Real Pink

At just 32 years old, Keisha Kinison was working in women's health when she suddenly found herself as the patient. In this episode, we'll talk about what it was like to discover her diagnosis before a physician had the chance to call, why she made the difficult decision to change doctors during treatment, how her experience transformed her and the incredible support that helped carry her through....

There is a lot of conversation right now about funding for cancer research and possible cuts to research projects that will improve our understanding and treatment of breast cancer. I’m pleased to be joined today by two researchers who are sharing their perspectives on the inextricable link between grant funding and sustained research.  Dr. Benjamin Schrank is an Assistant Professor in the De...

Welcome to the Komen Health Equity Revolution series on Real Pink — where patients, advocates, researchers and community partners come together to talk honestly about what's standing in the way of breast health equity, and what we're doing to change it.  June is Pride Month — a time to celebrate identity, community and the courage it takes to live authentically. Today's conversation sits righ...

A breast cancer diagnosis may feel like it changes your entire life in an instant, but it doesn’t get to define who you are or make all your choices for you. On today's episode of Real Pink, we're joined by Amanda Sangemino, a remarkable young woman whose diagnosis came at an age when cancer was likely the last thing on her mind. What began with a concern that was initially dismissed ultimately le...

Today on National Cancer Survivor’s Day, we’re joined by a remarkable performer whose strength, vulnerability, and resilience have inspired millions around the world. She has taken the stage as a backup vocalist for numerous top artists and most recently dazzled the crowds on the biggest tour in music history with global superstar Taylor Swift. However, audiences were moved even more deeply when s...

This episode originally aired in November 2023. When someone has metastatic breast cancer, it is scary for them - and for you! What can you do to really help? What should you say? Is it better to just listen? Today’s guest received a de novo metastatic diagnosis in January 2021 and then elected to retire early from a 30-year technology sales career in order to slow life down and to focus on family...

It’s Women’s Health Month — which means a lot of awareness messaging and a lot of conversation about why women’s health matters. But today, we’re going a level deeper. Because awareness doesn’t save lives. Action does. Infrastructure does. Investment does. And honest conversations about why the system isn’t working equally for everyone — those matter too. My guest today is Jenica Patterson — a neu...

Menopause – it may be the most unwanted time in a woman’s life. It arrives with a vengeance, forcing all kinds of emotional, hormonal and bodily changes onto women as they approach their 50s. But for women going through breast cancer treatment, it can arrive even earlier and be even more unwanted. The good news is no one has to suffer in silence. Today's guests are Dr. Makeba Williams, the incomin...

While menopause is often associated with aging, many women facing breast cancer experience it suddenly and much earlier than expected—bringing a wave of physical and emotional changes. From managing intense symptoms to confronting fears about future family-building, the journey can feel overwhelming. On today’s episode, we are joined by Melody Johnson, a nurse practitioner who specializes in carin...

Today’s conversation is one that so many mothers will feel deep in their bones because it talks about what happens when life asks you to be the one who needs care. Our guest today has lived that shift in a profound way. In the midst of raising her young children, navigating the everyday chaos and fiercely advocating for her youngest daughter, Nylah, who was born with congenital heart disease, Nish...

What does it take to turn the most terrifying moment of your life into a movement? For Yvonne McLean Florence, it started with discovering a lump she acted on right away. Yvonne is a HER2-positive breast cancer survivor, ordained minister, Worship in Pink Ambassador, former founder of Sisters R Us Circle of Survivors (SRUCOS) and is currently the reigning Ms. Pennsylvania Senior America 2025. But...

People who had radiation treatment to the chest area for certain types of cancer early in life have an increased risk of breast cancer later in life. Today, we welcome a special guest back to the show, Amy Colver. Amy is Manager of Health Information & Publications at Komen and an oncology certified, licensed independent social worker who has worked in the oncology space, so she knows more abo...

Millions of women in the U.S. can access no cost screening mammograms, but if the patient is at a higher risk of breast cancer or the mammogram reveals an abnormality, the cost of imaging makes it unattainable for many. Komen has worked with state legislature to eliminate the patient’s out-of-pocket costs. Unfortunately, not all states have passed such laws, and federal legislation is still pendin...

We’re excited today to welcome Dina Farris and her husband, Caleb, to the podcast. Dina and Caleb navigated her breast cancer diagnosis, together, one test at a time, and just weeks before their wedding. We know that breast cancer disproportionately affects the patient, but it also deeply affects the loved ones and family members who are among the biggest supporters.

The risk of getting breast cancer increases as you get older, but breast cancer can happen at any age. Today’s guest is Abby. Abby was diagnosed with Stage 3 luminal B invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer at the young age of 31 with no prior family history. She is mom of a 4-year-old, a DIYer and spends time trying to live a more simple, happy life. This episode originally aired on May 27, 2024

AI-powered support tools are moving fast in health care — and breast cancer is no exception. In this special episode, we look at how AI companions and chat tools might expand access to support, while also raising serious concerns about accuracy, bias, privacy and inequity. Host Adam Walker is joined by breast cancer survivor Ellyn Winters-Robinson to discuss what it means to design AI with lived e...

We know the statistics – breast cancer affects more women under age 50 than over 50. But facing breast cancer as a young woman brings with it a whole set of challenges and decisions that may not impact older women…Trying to date, deciding whether to have children, establishing a career, or just figuring out life and how to navigate it. Joining today’s conversation are two ladies who were diagnosed...

Breast cancer doesn’t just affect the person that is diagnosed. It touches families and can often inspire a life’s purpose. Today’s guest grew up witnessing breast cancer firsthand, supporting her mother through surgeries as a young teenager. This was an experience that would later influence her passion for the work she does today. As a Wacoal fit consultant, Pam Gibson provides women more than ju...

Everyone is at risk of breast cancer. Some are more at risk than others due to hereditary factors – such as a family history of cancers – and lifestyle choices that affect our overall health. Knowing your risk of breast cancer can help you decide what steps to take to lower your risk. Joining me today is Dr. Jennifer Ligibel, a Susan G. Komen Scholar and Komen grantee, Professor of Medicine at Har...

Today, in honor of Black History Month, we’re exploring what happens when inequity itself becomes a risk factor for breast cancer in the Black community — shaping who gets screened, how quickly they’re diagnosed and, ultimately, who survives. Our guest, Dr. Lori Pierce, is a renowned radiation oncologist, former ASCO president and Komen Scholar, and national leader in advancing equity in cancer ca...

Today’s conversation is a deeply personal look at what it means to be diagnosed with breast cancer at just 30 years old. We often hear the statistics that more young women are being diagnosed, but numbers can’t capture the shock of finding a lump before you think you’re even old enough to worry… or the life-altering shift that happens when you are put into medically induced menopause. Caroline McN...

Treatment is a significant part of overcoming breast cancer, but what about the mental, physical and emotional challenges this disease presents? Sarah Cipolla and Tawana Davis both relied on their faith to get through breast cancer. Through it all – the ups and downs and good times and setbacks – they had hope for better days and trusted in their faith. Hope and faith are powerful forces during ch...

Three years after finishing treatment for stage 1 breast cancer, Lea learned she had metastatic breast cancer, for which there is no cure today. Even after having to fight for an initial screening, not receiving a recommendation to start tamoxifen and not experiencing transparency from her doctor, Lea Leach kept advocating for herself and making changes be treated as a whole person. Today, she is...

Welcome to the Komen Health Equity Revolution podcast series on Real Pink. Each month in this series, we bring together patients, community partners, health care providers, researchers and advocates to talk about real challenges and real solutions driving the health equity revolution. Today, we’re exploring what happens when survival requires more than strength — it requires grace. Our guest, brea...

No one should face breast cancer alone. Luckily, childhood friends Caryn Siegel Finley and Tammy Leyden didn’t have to. The two grew up together on Staten Island and have been best friends since they were 7 years old. When they both were diagnosed with breast cancer in their early 40’s, just one year apart, they were able to support each other through the process. Caryn and Tammy are here today to...