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Breast cancer affects everyone differently. African American and Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. Biology and genes are driving factors, but we cannot overlook the fears and concerns women in these communities have when it comes to seeking medical care. Mistrust, bad experiences and deep-rooted bias are all standing in the way of saving more lives from breast cancer.

Today, we’re joined by Jessica Williams, a leading and powerful voice in the Black community in South Florida. And Gil Zepeda, the Development Manager of Susan G. Komen in Florida. Jessica and Gil just took part in an event that brough mobile mammography to an underserved neighborhood in South Florida.

Naomi’s story is a powerful reminder of how something as simple as a routine mammogram—and even a scheduling mix-up—can change the course of your life. In this conversation, she opens up about her breast cancer journey, the impact it’s had on her career, her family, and her outlook on life, and why she’s passionate about encouraging others to take that potentially life-saving 15 minutes to get screened.

Did you know that in some families with a history of prostate cancer, the women may have an increased risk of breast cancer? People with one or more first-degree relatives (father or brother) who have had prostate cancer may have an increased risk of breast cancer, especially if the prostate cancer was diagnosed at a young age. This also works in reverse with a family history of breast cancer. This increased risk is likely due to inherited gene mutations. We are lucky to be joined today by genetic testing expert, Dr. Tuya Pal. Dr. Pal is here to discuss the importance of early detection and to decode some common questions surrounding genetic testing.

Today, we are sharing an episode of Your Healthiest Healthy, in which our Honorary Vice Chair, Paula Schneider, made an appearance. In the episode, she discusses her cancer journey, the current landscape, and Paula’s new book, Love Stays Strong, which is out today, September 2.

Life changes in a split second when you hear the words, “you have breast cancer.” Shawna Bramel and Marian Santos know this personally. Shawna was diagnosed after having her first child, completely upending her family’s plans for more children. Marian was diagnosed at a time when she should have been thinking about her future, planning a family and focusing on preserving her reproductive health. Both ladies struggled mentally, emotionally and physically with their diagnoses and are joining us today to share more.

You may have heard in the news that younger women are being diagnosed with breast cancer at higher rates than before. While women under 40 only account for 4% of breast cancer cases in the U.S., even a modest rise in breast cancer incidence is a call to action for young women to understand their personal risk and to know what’s normal for their breasts so they can be aware of any changes that should be reported to a health care provider. Joining us on the show today is Dr. Virginia Borges, a medical oncologist at the University of Colorado, whose research focuses on young women’s breast cancer. Dr. Borges is committed to finding answers and today will share what is being studied, as well as how young women can be empowered to take charge of their breast health early.

People with disabilities —especially women of color —face unique, often invisible, barriers when it comes to accessing breast health care. From physically inaccessible
mammography machines to bias and misinformation among providers, the breast cancer experience can look vastly different for women with disabilities.

In this powerful conversation, disability advocate Monique Stamps opens up about the systemic inequities faced by people with disabilities in the health care system. Drawing from her own lived experience and professional advocacy, Monique explores how we must move beyond compliance — beyond ramps and accessible doors — to build a truly inclusive breast health system that serves everybody.

When Inside Edition reporter, Alison Hall, was assigned to cover Olivia Munn’s breast cancer story, she agreed to use the same Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool that Munn used – and to do it onscreen. Not only was this part of her research for the story, but it would also help raise awareness. What she did not expect was that her risk score ultimately would lead to her own breast cancer diagnosis at the age of 32. Alison bravely shared the news of her diagnosis on national television and has since been transparent in documenting her thoughts and feelings along the way in hopes to help other women feel less alone.

Today, we’re joined by Karen Powell, a nurse practitioner who not only supports patients through breast reconstruction—but has also walked the journey herself. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Karen gained a new perspective on early detection, the emotional weight of treatment decisions, and the power of having a strong support system. In this episode, she shares how informed choices and personal stories can empower others facing a diagnosis.

Today, we’re joined by Sherry Easter, who shares her powerful and uplifting journey through breast cancer—from the moment of diagnosis to treatment and beyond. Sherry opens up about the lifestyle changes she embraced, the incredible support she received from loved ones, and how laughter became one of her greatest tools in healing. Her resilience and optimism shine as she offers heartfelt advice for others facing similar challenges.