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Real Pink, a podcast by Susan G. Komen, is taking real conversations about breast cancer from the doctor's office to your living room. Hosted by Adam Walker, episodes feature candid conversations with survivors, researchers, physicians, and more. Find answers to your toughest questions and clear, actionable steps to live a better life, longer. At Real Pink, compassionate storytelling meets real inspiration and real support.
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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 just measurements. She offers confidence, comfort and compassion during some of life’s most vulnerable moments. Whether you’re recovering from breast surgery, navigating your own health journey or simply want to better understand the physical and emotional importance of a proper fitting bra, this episode is filled with practical advice and reminders that support comes in many forms.
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 care. She has dedicated her career to improving outcomes of women with breast cancer, with a focus on the underserved, by transforming not just treatments but the systems that deliver them. Her perspective is rigorous, compassionate and urgently needed.
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 McNally knows the struggles of being in the thick of treatment and the isolation of being diagnosed younger than most. But she also knows about strength, hope and learning how to advocate for herself and others.
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 challenging times. Susan G. Komen leads Worship in Pink, a nationwide program that brings breast health education to faith communities. Through this effort, Komen can reach people who don’t participate in breast health care and people who rely on their faith to overcome life’s challenges.
Thanks to Merck and Novartis for supporting the Worship in Pink Program
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 living her life with purpose and is passionate about advocating for breast cancer awareness, particularly for women of color.
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, breast cancer survivor and advocate Joi White, discovered that letting go, softening and advocating for herself became the real pathway to healing. Her story is courageous, culturally resonant and deeply honest.
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 share their stories with us and how they are committed to supporting those affected by breast cancer.
Lakysha was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018. Her cancer was caught early but test results showed there was a high chance of recurrence. She required surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and a hormone blocker for five years. She also had a hysterectomy to minimize her risk of other cancers. Life is a journey for her, filled with ups and downs, new challenges and triumphs.
And Vonya is the friend we all need. She’s the friend who helps you reframe your bad days and encourages you to focus on something that brings you joy. She helped Lakysha normalize what she was going through and accept her emotions as they came. She’s also the friend who reminds you not to let one bad day spill into the next day.
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!
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.
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.
Today we are speaking with a family who only knows life with breast cancer. With a strong family history of both breast cancer and BRCA gene mutations on the maternal side, everyone has always wondered “when”, not “if” breast cancer would affect them too. When Kathryn was diagnosed in her early 30’s like her mother was, it unveiled the difficulties of being diagnosed as a young woman. It also spurred a series of decisions by her two sisters, one of which is her twin. This is a story of support, empowerment, struggle, guilt and pain, but most of all, family. Today we welcome sisters Kathryn, Christine and Cara and their mom Vicki to the show to talk about experiences.
During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, breast cancer gets more attention and that is a great thing for fundraising, awareness and early detection. However, for those living with Metastatic Breast Cancer, this month can be hard – and sometimes feel triggering and isolating. The widespread focus is often on screenings and celebrating survivors living a life free from cancer, which is not the reality for those with metastatic disease. Today, on MBC Awareness Day, we are excited to welcome Ashley Fernendez back to the show to talk about her lived experiences, how she seeks support and what she wants people to know about living with Metastatic Breast Cancer.
This podcast is brought to you by Nature’s Bounty. With a long-standing commitment to supporting women’s health and wellness, Nature’s Bounty is proud to partner with Susan G. Komen in the fight to end breast cancer.
As we kick off National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with eyes and ears on the breast cancer community, we are highlighting one of our passionate Komen donors to talk about why she chooses to support Susan G. Komen. Robin Eggert Elm is a long time 3-day supporter. She first started walking with her mom and sister in 2002 and now walks yearly with an ever-growing team of family and friends. Robin has spent more than 20 years in the health care industry and has worked with more than 100 mission-driven, not-for-profit organizations, including health systems,and service providers, senior housing and Catholic women religious congregations. Robin is truly passionate about walking as long as she can to continue fighting for a cure. Today, she’s here to tell us about why she chooses to partner with Komen in this fight.
Breast cancer affects everyone differently. African American and Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. Biology and genes are driving factors, but we cannot overlook the fears and concerns women in these communities have when it comes to seeking medical care. Mistrust, bad experiences and deep-rooted bias are all standing in the way of saving more lives from breast cancer.
Today, we’re joined by Jessica Williams, a leading and powerful voice in the Black community in South Florida. And Gil Zepeda, the Development Manager of Susan G. Komen in Florida. Jessica and Gil just took part in an event that brough mobile mammography to an underserved neighborhood in South Florida.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, we reflect not only on cultural pride but also on the urgent health challenges facing the Latino community. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Latinas, and yet barriers such as language, limited access to care and cultural stigma often prevent women from receiving the support they need. In this episode of Real Pink, we’re joined by Dr. Laura Logie of Nueva Vida, a trusted partner of Susan G. Komen® and a member of the ShareForCures® Alliance. Together, we’ll explore how culturally responsive care can transform the breast cancer experience, break down barriers and ensure that Latinas feel seen, heard and supported every step of the way.
Naomi’s story is a powerful reminder of how something as simple as a routine mammogram—and even a scheduling mix-up—can change the course of your life. In this conversation, she opens up about her breast cancer journey, the impact it’s had on her career, her family, and her outlook on life, and why she’s passionate about encouraging others to take that potentially life-saving 15 minutes to get screened.
Did you know that in some families with a history of prostate cancer, the women may have an increased risk of breast cancer? People with one or more first-degree relatives (father or brother) who have had prostate cancer may have an increased risk of breast cancer, especially if the prostate cancer was diagnosed at a young age. This also works in reverse with a family history of breast cancer. This increased risk is likely due to inherited gene mutations. We are lucky to be joined today by genetic testing expert, Dr. Tuya Pal. Dr. Pal is here to discuss the importance of early detection and to decode some common questions surrounding genetic testing.
Today, we are sharing an episode of Your Healthiest Healthy, in which our Honorary Vice Chair, Paula Schneider, made an appearance. In the episode, she discusses her cancer journey, the current landscape, and Paula’s new book, Love Stays Strong, which is out today, September 2.
We are happy to welcome back the Honorary Vice Chair of Susan G. Komen, Paula Schneider, and today she is also joined by her two daughters Zoe and Chloe. Paula faced a triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis in 2007 – after losing her mother to metastatic breast cancer years before. It goes without saying that Paula’s work is beyond personal. Since joining Komen in 2017, Paula has helped the organization usher in new programs, support services and policies that are helping families have a better chance of survival and a greater quality of life. This year, Paula has also published a children’s book inspired by her own breast cancer experience – which drops THIS WEEK on Sept. 2nd. Love Stays Strong is a book about the strength of a family’s love, especially during times of illness – designed to help parents or caregivers talk to young children about any kind of serious illness in the family.
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