Archive for September 2022

Patient navigators empower and guide patients to overcome barriers during cancer treatment, helping to ensure a seamless, high-quality breast care journey. In this episode, we are going to learn more about Komen’s Patient Navigation Program, which connects patients to resources and support every step of the way. I am excited to be joined by Tamarah Davis and her patient navigator Roselyn White to learn more about how Komen’s Patient Navigation program is improving outcomes for Black patients.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Hispanic and Latina women and they are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage than non-Hispanic women. This is why it is so important to empower Hispanic and Latina women in the U.S to understand their breast cancer risk and advocate for themselves to take control of their health. Today’s guest grew up in a Hispanic household where breast health was never really spoken about. She lives a healthy lifestyle and undergoes regular wellness appointments, including annual mammograms, so when she learned she had breast cancer, it came as a shock. Here today to tell us her story and how her diagnosis has made her passionate about educating the Hispanic community about breast health and the need for greater representation in research and clinical trials is Domenica Lagunas. Domenica, welcome to the show!

As with any major illness, breast cancer can have effects beyond the person who is diagnosed and the death of a parent can be one of the most significant losses that someone will ever face. This is particularly true for young adults in their twenties, who are still learning to navigate life and fully transition into an independent adult. Loss, grief and mourning affects everyone in different ways and it can be a challenge to learn how to cope and seek support. Today’s guest was thriving in life and working the job of his dreams when he lost his mother to Inflammatory Breast Cancer. He then found himself shutting down from his family, his faith and even himself in the years that followed. He bravely fought his way back and is now honoring his Mom by running marathons and raising money for Susan G. Komen.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths for Hispanic and Latina women in the U.S., a fact that has driven today’s guest to become a passionate advocate for health equity in the Latinx community. After her diagnosis in 2018, Idalia Guzman realized that living with MBC was possible and that she could continue to have a productive life while enduring the treatment’s side effects. In fact, she is fortunate enough that she was able to continue with her doctorate degree studies and work full time while raising two teenagers. Idalia is part of Komen’s newly formed MBC Steering Committee, which seeks to ensure the unique needs of the MBC community are integrated across Komen’s programs and initiatives. She also has provided feedback for the development Komen’s MBC Impact Series focused on the Hispanic/Latinx community and participated in Komen’s Race for the Cure in Puerto Rico. Sharing her experience and knowledge with other patients gives her a sense of purpose, so we are thrilled to have her on the show today to share her experience of living life with MBC in the Latinx community. Idalia, welcome to the show!