Real Pink

On this show, we often talk about how lives are changed after breast cancer, how a survivor’s life takes on a new normal. There can be many challenges that come along with that – from self-esteem to navigating relationships, and even sometimes the shifting of life priorities. Today’s guest has been through a whole host of changes in the decade since her breast cancer diagnosis, including a divorce...

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...

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...

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 mone...

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,...

Everyone is at risk of breast cancer, and some of us are at a higher risk than others. Learning about your breast cancer risk can empower you to make important breast care decisions to take charge of your health. Today’s guest lost her mother to breast cancer 20 years before she had her first mammogram. The results of that first mammogram revealed something suspicious, which was a huge wake up cal...

Black women are less likely to participate in clinical trials than white women. We are going to discuss why that is and why it’s so important for Black women to participate in clinical trials with Sheila Marie Johnson. We have welcomed her as a guest on the podcast before and are excited to have her back. Sheila, Welcome to the show!

Adam Walker has dazzled our listeners as the host of Real Pink for 200 episodes. In today's episode, Samantha Harris, our very first guest, returns to interview Adam. Tune in to hear Adam share his story and what he's learned over the past 200 episodes.

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 two survivors who are married with children. After learning they had breast cancer, they...

Healthy lifestyle choices, such as being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight and eating a balanced diet are linked to a lower risk of breast cancer, yet no one knows exactly why one person gets breast cancer and another doesn’t. Everyone is at risk. In fact, the two most common risk factors for breast cancer are being a woman and getting older. Today’s guest was blessed with a body tha...

Caregivers provide much-needed support for those going through breast cancer. This can be in the form of emotional support such as listening or giving a hug; in the form of practical help like driving to and from doctor appointments, cooking, cleaning or grocery shopping; and through providing informational support like gathering data or the latest news on breast cancer. Mountains of paperwork, me...

Everyone is at risk of breast cancer, but some are at higher risk than others. Understanding your risk starts with learning about your own risk factors and starting a conversation with your doctor. Gathering your family health history to know your risk of developing health problems can help you determine whether to pursue genetic counseling and testing. We are going to discuss these topics in dept...

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, we’re getting real about the mental and emotional impact of breast cancer. Breast cancer affects ever...

Although metastatic breast cancer cannot be cured today, it can be treated. Treatment focuses on extending life and maintaining quality of life, both of which were incredibly important to Sylvia Proctor as she was living with metastatic breast cancer. Unfortunately, Sylvia passed away from MBC just before Mother’s Day last year. Her daughter, Carlita McIlwain (MAC-ILL-WAYNE), remembers her mother...

Susan G. Komen knows that even one more day without a cure for metastatic breast cancer is one day too many when lives are at stake. MBC is the most advanced stage of the disease. Though there are treatments to extend life, there is no cure. That’s why this year, Komen is going one step further to raise an extra $1 million to fund the first ever MBC Excellence in Research Award. Here today to tell...

This is a promising time in metastatic breast cancer research. Many new treatments for MBC are under study and treatment is improving, allowing families more time with their loved ones. Today’s guest became a breast cancer researcher after her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Following her late sister’s MBC diagnosis and passing, she has dedicated her career to research that will help to i...

The loss of a partner or spouse is a traumatic event in the moments leading up to the loss are traumatic as well. While family and friends can be strong sources of support for those with breast cancer, support for their loved ones and caregivers is also crucial. Today's guest lost his wife, Jennifer, to metastatic breast cancer when he was 38 years old. Here today to share their story a decade lat...

Tara Coppedge never imagined that one of her assignments as a reporter would result in forming a deep bond with Rhonda Howell, who had already been living with metastatic breast cancer for two years when they met in 2017. The two women automatically clicked and forged a deep friendship that continued until Rhonda passed away in January of this year. The impact of losing a friend or loved one is pr...

This is Real Talk, a new content 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. Who better to kick off this series than Paula Schneider, the President and CEO of Susan G. Komen, and a 15-y...

Patient navigators empower and guide patients to overcome barriers during cancer treatment, helping to ensure a seamless, high-quality breast care journey. In this episode, we are going to learn more about Komen’s Patient Navigation Program, which connects patients to resources and support every step of the way. I am excited to be joined by Tamarah Davis and her patient navigator Roselyn White to...

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Hispanic and Latina women and they are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage than non-Hispanic women. This is why it is so important to empower Hispanic and Latina women in the U.S to understand their breast cancer risk and advocate for themselves to take control of their health. Today’s guest grew up in a Hispanic household where breast...

As with any major illness, breast cancer can have effects beyond the person who is diagnosed and the death of a parent can be one of the most significant losses that someone will ever face. This is particularly true for young adults in their twenties, who are still learning to navigate life and fully transition into an independent adult. Loss, grief and mourning affects everyone in different ways...

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths for Hispanic and Latina women in the U.S., a fact that has driven today’s guest to become a passionate advocate for health equity in the Latinx community. After her diagnosis in 2018, Idalia Guzman realized that living with MBC was possible and that she could continue to have a productive life while enduring the treatment’s side effects. In fact,...

Women are often the gatekeepers of the family’s health and the ones responsible for ensuring their family members stay on top of health information and screenings. Because of this, it can be helpful for them to understand that certain inherited gene mutations may increase the risk of breast cancer in both women and men in their family. These inherited gene mutations may also increase the risk of o...

Breast cancer screening can help find breast cancer early when the chances of survival are highest. In this episode, we are going to learn more about Komen’s Screening & Diagnostics Program, which provides no-cost breast cancer screening and diagnostic services for people of all ages and genders who meet income guidelines in select cities. I am excited to be joined by Jade Gibson, a patient na...