Real Talk About Breast Cancer

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.

We are happy to welcome back the Honorary Vice Chair of Susan G. Komen, Paula Schneider, and today she is also joined by her two daughters Zoe and Chloe. Paula faced a triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis in 2007 – after losing her mother to metastatic breast cancer years before. It goes without saying that Paula’s work is beyond personal. Since joining Komen in 2017, Paula has helped the organization usher in new programs, support services and policies that are helping families have a better chance of survival and a greater quality of life. This year, Paula has also published a children’s book inspired by her own breast cancer experience – which drops THIS WEEK on Sept. 2nd. Love Stays Strong is a book about the strength of a family’s love, especially during times of illness – designed to help parents or caregivers talk to young children about any kind of serious illness in the family.

A breast cancer diagnosis can bring more than just emotional and physical challenges — it can also create a heavy financial burden. From the cost of treatment to lesser-known expenses like transportation, childcare and lost wages, the impact can be overwhelming. In this episode of Real Pink: Health Equity Revolution, we’re joined by Toni Lee, Senior Manager of Susan G. Komen’s Patient Care Center. Toni shares powerful insights about the real costs of breast cancer, how Komen supports patients financially — even when the Financial Assistance Program is closed — and how trained patient navigators can help individuals access the resources they need to reduce the burden. If you or someone you love is navigating breast cancer, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported and empowered.

Donna Wentz is marking a remarkable milestone — 10 years with no evidence of breast cancer. Her journey began at just 39 years old, when she received the life-changing diagnosis of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Faced with fear and uncertainty, Donna leaned on the unwavering support of her family, friends, and colleagues. Their encouragement carried her through the challenges of surgery, treatment, and recovery, helping her find strength she didn’t know she had. Today, she reflects not only on surviving, but on the resilience, gratitude, and deeper connections that emerged from her experience.

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.