Breastcancer.org Podcast

This bonus episode is the audio of a Breastcancer.org ⁠⁠webinar. Hair loss. Fatigue. Forgetfulness. Vomiting. Weight changes. Neuropathy. The possible side effects of chemotherapy for breast cancer can be concerning — especially because there’s no way to predict exactly how each person will react to treatment. It can feel overwhelming to manage it all, but there are steps you can take to help yourself. Watch this webinar to learn from experts about what to expect and how to prepare for short and long-term side effects. You’ll hear how to manage changes to your body and mind before, during, and after treatment. Get actionable advice on ways to reduce some side effects, and advocate for your care. Learn more about breast cancer chemotherapy side effects. Featured Speakers: Marisa Weiss, MDChief Medical Officer, Breastcancer.org Aditya Bardia, MD, MPH, FASCODirector, Translational Research Integration at UCLA HealthProfessor, Department of Medicine at UCLA Health Maryam Lustberg, MD, MPHDirector, Breast Center at Smilow Cancer HospitalChief, Breast Medical Oncology at Yale Cancer CenterAssociate Professor of Medicine, Yale LaShae Rolle, MPH, CPHPredoctoral Fellow, University of MiamiBreast Cancer Survivor Cara SapidaReporter, WPXI-TVBreast Cancer Survivor Ashley Patrick, PharmDRegistered Manager Onsite Pharmacy, Walgreens

Dr. Andrei Goga and his colleagues found that triple-negative breast cancer cells build molecular tunnels called gap junctions into nearby fat cells and use the fat cells’ energy for fuel. When the scientists blocked the gap junctions, the tumors stopped growing. Listen to the episode to hear Dr. Goga explain: how the study came about how the cancer cells connect to the fat cells how the process could work in metastatic TNBC what the results could mean for treating triple negative disease.

This bonus episode is the audio of a Breastcancer.org ⁠webinar. For many people, life after breast cancer isn't as easy as just moving on. Physical side effects may linger, and the emotional healing is ongoing. Fear of recurrence can affect our mental health and relationships even when we are doing our best to live in the moment. Listen to this webinar for an honest conversation between breast cancer survivors about realistically managing anxiety and stress, staying active, and finding a balanced healthy lifestyle. You’ll also hear from medical experts about survivorship care plans, and their perspective on making healthy choices without putting too much pressure on yourself to be perfect.  Special thanks to ArmorUp for Life for partnering with Breastcancer.org on the webinar. Read more about getting the best follow up care for you. Featured Speakers: Marisa Weiss, MDChief Medical Officer, Breastcancer.org Kevin Fox, MDEmeritus Professor of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania Loriana Hernández-AldamaFounder, ArmorUp for LIFE Charlene AbramsBreast Cancer Survivor and Advocate Carolyn TeschlerBreast Cancer Survivor and Advocate Epiphany Wallner-HaasBreast Cancer Survivor and Advocate

After being diagnosed with breast cancer, nearly everyone worries that the cancer will come back. But for some people, this fear is overwhelming and interferes with their ability to function and live their lives.  Clinical health psychologist Dr. Shelly Johns is studying the effect fear of breast cancer recurrence has on people’s lives and how they cope with that fear.  Listen to the episode to hear Dr. Johns discuss: the number of people have a fear of recurrence that warrants treatment how this fear affects people the coping strategies her study evaluated coping mechanisms anyone can use

This bonus episode is the audio of a Breastcancer.org webinar. When life is interrupted by breast cancer at a young age, there are distinct challenges and quality-of-life issues to manage.  It’s important to understand all the possible ways a diagnosis can impact the future, including fertility decisions, pregnancy care, career disruptions, parenting young kids, long-term survivorship concerns, sexuality, and more. This webinar is for patients, caregivers, advocates, and healthcare providers who want to understand and support the unique experiences of people diagnosed before age 45. Hear powerful personal stories, get expert insights, and learn about resources that can help you.  Featured Speakers: Jeanelle AdamsBreast Cancer Advocate, @elleviews Allie BrumelChief Operating Officer, The Breasties Brooks FuentesCommunity Support, Young Survival Coalition Hayley GullenAuthor, Illustrator, and Breast Cancer Survivor Melissa JenkinsCommunity Director, Breastcancer.org Athena JonesAward-winning Journalist and Breast Cancer Advocate Jasmine McDonald, PhDAssociate Professor, Columbia University Mackenzie McGrathVP, Programs, First Descents Megan Tesch, MD, MPHBreast Oncologist, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Dani TropsBreast Cancer Advocate, @dani_trops Marisa Weiss, MDChief Medical Officer, Breastcancer.org

According to a KFF poll, about one in eight, or 12%, of adults in the United States have used a GLP-1 medicine like Ozempic, Trulicity, Victoza, Mounjaro, Wegovy, or Zepbound. These drugs were originally developed to treat diabetes, but quickly started being prescribed for weight loss and other uses. While they seem like wonder drugs, GLP-1 medicines do cause side effects and have risks. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation are common side effects. The drugs also can cause dizziness, headaches, and elevated heartbeat.  Dr. Neil Iyengar is a breast medical oncologist who studies how diet and exercise can improve quality of life for people with breast cancer. He’s also prescribed GLP-1 medicines for the people he cares for. Listen to the episode to hear Dr. Iyengar explain: how GLP-1 medicines work the risks these drugs may pose for people receiving chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or a CDK4/6 inhibitor why he works closely with a weight loss specialist or endocrinologist when prescribing these medicines why the medicines work best when a person also makes lifestyle changes

This is a bonus episode of the audio of a Breastcancer.org ⁠⁠⁠⁠webinar⁠⁠⁠⁠. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an invasive subtype of breast cancer that can be harder to treat and is more likely to come back. But new research into understanding TNBC is helping some patients find more precise treatment options.  Learn about innovations in immunotherapy, genetic testing, and targeted therapies, why TNBC is different compared to other types of breast cancer, and what gives doctors hope about the future of care for people with TNBC. You’ll also hear from two inspiring breast cancer advocates who created TNBC resources for patients after their own diagnosis. Read more about triple-negative breast cancer. Featured Speakers: Maimah KarmoBreast Cancer Advocate and Founder, Tigerlily Roberto Leon-Ferre, MDCo-Leader of the Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Working Group and Associate Professor at Mayo Clinic Evelyn Taiwo, MDHematology and Oncology at New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital and Associate Professor at Cornell University Kelly ThomasBreast Cancer Advocate and Founder, TNBC Thrivers Marisa Weiss, MDChief Medical Officer, Breastcancer.org

Many people feel supported by Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities and pink merchandise. Others feel the month focuses on people who’ve been cured and leaves out people with metastatic disease. Some men with breast cancer feel the overwhelming pinkness of the month silences their experience. And others feel the pink labels on products linked to higher breast cancer risk, such as alcohol and cosmetics with ingredients like triclosan, are hypocritical.  This podcast is the audio from a special Virtual Community Meetup featuring guest moderator Kelly Grosklags. Listen to the episode to hear: what people like and dislike about Breast Cancer Awareness Month why some people feel pressure to be the face of breast cancer for the month why some people don’t like the words “survivor” or “warrior” ways to support people with breast cancer during October

This is a bonus episode of the audio of a Breastcancer.org ⁠⁠⁠webinar⁠⁠⁠. If you’ve struggled with anxiety, fear, depression, anger, loneliness, or felt overwhelmed by the emotional impact of a breast cancer diagnosis, this webinar is for you.  You’ll learn about a variety of approaches to treat and manage mental health issues from counseling to complementary therapies, lifestyle changes, medication, meditation, and much more. Anyone diagnosed with breast cancer can benefit from mental health support. Watch the video to hear what the experts recommend. Discussion topics include: How to get started with finding mental health support Coping with scanxiety Navigating relationships with loved ones who don’t understand what you’re going through Finding the right therapist for you Research into the benefits of yoga, meditation, and acupuncture  How to focus on living in the present The grief that can accompany any breast cancer diagnosis The webinar also features a calming 10-minute meditation. Learn more about taking care of your mental health after a breast cancer diagnosis. Featured Speakers: Bethany AdairMindset Coach, Author, and Stage IV Cancer Thriver Ting Bao, MD, MSCo-Director of the Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Susan Glaser, LCSWSenior Clinical Social Worker, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Rhonda Schaller, MPS, MBSRAssistant Vice President; Co-Lead of The Mindfulness Collaboratory, Pratt Institute Marisa Weiss, MDChief Medical Officer, Breastcancer.org

Triple-negative breast cancer is negative for both estrogen and progesterone receptors. So, it’s hormone receptor-negative. People diagnosed with this type of breast cancer aren’t offered hormonal therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence (the cancer coming back) because it’s thought that they wouldn’t be effective.  Dr. Lisa Newman and colleagues published research that found that among people diagnosed with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer, nearly 33% of the recurrences or second primary breast cancers were hormone receptor-positive. This means the hormone receptor status had changed when the cancer came back or when there was a new cancer. The results raise this question: Should people with triple-negative disease be offered hormonal therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence? Listen to the episode to hear Dr. Newman explain: how she decided to investigate this issue why the results surprised her what the results mean for someone who’s been diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer with a high risk of recurrence

This is a bonus episode of the audio of a Breastcancer.org ⁠⁠webinar⁠⁠. Making decisions about breast reconstruction is personal. Hours of research can go into your choice about restoring the shape and size of one or both breasts. It’s also important to think carefully about how you want to look and feel in your body.  Implants, flap reconstruction, fat grafting, going flat, immediate or delayed, breast surgeons, plastic surgeons, risks, benefits, costs — there’s a lot to consider. Whether you’re planning for reconstruction, having a corrective procedure, or recovering from surgery, watch this webinar to learn from experienced plastic surgeons.  Marisa Weiss, MD, interviewed Clara Lee, MD, MPP, FACS and Sarosh Zafar, MD to ask them questions from our community about reconstruction decisions after lumpectomy and mastectomy, expectations for the procedures and recovery time, side effects, symmetry, nipple reconstruction, and much more.  Read more about breast reconstruction. Featured Speakers: Clara Lee, MD, MPP, FACSPlastic Surgeon and Professor of Surgery, University of North Carolina Marisa Weiss, MDChief Medical Officer, Breastcancer.org Sarosh Zafar, MDPlastic Surgeon, Center for Restorative Breast Surgery

A medical assistant at Elizabeth Wende Breast Care in Upstate New York, Chelsea Vangrol had seen young women diagnosed with breast cancer. But she never expected to be one of them. She shares her experience of being diagnosed with DCIS at age 25 so other people in a similar situation will know they’re not alone.Listen to the episode to hear Chelsea discuss: strategies she used to cope with stress and fear the factors she considered when making treatment decisions what she’d like other people who are diagnosed with breast cancer in their 20s to know

This is a bonus episode of the audio of a Breastcancer.org ⁠webinar⁠. Whether you’re adjusting to changes to your body, experiencing weight fluctuation, hair loss, hot flashes, or just trying to feel “like yourself” again, this webinar will give you a toolkit of style strategies to try. Dr. Weiss and Emma John discuss their personal stories, and how self-expression through style has helped them after breast cancer. They’ll share practical, affordable ideas to help you feel comfortable, confident, and stylish—no matter where you are in your treatment for breast cancer.  Topics include:  Wardrobe essentials that work for every body Feeling confident after weight changes Styling for changes in breast size Dressing for hot flashes Head coverings after hair loss Ways to feel put together when you don't have the time or energy How to build a versatile wardrobe with accessories  Emma’s tips for keeping your style joyful and flexible during the hardest times This episode is for anyone who wants to reclaim your sense of self, or develop a whole new style that feels right for you. Remember, style is not about chasing trends or fitting into someone else’s idea of beauty. It’s about honoring your story, embracing your body as it is today, and finding moments of joy.  Featured Speakers: Emma JohnPersonal Stylist and Founder, Sisterhood of Style Marisa Weiss, MDChief Medical Officer, Breastcancer.org

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a relatively new type of medicine for breast cancer. Enhertu (chemical name: fam-trastuzumab-deruxtecan-nxki) and Dato-DXd (brand name: Datroway) are two ADCs used to treat breast cancer. Dr Benjamin Schrank and colleagues have developed a new type of ADC that combines an antibody with a toxin — called an antibody-toxin conjugate — that teaches the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Listen to the episode to hear Dr. Schrank explain: the antibody and the toxin component of the medicine how the new medicine works possible side effects next steps for the research Episode image photo credit: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

At the start of her second trimester, Rafaela Dreisin was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 36. Listen to the episode to hear Rafaela discuss: how she and her doctors decided on a treatment plan how she coped with experiencing the excitement of being pregnant and the fear of her diagnosis at the same time her advice for other people in the same situation

This is a bonus episode of the audio of a Breastcancer.org webinar. It’s normal to experience emotional challenges after a cancer diagnosis. From body image to managing relationships, heightened stress, the fear of recurrence, and so much more.  In this webinar, you’ll learn about a variety of ways to cope with the anxiety and doubts that can take hold.  Breast cancer patients and survivors will share what helps them manage their mental health struggles. They discuss candidly how they find strength and hope even on their most difficult days.   We'll also hear from experts on finding mental health support and different approaches to getting the help you need.  After you watch the webinar, hear Dr. Stephanie Ross answer more audience questions in a “Stage Free” podcast interview. And learn more about taking care of your mental health after a breast cancer diagnosis. Featured Speakers: Martha Gamez-SmithBreast Cancer Advocate Loriana Hernández-AldamaFounder, ArmorUp for LIFE Allison KoMetastatic Breast Cancer Advocate Stephanie Ross, PhDFounder, Illness Navigation Resources Carolyn TeschlerBreast Cancer Advocate Tiah Tomlin-HarrisBreast Cancer Advocate, Breastcancer.org Virtual Support Group facilitator Marisa Weiss, MDChief Medical Officer, Breastcancer.org

This podcast is the audio from a special Virtual Support Group meetup featuring guest moderator Joanna Doran. Listen to the podcast to hear Joanna and Community members discuss: Medicaid changes that may happen, including the work requirement the long-term disability approval process having both Medicaid and Medicare

This podcast is the audio from a special Virtual Support Group featuring guest moderator Kelly Grosklags. Listen to the podcast to hear Kelly and Community members discuss: why you might not want to share tough emotions with the people in your life how to tell someone you need them to listen, not fix things how different members of the group shared their diagnosis with family and friends

Four years after giving birth to her son, Jaci Field was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 39. Listen to the episode to hear Jaci discuss: her breast cancer experience and her advocacy work the  discrimination she’s faced, both because of her race and whom she chooses to love how she finds joy

At the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting, Hope Rugo, MD, chaired a session on managing the side effects of new breast cancer treatments and also presented information on how to manage the side effects of hormonal therapy medicines, which are used to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Listen to the episode to hear Dr. Rugo explain: ways to manage the side effects of tamoxifen and the aromatase inhibitors why talking to your doctor about side is crucial to managing them her advice for people who are having side effects from hormonal therapy medicines