Real Talk About Breast Cancer

Julie Untener remembers the day like it was yesterday… 20 years ago, in January of 2003, Julie decided to do a breast exam. She’d been vigilant about getting her yearly mammograms, so on on this particular day, when she felt a marble on her left side, Julie knew something wasn’t quite right. She went to the doctor to get additional scans, and was eventually diagnosed with breast cancer. After undergoing six rounds of chemo, helping her sisters through their own mastectomies, and learning a lot of lessons along the way… Julie is here today to share her breast cancer story and what she’s learned over the last 20 years.

[00:00:00] Adam Walker: From Susan G. Komen, this is Real Pink, a podcast exploring real stories, struggles, and triumphs related to breast cancer. We’re taking the conversation from the doctor’s office to your living room. On this show, we often talk about how lives are changed after breast cancer, how a survivor’s life takes on…

Whether you’re concerned about your risk of breast cancer, have a history of breast cancer or other cancers in your family, or are curious about genetic testing, the first step is learning more about risk. Everyone is at risk of breast cancer, and some of us are at a higher risk than others. We are pleased to have Dr. Anne Marie McCarthy, an assistant professor of epidemiology from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine here today to help educate us about breast cancer risk so we can feel empowered to make important breast care decisions and take charge of our health. Dr. McCarthy’s research is focused on developing ways to identify women who are at a high risk for aggressive breast cancer. Dr. McCarthy, welcome to the show!

Susan G. Komen’s approach to creating a health equity revolution through Stand for H.E.R. includes tailored interventions such as workforce development to increase diversity and improve cultural sensitivity of health care workers. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Tracy Battaglia (Bit-tag-lea) from Boston University and Kyandra (Key-andra) Fox from Komen’s Patient Navigation training team to discuss this important topic.

Joining us on the show today is Ed Dandridge, Komen’s Chair of the Board of Directors. With more than 30 years’ experience in senior leadership roles with four Fortune 500 companies, Ed serves on executive management teams of leading global companies and works closely with Boards of Directors. Ed is here today to share what drives his passion in the fight against breast cancer. And to put his money where his mouth is, he is also going to share details about a Board match happening this month where Komen’s Board of Directors are personally matching funds donated to Komen. Ed, welcome to the show!

This is Real Talk, a new podcast series where we’re going to break down the stigmas and feelings of embarrassment and talk openly and honestly about just how difficult breast cancer can be – from diagnosis to treatment, to living with metastatic breast cancer, to life after treatment ends. Today I’m joined by three women living with metastatic breast cancer. It is my pleasure to welcome Pam Kohl, who, along with Ann Camden and Katie Mackin, are getting real about the holidays and their thoughts and feelings this time of year.