Breast cancer awareness, early detection, mammograms, and modern treatment options—learn what women 40+ need to know now. In this Breast Cancer Awareness Month special, we talk breast cancer signs, risk factors, and how early detection saves lives. Dr. Elizabeth O’Leary—breast surgeon and head of Lady Slipper Breast Center—shares practical guidance on breast cancer screening, genetics, lifestyle, and survivorship. If you’ve delayed your mammogram, this conversation is your nudge. We cover what’s changed in breast cancer care, what to ask your providers, and how to advocate for yourself with confidence.

Timestamps

(00:00 ) Introduction to Breast Cancer Awareness Month & why this episode matters

(02:05 ) Meet Dr. Elizabeth O’Leary: training, Johns Hopkins, and founding Lady Slipper Breast Center

(06:18 ) Patient-first care: time, personalization, and thriving after treatment

(10:40 ) Lisa’s breast cancer story: fear, surgery decisions, and believing for a cure

(15:22 ) Early detection essentials: mammograms, dense breasts, and screening timelines

(19:30 ) High-risk assessment at 25: who needs early imaging and why it matters

(24:05 ) Genetics 101: family history, moving-target panels, and what results mean

(28:48 ) Lifestyle factors: diet, exercise, stress, alcohol—what the research supports

(34:12 ) Advocacy & self-trust: how to speak up and choose your care team

(37:20 ) Hope & next steps: practical actions to take this week

(39:15 ) Where to find Dr. O’Leary & Lady Slipper Breast Center

Key Takeaways

• 
  
• 
  
• Early detection saves lives. Annual mammograms (and MRI for select high-risk women) dramatically improve outcomes.
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• High-risk assessment should start at 25. A formal risk review can identify women who need earlier or additional screening.
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• Genetics is evolving. “Negative before” doesn’t always mean negative now—panels and insights continue to expand.
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• Lifestyle matters. Consistent movement, strength training, weight management, stress reduction, and limiting alcohol are linked to lower risk.
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• You can be both calm and proactive. Ask questions, understand your options, and choose a team that treats the whole person.
• 
  
• 
  

Guest Bio

Dr. Elizabeth O’Leary, MD is a breast surgeon and founder of Lady Slipper Breast Center in Minnesota (St. Paul, St. Louis Park, Edina). Trained at the University of Minnesota and Johns Hopkins, she specializes in personalized, comprehensive breast care—from screening and diagnosis through treatment and survivorship—with a focus on early detection, minimally invasive approaches, and patient-centered outcomes.

Resource Links

• 
  
• 
  
• Lady Slipper Breast Center (Dr. Elizabeth O’Leary): https://www.elizabetholearymd.com
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• Find a high-risk breast clinic near you (search “breast cancer high risk clinic” + your city)
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• Breast density info & screening options (ask your imaging center about tomosynthesis and MRI for high-risk patients)
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• Lifestyle tools: activity trackers, strength programs for women 40+, and stress-reduction practices (breathwork, prayer, therapy)
• 
  
• 
  

Tags/Keywords

breast cancer awareness, breast cancer, early detection, mammogram, dense breasts, breast MRI, breast cancer screening, HER2, BRCA, genetics and cancer, women’s health over 40, breast surgeon, Lady Slipper Breast Center, Elizabeth O’Leary MD, breast cancer prevention, survivorship, cancer risk factors, alcohol and breast cancer, diet and cancer, exercise and cancer, midlife women health, doing life different podcast