Real Talk About Breast Cancer

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.

What happens when your gender journey and a breast cancer diagnosis collide? In this special Pride Month episode of Real Pink, our guests are Ash Davidson, a trans masculine activist who went in for gender-affirming top surgery and left with a breast cancer diagnosis and Scout, executive director of the National LGBT Cancer Network. They’ll help us dive into the challenges and care gaps trans and nonbinary people face when navigating a breast cancer diagnosis. And together, we’ll explore what true gender-affirming care looks like, how to self-advocate in a medical system not built for everyone, and why inclusive, trauma-informed support isn’t just kind — it’s lifesaving.

When a loved one is diagnosed with breast cancer, the journey touches every corner of life —especially for caregivers. In honor of Black Family Cancer Awareness Week, for this powerful episode of Real Pink, we sit down with two incredible Black men of faith, Kenneth White, spiritual adviser and group facilitator for a national addiction treatment center, and John K. Conner of Praise Is the Cure, a nonprofit focused on breast cancer awareness in the Black community, as they open up about supporting their wives through 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.