I am grateful to have Dr. Shabana Dewani join me for this conversation.

The words “stage IV breast cancer” can bring an enormous amount of fear.
But fear is often made worse by uncertainty and misconceptions.

In Part 1 of our special three-part series on metastatic breast cancer, we go back to the basics: 

What exactly is metastatic breast cancer? How is it different from early-stage disease? Where can breast cancer spread? And what does a metastatic diagnosis really mean for someone's life and future?

We also address some of the most common myths surrounding stage IV disease—including the belief that there are no treatment options or that someone with metastatic breast cancer will always look or feel sick.

While metastatic breast cancer remains a serious diagnosis, treatment has evolved tremendously. Care is increasingly personalized to the biology of the cancer, with the goals of controlling disease, helping patients live longer, preserving quality of life, and managing symptoms.

Most importantly, we talk about something every patient deserves from their medical team:

Honesty and hope can exist together.
If you or someone you love has recently been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, you do not need to have all the answers today.
You are more than a stage.
You are more than a scan.
And you are not alone.

We are both grateful to have conversations that elevate awareness and strengthen our community.

Dr. Shabana Dewani  is board certified in Medical Oncology, Hematology, and Internal Medicine—and a joy to listen to!  She breaks down the oncology process and important factors when deciding treatment.  You'll be able to hear her passion for helping others ensuring they get the best treatment possible.

Stay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:
TikTok: @breastdoctor
Instagram: @drdhalaharvi
TBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
Website: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917

Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast

What if one of the most powerful tools to help cancer patients wasn't another medication—but movement?

In this episode of The Breast Cancer Podcast, Dr. Mark Cripe and I sit down with one of the world's leading pioneers in Exercise Oncology, Dr. Jay Harness, to discuss why exercise is becoming an essential part of cancer care.

We explore:
💗 How exercise reduces cancer-related fatigue, anxiety, and depression
🏃‍♀️ The science behind Exercise Oncology
📊 The groundbreaking CHALLENGE Trial and why it has changed the conversation about cancer survivorship
🎗️ What breast cancer survivors should know about reducing recurrence risk and improving quality of life
💪 Practical advice on how to get started—even if you're currently undergoing treatment
As both a breast surgeon and a breast cancer survivor, I can honestly say that exercise has been one of the most important parts of my own healing journey. It helped me regain strength, confidence, and trust in my body again.
One message from this episode says it all:

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. Every step matters.
I truly believe we're entering a new era where exercise will become as important to survivorship as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and endocrine therapy.

Meet Our Guest: Dr. Jay Harness
In this episode of The Breast Cancer Podcast, we're honored to welcome Dr. Jay Harness, one of the world's leading pioneers in breast surgery and Exercise Oncology.
Dr. Harness is the Chief Medical Officer of Maple Tree Cancer Alliance, a Past President of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, and recipient of the 2024 National Consortium of Breast Centers Career Impact Award. Throughout his remarkable career, he has established four multidisciplinary breast cancer centers, authored more than 100 scientific publications and multiple textbooks, and dedicated his life to improving the care of patients with breast cancer.

He is a co-founder and Medical Director of Breast Cancer Answers, which is a Social Media video site for breast cancer patients, family members and friends.
(www.breastcanceranswers.com) He is also the founder of Cancer Fitness, which is an educational website about the nature and value of Exercise Oncology Programs. (https://cancerfitness.org/) He is a founding member and a Co-Chair of the International Society of Exercise Oncology (ISEO) Communications Committee. His current focus is making “Exercise Oncology” a standard of adjunctive care for cancer patients nationally and internationally.

Join us as we discuss the groundbreaking science behind exercise, the CHALLENGE Trial, and why movement may be one of the most powerful therapies available to cancer patients and survivors.

🎧 Listen now on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.

If this episode inspires you, please share it with someone who could benefit. Together, we can help more survivors move from surviving to STRONG.
#TheBreastCancerPodcast #ExerciseOncology #BreastCancerSurvivor #CancerSurvivorship #MovementIsMedicine #BreastCancerAwareness #CancerWellness #HealingBeyondMedicine #ExerciseIsMedicine #CancerResearch #STRONGSurvivors #FromSurvivingToSTRONG

Stay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:
TikTok: @breastdoctor
Instagram: @drdhalaharvi
TBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
Website: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917

Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast

This episode is deeply personal to me.

As the daughter of Indian immigrants, a breast surgeon, and a breast cancer survivor, I've seen firsthand how difficult it can be for our community to talk openly about health issues—especially breast cancer.

Too often, conversations are delayed by fear, stigma, modesty, or the belief that we should simply "stay strong" and endure.

But when it comes to breast cancer:
💔 Silence delays screening.💔 Silence delays diagnosis.💔 Silence can cost lives.

In this episode, we discuss:✔ Why breast cancer rates are rising in South Asian women✔ Why many women present at later stages✔ Common myths and misconceptions✔ Family history, genetics, and risk factors✔ Screening recommendations✔ The importance of early detection✔ How families can better support loved ones facing breast cancer

Most importantly, we talk about breaking the silence.
Because talking about breast cancer is not something to fear—it is an act of courage.
💛 Seeking care is not selfish.💛 Getting screened is not overreacting.💛 Asking questions is not shameful.
Every conversation we have today may help save a life tomorrow.

If this episode resonates with you, please share it with a mother, sister, daughter, aunt, cousin, friend, or colleague.
Let's start the conversations our community can no longer afford to whisper about.

Dr. Kavya Krishna is board certified in Medical Oncology, Hematology, and Internal Medicine. She is a wonderful physician who is kind, compassionate and empathetic with her patients.

Stay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:
TikTok: @breastdoctor
Instagram: @drdhalaharvi
TBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
Website: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917

Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast

💛 The Silent Heart Crisis in South Asians

This episode of The Breast Cancer Podcast is deeply personal to me. I am grateful that Dr. Mubin Syed joined me on this podcast to share his expertise and knowledge on Cardiovascular Disease in South Asians.

I lost my mom to complications of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. And looking back, I often wonder:
👉 What did we miss?
👉 What did we not know sooner?
That’s why I wanted to have this conversation.
In this episode, we discuss an important reality that many people still don’t realize:

⚠️ South Asians are at higher risk for heart disease and diabetes—often at younger ages and even at “normal” body weights.

We talk about:
✔️ Why cardiovascular disease happens earlier in South Asians
✔️ What “skinny fat” really means
✔️ Why normal BMI and labs can sometimes be misleading
✔️ Genetics, lifestyle, and cultural factors
✔️ The intersection between breast cancer survivorship and heart health
✔️ Most importantly—what we can actually do to reduce risk

One of the most important takeaways:
👉 You can look healthy on the outside and still carry significant risk on the inside.
But there is hope.
Through earlier awareness, screening, lifestyle changes, and better conversations within our families and communities, we can change outcomes.
I can’t change my mom’s story.
But my hope is that this conversation helps someone else change theirs.

Author Bio:
Mubin Syed, MD, is a nationally recognized physician with 30 years experience, specializing in endovascular therapy. He is also a health historian and a medtech entrepreneur holding 28 patents. He is the author of a medical guide on pain treatment and Healing From Our History: How Colonial-Era Famines Led to a Modern South Asian Health Crisis. His mission to help South Asians improve their health led to a TEDx Talk, and features in CNN International/The Guardian, HuffPostUK, Indian Express International, The Juggernaut, and Brown History
Podcast.

For interviews, email: [email protected]
Instagram: @desidoc.md (DM: “interview request”)
Website: www.desidocmd.com/
Healing From Our History by Dr. Mubin Syed is available now!
https://store.bookbaby.com/book/healing-from-our-historyhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4MBFFK3

Stay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:
TikTok: @breastdoctor
Instagram: @drdhalaharvi
TBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
Website: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917

Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast

Breast cancer in young women is rising—and many are left with more questions than answers.
In this episode, we break down:
✔️ Why breast cancer happens in younger women
✔️ What symptoms you should never ignore
✔️ Genetics, fertility, and treatment decisions
✔️ The truth behind common myths
And most importantly—
💛 You did nothing wrong. You are not alone.
This conversation is about education, empowerment, and hope—for patients, survivors, and anyone who wants to understand.
🎧 Listen now and share with someone who needs this.
#BreastCancerAwareness #YoungBreastCancer #WomensHealth #BreastSurgery #CancerSurvivor #PatientEducation #KnowYourBody #EarlyDetection #TheBreastCancerPodcast

Dr. Kavya Krishna is board certified in Medical Oncology, Hematology, and Internal Medicine. She is a wonderful physician who is kind, compassionate and empathetic with her patients.

Stay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:
TikTok: @breastdoctor
Instagram: @drdhalaharvi
TBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
Website: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917

Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast

March is Women’s History Month, and today’s episode is more than medicine…
It’s a story of science, courage, and the voices of women who changed everything.
For decades, women were told that survival required sacrifice —
not just of the breast… but of identity.
Radical surgeries.
Permanent disability.
No questions asked.
But something powerful happened.
💡 Science evolved.
💬 Patients began to speak up.
👩‍⚕️ Women entered medicine.
And everything changed.
Today, breast cancer surgery is no longer about doing more —
it’s about doing what’s necessary… and nothing more.
In this episode, I walk you through:
✨ How we moved from disfiguring surgeries to precision care
✨ The trials that proved less can be just as effective 
✨ Why quality of life is now part of the conversation
✨ And how patient voices reshaped modern medicine
As a breast surgeon and a survivor, this journey is deeply personal to me.
Because today, we don’t just treat cancer.
We treat the person.
💭 And when we combine evidence with compassion…
that is when healing truly happens.
🎧 Listen now on The Breast Cancer Podcast

#TheBreastCancerPodcast #WomensHistoryMonth #BreastCancerAwareness
#BreastSurgery #Oncology #PatientEducation #WomenInMedicine
#CancerSurvivor #HealthEquity #MedicalEducation #BreastCancerCare
#EvidenceBasedMedicine #WomenSupportingWomen #WeRiseTogether

Stay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:
TikTok: @breastdoctor
Instagram: @drdhalaharvi
TBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
Website: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917

Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast

I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Amy Comander on The Breast Cancer Podcast 💕
Dr. Comander is a medical oncologist, survivor advocate, and the author of her powerful new book, Paving Your Path Through Breast Cancer And Beyond. Evidence-Based Lifestyle Medicine Tools for Cancer Survivorship.
In this episode, we talk about:
✨ Navigating breast cancer one step at a time
✨ Practical tools for survivorship—body, mind, and soul
✨ How patients can feel empowered (not overwhelmed) through treatment and beyond
✨ Why survivorship deserves just as much attention as diagnosis and treatment
As a breast surgeon and a survivor myself, I deeply value conversations like this—ones that meet patients where they are and remind them that they are not alone on this journey.

Amy Comander, MD, DipABLM, FACLM, MSCP is a breast oncologist and Medical Director of the  Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute in Waltham, Director of the Lifestyle Medicine Program at the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute, and an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School. As a breast oncologist, Dr. Comander has witnessed the struggles her patients face during and following completion of primary cancer treatment, and she is passionate about improving the overall health and well-being of breast cancer survivors through lifestyle interventions.  In 2019, she launched the PAVING the Path to Wellness Program lifestyle medicine program for breast cancer survivors. She mentors other colleagues to run PAVING groups, so that this transformational experience can be offered to a larger group of  cancer survivors.   She has co-authored "PAVING Your Path Through Breast Cancer and Beyond,"  "PAVING the Path to Wellness Manual and Workbook," and "PAVING a Path Through Menopause and Beyond."  Driven to integrate  lifestyle medicine in cancer care, Dr. Comander is honored to be the first oncologist awarded Fellow status by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. 
 
Her Books: also available on Amazon! 

PAVING Your Path Through Breast Cancer and Beyond

 Social media: @DrAmyComander on Instagram

Stay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:
TikTok: @breastdoctor
Instagram: @drdhalaharvi
TBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
Website: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917

Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast

As we begin new year, here is your reminder: Survivorship is active, not passive. 
What began as a friendship grew into a shared mission—to care for, educate, and advocate for those facing breast cancer. 

Thanks Friendship Podcast for inviting us for this empowering conversation. In this episode, Dr. Shabana Dewani and I talk honestly about breast cancer from both sides of the table—as physicians and as humans who walk closely with survivors every day. We are both passionate about: movement and strength training- which rebuilds muscle lost during treatment, improves bone density and reduces fracture risk, lowers fatigue, improves energy, supports metabolic health and reduces risk of recurrence.

We discuss prevention, recovery, survivorship, and the often unspoken emotional journey that continues long after treatment ends.

This isn’t just about medicine.
It’s about connection, trust, hope, and walking alongside patients with compassion and purpose. 

We are both grateful to have conversations that elevate awareness and strengthen our community.

Dr. Shabana Dewani  is board certified in Medical Oncology, Hematology, and Internal Medicine—and a joy to listen to!  She breaks down the oncology process and important factors when deciding treatment.  You'll be able to hear her passion for helping others ensuring they get the best treatment possible.

Stay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:
TikTok: @breastdoctor
Instagram: @drdhalaharvi
TBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
Website: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917

Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast

We Rise Together: An Evening of Education, Empowerment and
Elegance
Sponsored by “The Breast Cancer Podcast” and “Ish and Savi
Foundation”
In person event in Columbus, OH, USA on Nov 15 th , 2025

Expert Panel 2: Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer: Whole Person
Wellness
1.     Mental Health: “Mind Over Cancer” Amy Durtschi
2.     Sexual Health: “Survivorship is SEXY- let’s talk about it.” Jodi Gibbs
3.     Physical therapy: “Stretch, Strengthen, Thrive: Physical Therapy After
Breast Cancer.” Angela Kidd
4.     Gyn Oncologist: “Your Post-Cancer Screening Roadmap: More Than
Mammograms” Dr. Amy Harper

Speed Dating with the Experts: Moderator- Dr. Mark Cripe (Breast
and Melanoma Surgeon)
Experts:
1. Amy Durtschi, LPCC-S, PhD-Mental Health Expert
2. Jodi Gibbs, MPAS, PA-C- Expert in Sexual Health
3. Angela Kidd, PT, DPT, CLT, LANA- Physical Therapist
4. Dr. Amy Harper, Gynecology Oncologist

Stay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:
TikTok: @breastdoctor
Instagram: @drdhalaharvi
TBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
Website: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917

Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast

We Rise Together: An Evening of Education, Empowerment and
Elegance
Sponsored by “The Breast Cancer Podcast” and “Ish and Savi
Foundation”
In person event in Columbus, OH, USA on Nov 15 th , 2025
Expert Panel 1: Advances in After Breast Cancer Care
1. Breast Surgery: - Follow-Up After Breast Cancer: To Scan or Not to Scan?” Dr. Mark Cripe
2. Plastic surgery: “Optimizing outcomes after reconstruction, latest advances in
2025.” Dr. Nirvana Saraswat
3. Medical Oncology: “The Next Chapter: Thriving, Not Just Surviving, After Breast
Cancer.” Dr. Shabana Dewani
4.     Radiation Oncology: “Radiation Complete… Now What? Your Follow-Up
Roadmap” Dr. Vijay Kudithipudi

Speed Dating with the Experts: Moderator- Dr. Mark Cripe (Breast and
Melanoma Surgeon)
Experts:
1. Dr. Shabana Dewani- Medical Oncologist
2. Dr. Nirvana Saraswat- Plastic and Reconstructive Microsurgeon
3. Dr. Vijay Kudithipudi- Radiation Oncologist
4. Dr. Tyler Sbrocchi- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
5. Dr. Santosh Kale- Plastic and Reconstructive Microsurgeon

Stay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:
TikTok: @breastdoctor
Instagram: @drdhalaharvi
TBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
Website: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917

Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast