Real Talk About Breast Cancer

If your doctor is recommending that you get a mastectomy, you will likely have some choices about how the surgery is performed. Your breast cancer treatment, your body, your breast shape and your lifestyle affect not only your options, but also the pros and cons of your options. There’s no one method that works best for everyone because each person is unique. Today we are going to be exploring one specific type of mastectomy – the nipple-sparing mastectomy. This is a skin-sparing mastectomy that leaves the nipple and areola intact and usually improves the overall look of the reconstructed breast. Joining us on the show today are two very special guests: Dr. Mara Piltin, a Breast and Melanoma Surgical Oncologist and Physician Assistant, Maddie Beiswanger, both from Mayo Clinic. They are going to tell us more about nipple-sparing mastectomy procedures, current research that is being conducted around the use of minimally invasive robotic surgery to assist in these procedures and the possible benefits that these innovations can provide.

Susan G. Komen stands alongside the rest of the cancer community with deep concern about proposed cuts in the federal budget in addition to significant policy changes which could impact access to high-quality, affordable health care. It is hard to weed through the information and to know where things stand at any moment in time so joining us on the show today is Molly Guthrie, Komen’s Vice President of Policy and Advocacy. Molly has intimate knowledge of what is happening at all levels of government and is going to share some insight with us about what is truly going on, as well as what we can all do to bring change to end breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) women — but far too often, cultural stigma, language barriers and a lack of tailored education prevent early detection and timely care. To celebrate AANHPI Month, we’re joined by Dr. Judy Wang, a national leader in cancer prevention and behavioral science at the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Wang unpacks how breast cancer uniquely impacts AANHPI communities, and why culturally responsive communication is critical in closing gaps in education, screening and survivorship. She also shares how providers, advocates and researchers can better meet AANHPI women where they are — with humility, trust and cultural understanding.

Caregiving can be a very personal role on many levels - assisting a loved one through their cancer diagnosis, helping with daily activities, providing support and helping to make treatment decisions may all be a part of their responsibilities. When young adults are the caregiver taking care of a parent, they face many unique challenges, such as having more duties to juggle and managing their own growing relationships and careers. Harley Stuebgen was just 25 years old when her mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. She immediately stepped in as her caregiver and supported her throughout her entire breast cancer journey. For her mother, Kim, the support of her daughter and her greater community gave her the strength and support that she needed to keep going. Their experience highlights the powerful bond between mother and daughter and how allowing people to help can make all the difference.

Laurel Pointer always knew that breast cancer was a possibility, with a strong family history and a confirmed CHEK2 gene mutation. In July 2024, Laurel was diagnosed with stage 1 invasive lobular carcinoma and immediately knew that she wanted a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. Shannon Michaelson has been Laurel’s co-worker and close friend for the past 6 years. As soon as Laurel got the news of an irregular mammogram, the two were immediately on the phone and Shannon has been part of Laurel’s support team every step of the way. Laurel recently went through the final step of her reconstruction by getting 3D nipple tattoos, with Shannon by her side. These two are committed to supporting each other and the breast cancer community; and today they are here to talk about what the procedure was like and the emotions that have gone with it.

Today’s guest is Mallory Tucker, a mother of four and breast cancer survivor from Georgia. She shares her experience with her diagnosis, how she approached the conversation with her children, and the role therapy played in helping her navigate treatment.