Real Pink

Talking openly with your doctor is one of the best ways to feel good about your breast cancer treatment decisions. But, sometimes, talking with a doctor can be overwhelming, confusing and create more questions than answers. Do you understand the information you're getting from your doctor? Do you know what questions to ask? Cheryl Jernigan, CPA, F.A.C.H.E., joins the podcast today. She is a 20-year breast cancer "thriver," cancer research advocate, and was previously CEO of the Kansas City Area Hospital Association, and has over 20 years of experience in health policy, advocacy and community.

Special Guest: Cheryl Jernigan.

Often when talking about breast cancer it is hard to distinguish between good information and the myths. Today we’re debunking some come common myths about breast cancer with special guest Dr. Amy Patel, Assistant Professor of Radiology at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine.

Special Guest: Dr. Amy Patel.

Chaunte Lowe is a four-time United States Olympian that was diagnosed with breast cancer in June of 2019 after listening to her body and advocating for an answer. She joins the podcast to share her story and upcoming goals including Tokyo 2020.

Special Guest: Chaunte Lowe.

If you’ve ever received a breast cancer diagnosis, or you know someone who is experiencing breast cancer, you know that it can also be hard to ask for help, even when you really need it. However, there is an unspoken cultural phenomenon of people of color keeping ailments to themselves and in some cases even when it is too late. We advocate that talking about your diagnosis and your treatment with your support system can be empowering, healthy,

Special Guest: Kwanza Jones.

Government regulations can have a significant and powerful impact on breast cancer nonprofit organizations and the people they serve. It is more important than ever to become involved with policymakers at the city, county, state and national levels, and to raise their awareness of legislative developments that affect breast cancer patients nationwide. Effective advocacy helps to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number of people and the entire breast cancer communities. To talk to us more about public policy advocacy, and how they have helped raise awareness of Susan G. Komen’s mission, mobilizing a nationwide movement, creating a coalition of supporters and attract positive media attention, Mary Boyd and Neel Stallings join the podcast.

Special Guests: Mary Boyd and Neel Stallings.

Although uncommon, men are also diagnosed with breast cancer. It’s estimated there will be 2,670 new cases of invasive breast cancer among men in the U.S. this year alone; and often, men are diagnosed at later stages than women. To help us understand the facts behind male breast cancer, we’re speaking with breast cancer survivor, advocate, and Susan G. Komen national scholar, Dr. Wayne Dornan.

Special Guest: Wayne Dornan.

Many of our guests on Real Pink are have been diagnosed with breast cancer so our audience has learned about the fear, confusion, anxiety of a breast cancer diagnosis. But, our audience has also told us that they have been helped by hearing real-life stories from other survivors and sharing in their experience. Today we welcome Melissa Berry to the podcast!

Special Guest: Melissa Berry.

If someone you love or care for has been diagnosed with a life threatening illness, like breast cancer, and you are now thrown into a new role to help support them as they fight to survive, it can be overwhelming. It is not an easy task, by any means. And it’s a learning process. But if you’re like most people, you want to do the best you can to help your loved one through this journey. You’ll need knowledge, patience, resources and support of your own. It can also be helpful to connect with others who have gone through or are going through similar experiences with breast cancer.

Special Guest: Dr. Tatiana Prowell.

Obesity affects more than 35 percent of women in the Unites States. Dr. Liz Welberg's groundbreaking new study, funded by Susan G. Komen, found that women with obesity are more likely to experience a recurrence of breast cancer once their treatment is complete and they may respond to treatment differently.

Karen was an integral member of the Komen family, and we are proud to share this special episode. She will be dearly missed.

Special Guests: Karen Durham and Suzanne Stone.