced during this difficult time and offer insight into how they navigated the complex and emotional decisions that came with their diagnoses. Hear firsthand how these two women balanced pregnancy and breast cancer treatment, while also taking care of themselves and their families. With this episode, the series aims to provide a platform for honest and raw conversations about breast cancer, with a focus on underrepresented experiences such as pregnancy and motherhood. Tune in to gain valuable insight and a new perspective on breast cancer, from two brave women who have been there.

Episode 223: Reframing the Discussion for Surgical Options After Breast Cancer May 01, 2023

Show notes

After undergoing a mastectomy, women can either proceed with a reconstruction or “go flat”, but today’s guest says that the correct decision is what’s best for the patient. As an oncoplastic breast surgeon at City of Hope Chicago, Dr. Carolyn Bhakta performs surgical procedures for patients with breast malignancies, ranging from the earliest to advanced stages of disease. Dr. Bhakta works closely with her patients to understand their cancer needs and goals to identify the most appropriate surgical options and to heal her patients both physically and emotionally. When it comes to breast cancer surgery, there are no wrong decisions – only personal decisions. Here today to discuss the very personal choice that some women make to go flat and to help change the narrative surrounding it is Dr. Carolyn Bhakta.

Episode 222: Connecting Black Cancer Patients to Financial Coverage Apr 24, 2023

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In an effort to drive systemic change, Komen partnered with ASCO and a group of health care institutions to develop and test interventions that address breast health inequities in the Black community. Here’s a peek into a success story at Parkland Hospital & Health System in Dallas, where the intervention helped connect Black cancer patients to financial coverage and ultimately improved their access to care. We are excited to speak to Maripat Hodges, Cancer Program Manager at Parkland Hospital, to learn more about this success story.

Episode 221: Not the Breast Year of My Life Apr 17, 2023

Show notes

When you are diagnosed with breast cancer, the unknown can sometimes feel like the scariest part. The support of family, friends and others can help as you go through the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Some people find going to a support group is helpful and some people desperately long for connection with other survivors who have been through similar feelings and situations. Today’s guest, Cara Sapida, was on our show back in early 2021 and shared a poem that she had written with our listeners called Oh the Places You’ll Go Fighting Cancer. It was a poem that expressed very real emotions about cancer, the shock and reality that diagnosis can bring, and it clearly resonated with you all, as it was one of the most downloaded episodes that we’ve ever had on this show. Since we spoke to Cara last, she has continued to share the realities of her breast cancer experience through writing and has published a book called Not the Breast Year of My Life. She’s here today to tell us about this journey and fill us in on how things have been going.

Episode 220: Real Talk: Pregnancy And Breast Cancer Apr 10, 2023

Show notes

A breast cancer diagnosis can be life altering for women and men at any age. But for younger women who want to have children, a diagnosis can immediately change their life plans. Some treatments can prevent a woman from carrying a child; some can make it more difficult to become pregnant; and some can require quick decisions about freezing eggs before treatment begins. And for women who are diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant, tough decisions must be made to ensure the health and safety of baby and mom, or to understand the possible impact treatment can have to the baby. None of these decisions or situations are easy, but fertility is an important consideration for women who are diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age. Today, I’m honored to welcome Dr. Ann Partridge, a world-renowned oncologist who focuses on treating breast cancer in young women, and Lindsay McGloughlin, a breast cancer survivor who tried but did not become pregnant after finishing active treatment.

Episode 219: Myths About Mammograms Apr 03, 2023

Show notes

Whether you’ve had a mammogram or are preparing to have your first mammogram, chances are that you’ve heard a myth or two that might make you nervous about this important annual screening test. Here with us today to debunk some of the most common mammogram myths is Erica Kuhn, Komen’s Sr. Manager of Health Information & Publications.

Episode 218: Survivorship as a Black Woman Mar 27, 2023

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As part of our Stand for H.E.R. series, we talk about how the breast cancer experience impacts the Black community. In this episode, we are taking a deep dive into Kay Shaw’s experience as a breast cancer survivor and the challenges women – and especially Black women – may continue to face post treatment. Welcome to the show, Kay!

Episode 217: Real Talk: Early Menopause Due To Breast Cancer Mar 20, 2023

Show notes

Today I’m joined by two survivors who experienced menopause at an early age due to breast cancer and treatment. At the time of their diagnoses, Deb Song and Elvira Velez could have carried children. The treatment for their cancer, and subsequent hysterectomies, however, changed their lives forever.

Episode 216: The Importance of Screening for Early Detection Mar 13, 2023

Show notes

Breast cancer screening and early detection play an important role in your health. Screening tests can help detect breast cancer at an early stage when the chances of survival are the highest. Joining us on the show today to talk about the importance of screening, imaging tests for women for dense breasts and the role of innovation and technology in screening is Henry Izawa, President and CEO of FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation.

Episode 215: Taking Charge of My Breast Cancer Risk Mar 06, 2023

Show notes

Learning about your breast cancer risk can empower you to make important breast care decisions to take charge of your health. If you are at higher risk of breast cancer, talk with your doctor about a screening plan that’s best for you. You may need to be screened earlier and more often than other women. If genetic test results show that you have an inherited gene mutation, you may also consider risk-lowering options, such as risk-lowering drugs, prophylactic surgeries, or clinical trials. Today’s guest has an extensive family history of both breast and ovarian cancers and tested positive for a BRCA1 mutation at a young age. Here today to tell us her story and how she’s worked with her doctors to create a screening schedule to keep a close eye on things while allowing her to fulfill her life dreams is Amy Hunter.

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