Real Pink

Men often don’t think of themselves as having breasts. For men, it’s their chest or their “pecs.” So it may come as a surprise to learn men are at risk of breast cancer. The fact is men have breast tissue and can get breast cancer. In the U.S., less than 1% of all cases occur in men, but it does happen. Today we are joined by Jake Messier, a man living with metastatic breast cancer, after being misdiagnosed twice and finally learning in August 2024 that it had advanced. Jake openly shares his story across active social media platforms and is dedicated to spreading awareness of male breast cancer, as well as the distinct mental and physical health struggles that go largely unaddressed when a man is navigating what is typically seen as a woman’s disease.

As we close out the year, we’re shining a light on the quiet, powerful work happening every day inside Komen’s Patient Care Center. In this special episode, we sit down with two of our remarkable patient navigators — Marcela Orozco and Ladoya Mayfield — to share the biggest impact stories of the year. From helping Spanish-speaking callers break through language barriers to supporting Houston communities facing some of the highest burdens of breast cancer, Marcela and Ladoya bring humanity, hope and heart into the lives of people going through one of their hardest moments.

We are thrilled to be joined by the co-founder of the Home Edit. She is an Emmy-nominated, NY Times best-selling author, a mom, a wife and a breast cancer survivor - the amazing Clea Shearer. Clea is here to talk about her shocking breast cancer diagnosis at the age of 40, the ongoing reconstruction complications that she has had to endure over the past three years and the unexpected lessons that have come with all of it. Clea’s new book is aptly called Cancer is Complicated and she is here to tell us all about how true that statement really is!

Children can be one of life’s greatest blessings. Breast cancer survivors Alex Miles-Stiffler and Sara Galher-Barlow long for larger families but their diagnoses put those dreams farther and farther out of reach.

Alex struggled to start a family before her diagnosis. The heart ache she felt after two miscarriages was unbearable at times, and her fertility challenges only grew after breast cancer treatment, but she wasn’t giving up on the family she dreamed of having.

Sara always knew she wanted several children. She was blessed with a precious daughter prior to being diagnosed, but her cancer was aggressive and treatment couldn’t wait. She had to forego egg preservation, and the uncertainty of fertility along with the cost of fertility treatments will make it harder to grow her family.

Knowledge is power, and when it comes to breast cancer, having access to accurate, up-to-date information can make all the difference. That’s why Susan G. Komen is committed to providing trusted educational resources that empower patients, caregivers and families to make informed decisions about their care. Today we are joined by Jessica Thompson, who is both a survivor and health communication scientist, to walk us through where the breast cancer community can turn to find comprehensive, unbiased information, what they will find there and the vigorous review process that Komen uses to create its content, starting with their long standing partnership with Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center.

Patient navigation has become one of the most powerful tools for improving breast cancer outcomes — and in Native American communities, it can be lifesaving. From long travel distances to specialty care, to navigating complex referral systems, to ensuring communication is culturally grounded and respectful, navigation helps Native patients feel supported every step of the way.

Breast cancer can be one of the toughest experiences anyone can face, but it can also be a transformative journey. While both the physical and emotional challenges are daunting, the path to healing offers a chance to rediscover resilience and joy in unexpected ways. Today, we are excited to welcome Aastha Saggar, a stage 3 breast cancer survivor and the founder of Still Strength Wellness, where she helps survivors, patients and caregivers reclaim peace, strength, and purpose. Aastha believes that rebuilding energy and vitality is not just possible but can be a beautiful new beginning. Get ready to be inspired as she shares her personal story, along with practical strategies that will empower our listeners to not only survive but thrive.

For many Americans, health insurance open enrollment is underway. They’re deciding which coverage they need and how they can afford out-of-pocket expenses. They may be learning about high-deductible plans, health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts and so many other options when it comes to health insurance. So how do you know which plan is right for you? Joining me today is Valerie Nelson, manager of federal policy and advocacy at Susan G. Komen, and Mari Montesano, a manager at Komen’s Breast Care Helpline, who assists individuals in need of information, support or help navigating their breast health issues.

Today on Real Pink, we are joined by someone w ho knows what it means to care deeply for others and what it feels like when life suddenly requires that same care and compassion be turned inward. She’s a devoted mother and caregiver to her son, and when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she found that she was more mentally prepared to navigate it than expected. Sabrina Thomas is here to tell her story, including how she advocated for herself and learned to accept help from others when she’s so used to being the one who gives it. This conversation is a reminder that strength comes in many forms.

Welcome to the Komen Health Equity Revolution podcast series on Real Pink. Each month, 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. Together, we’re working to close the gaps and create a future of breast health equity for all. We are honored to be joined by Guerdy Abraira. You may know her from The Real Housewives of Miami, but beyond the cameras, Guerdy has shown incredible strength and resilience as a breast cancer survivor. This National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re talking about the power of sharing your story, building community and why organizations like Susan G. Komen are committed to ensuring that no one faces breast cancer alone.