Real Talk About Breast Cancer

A breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Knowing which questions to ask can help you understand your diagnosis and advocate for yourself as you begin to assemble your healthcare team and develop your treatment plan with your doctors. Finding the right providers is perhaps one of the most important decisions a patient will make post diagnosis, as it is critical to find a doctor you are comfortable with and who is well suited to treat your cancer. Sometimes, barriers exist related to finding a provider, for example if insurance won’t cover certain providers or health systems. Joining us today on Real Pink is Miranda Zinn, a breast care helpline specialist who is going to share how Komen helps patients overcome some of the issues they experience, both through our navigation efforts, as well as our policy efforts.

A metastatic breast cancer diagnosis is difficult. You’re processing a lot of information and dealing with many emotions. You may feel overwhelmed and scared, but you are not alone. Today’s guest was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma 6 months after her mammogram came back clear. Before she could begin treatment, she learned her cancer had metastasized to her abdominal lining. It has been quite a road for Mary Randall over the past 2 years since her diagnosis and she is here today to share her tips for staying positive and adjusting to a new kind of normal in order to thrive.

Today we are excited to introduce ShareForCures, Komen’s groundbreaking research initiative that puts patients at the center of scientific breakthroughs. We’ll explore how ShareForCures is making waves by harnessing the power of data, empowering patients to share their health information to expedite the search for cures and better treatments for diseases like breast cancer that touch us all. Here today to tell us more about this extraordinary platform, why they are participants and the importance of diversity in research are ShareForCures Chief Scientist Dr. Melissa Bondy and two-time breast cancer survivor and Komen Scholar Dr. Barbara Segarra-Vasquez. 

Advances in diagnostic imaging have the potential to personalize care for the MBC community. This is because these more disease-specific or target-specific imaging agents can more precisely measure cancer activity and burden at multiple time points starting at the time the patient is diagnosed and is commonly used to determine whether a therapy has been effective. On today’s show we will be discussing diagnostic imaging and its role in breast care to help enable patients to understand their diagnosis and treatment options. Joining us to share their knowledge and experience with diagnostic imaging and self-advocacy are Dr. Hannah Linden, a medical oncologist, and Gwen Manchion, who is currently living with metastatic breast cancer.

Self-advocacy is an important and ongoing part of a breast cancer journey. It can begin as soon as you have an inkling that something is wrong and should continue through follow-up care and treatment. It can be as simple as asking your healthcare team more questions and letting them know how you’re feeling, or finding support by connecting with other people going through a similar experience as you. No one should face breast cancer alone. Knowing what to expect can help and getting support is important for your well-being. Here today to tell us her story and the importance of trusting her voice throughout her breast cancer experience is Melissa Oakes.

A breast cancer diagnosis can bring a wide range of emotions, including shock, fear, sadness and anger. These feelings are normal. Some people find joining a support group or talking to a counselor or therapist helpful in coping with these feelings. Today’s guest is a Komen staff member and a licensed clinical social worker with experience helping patients through the transitions that they face through their cancer diagnosis and treatment. Here today to talk to us about the impact of diagnosis on mental health and some helpful strategies to help cope is Amy Culver.