Real Pink

Episode 281: Real Talk: Breast Cancer, It's A Family Affair

03 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This is Real Talk, a podcast conversation where we’re digging deep into breast cancer and the realities patients and survivors face every day. We’...

Episode 280: Things I Wish I Knew As A Young Survivor

27 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The risk of getting breast cancer increases as you get older, but breast cancer can happen at any age. Today’s guest is Abby. Abby was diagnosed wit...

Episode 279: RERUN: Real Talk: Diagnosed During Pregnancy

20 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This is Real Talk, a new podcast series where we’re going to break down the stigmas and feelings of embarrassment and talk openly and honestly about...

Episode 278: Weathering the Emotional Storm of Breast Cancer

13 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It is common for people diagnosed with breast cancer to experience depression, anxiety, fear, and mental and emotional distress. Today’s guest was u...

Episode 277: Navigating Mental Health and Intimacy Through Breast Cancer

06 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Breast cancer affects everyone differently, but It is common for people diagnosed with breast cancer to experience depression, anxiety and mental or e...

Episode 276: Strong in Spirit: Maintaining Positivity with MBC

29 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Listen to the latest episode of Real Pink to hear Marianne Alexander share how she stays strong in spirit and maintains positivity while living with m...

Episode 275: Culture, Connections and Courage: Unapologetically Navigating Breast Cancer

22 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tune into the latest episode of Real Pink to hear breast cancer advocate, Michelle Benjamin, and licensed professional oncology counselor and breast c...

Episode 274: Real Talk: I Need A Break

15 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This is Real Talk, a podcast conversation where we’re digging deep into breast cancer and the realities patients and survivors face every day. We’...

Episode 273: Did You Know That Your Tumor Might Change Over Time?

08 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

No two breast cancers are the same, and researchers have come a long way in understanding what makes each breast tumor unique. This is the entire prem...

Episode 272: Saving Lives: Decades of Progress for Breast Cancer Survival

01 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We still have a long way to go to conquer breast cancer, but we have made some big advances that are saving lives and making a difference. A new model...

Episode 271: Komen’s Origin: From Health Equity for Women to Health Equity for All

25 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

March is Women’s History Month so it’s fitting that we talk about how Susan G. Komen started off making history and continues to make history as a...

Episode 270: What to Know About Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema

18 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

1 in 5 women who have had breast cancer surgery and treatment are at risk for developing a potentially detrimental side effect of breast cancer – br...

Episode 269: Advice for Entering Treatment from a Fitness Trainer

11 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Starting treatment for breast cancer can be overwhelming and you might feel scared or alone. Often, hearing from people who have been diagnosed themse...

Episode 268: Myth Busting: Breast Cancer Risk

04 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tune into the latest episode of Real Pink to hear Anna Horvat do some myth busting around breast cancer risk to shed light on factors that ARE and ARE...

Episode 267: Destigmatizing the Conversation Around Breast Cancer for Black Women

26 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age, at later stages and with more aggressive types of breast cancer than ...

Episode 266: A Career Passion Turned Personal

19 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes on our show, we hear stories of women who make career changes after they receive a breast cancer diagnosis, some of them finding that they w...

Episode 265: Reaching New Heights As Black Breast Cancer Survivors

12 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, we’ll hear from two women whose lives have been changed by breast cancer, and the ways they are soaring to new heights as Blac...

Episode 264: Mitigating Breast Cancer Risk in the Black Community

05 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age, at later stages and with more aggressive types of breast cancer than ...

Episode 263: A Personal Journey Through Breast Cancer: Advocacy, Family, and Survival

29 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode of "Real Pink" presents an intimate and powerful conversation with Lauren Velarde, whose life was deeply affected by breast cancer. Laure...

Episode 262: Healing Women One Scar at a Time

22 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tune into the latest episode of Real Pink to hear Corina Klein share how complications after surgery led her to starting a non-profit organization tha...

Episode 261: Real Talk: Nipple Loss From Breast Cancer

15 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This is Real Talk, a podcast conversation where we’re digging deep into breast cancer and the realities patients and survivors face every day. We’...

Episode 260: Repeat: Finding Empowerment After Breast Cancer

08 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this show, we often talk about how lives are changed after breast cancer, how a survivor’s life takes on a new normal. There can be many challeng...

Episode 259: Should I Do a Breast Self-Exam?

01 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the U.S., but it can be successfully treated. To support screening and ea...

Episode 258: Beyond Treatment: Creating a Plan For the Future

25 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Once breast cancer treatment ends, you can hardly wait to get back to normal life again. But your body may not respond as fast as you expect it to, yo...

Episode 257: Real Talk: Navigating A Diagnosis At The Holidays

18 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A time that is often joyous and celebratory may not be – and this episode will give strength to those who find themselves in a tough spot and help f...

Episode 256: Surveillance Monitoring for Breast Cancer Recurrence

11 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The goal of treating early breast cancer is to remove the cancer and keep it from coming back. When breast cancer returns after treatment, this is cal...

Episode 255: Healing your Mental and Emotional Health

04 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve heard the words, “You have breast cancer,” you aren’t alone. There are more than 4 million breast cancer survivors and those living ...

Episode 254: How the Patient Care Center Addresses Breast Health Inequities

27 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Multiple communities face unique barriers to breast health care, including lack of access to quality care, financial constraints and cultural differen...

Episode 253: Real Talk: Reconstruction or Not? Options After Breast Surgery

20 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, we’ll hear from two women who both required surgery to treat their breast cancer but made different decisions about what happe...

Episode 252: Your first conversation with a friend diagnosed with breast cancer

13 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What do you say to a friend when you find out they have been diagnosed with breast cancer? How do you address them? Stacey Lucas is a close friend, mo...

Episode 251: Knowing What to Say When Someone is Diagnosed with MBC

06 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When someone has metastatic breast cancer, it is scary for them - and for you! What can you do to really help? What should you say? Is it better to ju...

Episode 250: Working It Out: Cancer and Employment Rights

30 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Breast cancer affects patients, survivors, families and health care professionals in many ways, one of them being the law. When someone receives a dia...

Episode 249: Faith and Breast Health

23 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Susan G. Komen’s Worship in Pink is a volunteer-driven breast health educational program powered by local faith-based communities. The program empow...

Episode 248: Living Boldly and Celebrating Being Beautiful After Cancer

16 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Women newly diagnosed with breast cancer are often desperately seeking connection from others who have been through the journey before, looking for re...

Episode 247: My Personal Breast Cancer Story - A Partnership Fueled by My Personal Story

11 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Intro: In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, SusieCakes and Susan G. Komen are teaming up with limited edition desserts created to raise awarene...

Episode 246: Real Talk: Young Women Get Breast Cancer

09 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Real Talk was created to talk about real issues and although the average age at the time of a breast cancer diagnosis is 62, young women are being dia...

Episode 245: How Komen’s PCC Supports Those Living with MBC and Caregivers

02 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Metastatic breast cancer, also called Stage IV, is when breast cancer has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body. It’s normal to feel o...

Episode 244: An Inside Look at a Breast Cancer Caregiver’s Perspective

25 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sergio Andres Mendoza lost the love of his life, Sarah Fernandez Mendoza, to metastatic breast cancer in 2017. Since then, he has worked tirelessly to...

Episode 243: Survivorship: From the Loneliest Starting Point to the Greatest Silver Lining

18 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When active treatment ends and the last appointment is over, you are feeling many emotions. Normal is nowhere on the list. This is a point upon which ...

Episode 242: Real Talk: Latinas with Breast Cancer

11 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This is Real Talk, a new podcast series where we’re going to break down the stigmas and feelings of embarrassment and talk openly and honestly about...

Episode 241: Unexpected Financial Burdens of Metastatic Breast Cancer

04 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Continuously increasing treatment costs for patients with metastatic breast cancer can create financial hardship, which is known as financial toxicity...

Episode 240: Expanding Breast Cancer Imaging Through Public Policy

28 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Widespread access to preventive screening mammography, without cost sharing, is available to millions of women as a result of the Affordable Care Act ...

Episode 239: Real Talk: Getting Sexy Back 

21 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This is Real Talk, a new podcast series where we’re going to break down the stigmas and feelings of embarrassment and talk openly and honestly about...

Episode 238: How I Spoke Up For What I Needed

14 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When someone has breast cancer it’s scary for them – and for you! What can you do to really help? What should you say? Friends and family often ha...

Episode 237: Finding a Provider Post-Diagnosis

07 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Knowing which questions to ask can help you understand your diagnosis and advocate for yourself as ...

Episode 236: Surrounding Yourself with Positive People and Healthy Resources

31 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A metastatic breast cancer diagnosis is difficult. You’re processing a lot of information and dealing with many emotions. You may feel overwhelmed a...

Episode 235: The Power of Shared Data

24 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are excited to introduce ShareForCures, Komen’s groundbreaking research initiative that puts patients at the center of scientific breakthro...

Episode 234: Understanding the Role of Diagnostic Imaging in Breast Care

17 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Advances in diagnostic imaging have the potential to personalize care for the MBC community. This is because these more disease-specific or target-spe...

Episode 233: Inspiring Women to Self-Advocate

10 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Self-advocacy is an important and ongoing part of a breast cancer journey. It can begin as soon as you have an inkling that something is wrong and sho...

Episode 232: Impact of Diagnosis on Mental Health

03 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A breast cancer diagnosis can bring a wide range of emotions, including shock, fear, sadness and anger. These feelings are normal. Some people find jo...

Episode 231: Breast Health in the LGBTQ+ Community

26 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Pride Month, everyone! We know that early detection of breast cancer can save lives. Although screening mammography rates for lesbian and bisexu...

Episode 230: Deepening Collaboration to Support Black Women with Breast Cancer

19 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The breast health inequities that Black women in the U.S. experience are a social imperative that calls for collective action. Black women are about 4...

Episode 229: Real Talk: Expectations vs. Reality

12 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This is Real Talk, a new podcast series where we’re going to break down the stigmas and feelings of embarrassment and talk openly and honestly about...

Episode 228: Supplemental and Diagnostic Imaging

05 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Current law requires insurance companies to cover the cost of annual mammograms for women over the age of 40, without any cost to the woman. Unfortuna...

Episode 227: Family Ties

29 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Breast cancer screening and early detection play an important role in your health. Screening tests can help detect breast cancer at an early stage whe...

Episode 226: Knowing When to Get Screened for Breast Cancer

22 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Elizabeth Morris, M.D., is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Radiology at the University of California Davis. She is a clinician and spec...

Episode 225: Recipes for Joyous Living

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Finding and seeing joy in life can be a challenge. When you have been diagnosed with cancer four times and lost numerous family members to the disease...

Episode 224: Fighting while Expecting

08 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Susan G. Komen "Real Talk" podcast series, Alison LoCoco and Kate Ratajczak share their personal journeys of being diagnosed wi...

Episode 223: Reframing the Discussion for Surgical Options After Breast Cancer

01 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

After undergoing a mastectomy, women can either proceed with a reconstruction or “go flat”, but today’s guest says that the correct decision is ...

Episode 222: Connecting Black Cancer Patients to Financial Coverage

24 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In an effort to drive systemic change, Komen partnered with ASCO and a group of health care institutions to develop and test interventions that addres...

Episode 221: Not the Breast Year of My Life

17 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When you are diagnosed with breast cancer, the unknown can sometimes feel like the scariest part. The support of family, friends and others can help a...

Episode 220: Real Talk: Pregnancy And Breast Cancer

10 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A breast cancer diagnosis can be life altering for women and men at any age. But for younger women who want to have children, a diagnosis can immediat...

Episode 219: Myths About Mammograms

03 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you’ve had a mammogram or are preparing to have your first mammogram, chances are that you’ve heard a myth or two that might make you nerv...

Episode 218: Survivorship as a Black Woman

27 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As part of our Stand for H.E.R. series, we talk about how the breast cancer experience impacts the Black community. In this episode, we are taking a d...

Episode 217: Real Talk: Early Menopause Due To Breast Cancer

20 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today I’m joined by two survivors who experienced menopause at an early age due to breast cancer and treatment. At the time of their diagnoses, Deb ...

Episode 216: The Importance of Screening for Early Detection

13 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Breast cancer screening and early detection play an important role in your health. Screening tests can help detect breast cancer at an early stage whe...

Episode 215: Taking Charge of My Breast Cancer Risk

06 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learning about your breast cancer risk can empower you to make important breast care decisions to take charge of your health. If you are at higher ris...

Episode 214: How Komen’s Racism & Bias Training Breaks Down Barriers

27 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Komen’s free, virtual 10-week patient navigation training program provides specific training for patient navigators to ensure they can help Black pa...

Episode 213: Making History: Increasing Representation in Cancer Research

20 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As we celebrate Black History Month, it is our honor to be joined today by a woman truly making history and one that I know we will be seeing much mor...

Episode 212: Real Talk: LOVE & Breast Cancer

13 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day! But we’re kicking things off a day early with a conversation about LOVE and breast cancer. February 14th it isn’t r...

Episode 211: I’ve Seen the Advancements in Genetic Testing Firsthand

06 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Genetic testing gives people the chance to learn if they’re at a higher risk of breast cancer, if their family history of breast cancer, or if their...

Episode 210: Breast Cancer - A Family Affair

30 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you have a history of breast cancer in your family, learning about your risk can empower you to make important breast care decisions to take charge...

Episode 209: How Public Policy is Bridging Gaps for Black Breast Health

23 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Susan G. Komen’s Center for Public Policy identifies the public policy issue areas where Komen’s voice can provide the greatest potential for achi...

Episode 208: 20 Years Since Her Diagnosis, Julie is Stronger Than Ever

16 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Julie Untener remembers the day like it was yesterday… 20 years ago, in January of 2003, Julie decided to do a breast exam. She’d been vigilant ab...

Episode 207: Finding Empowerment After Breast Cancer

09 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this show, we often talk about how lives are changed after breast cancer, how a survivor’s life takes on a new normal. There can be many challen...

Episode 206: Understanding Your Breast Cancer Risk

02 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you’re concerned about your risk of breast cancer, have a history of breast cancer or other cancers in your family, or are curious about gen...

Episode 205: Increasing Health Care Workforce Diversity

26 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Susan G. Komen’s approach to creating a health equity revolution through Stand for H.E.R. includes tailored interventions such as workforce developm...

Episode 204: The Passion Behind the Cause

19 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Joining us on the show today is Ed Dandridge, Komen’s Chair of the Board of Directors. With more than 30 years’ experience in senior leadership ro...

Episode 203: Real Talk: Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer And The Holidays

12 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This is Real Talk, a new podcast series where we’re going to break down the stigmas and feelings of embarrassment and talk openly and honestly about...

Episode 202: High Risk for Breast Cancer? Create a Plan!

05 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone is at risk of breast cancer, and some of us are at a higher risk than others. Learning about your breast cancer risk can empower you to make...

Episode 201: The Need for Clinical Trial Participation by Diverse Populations

28 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Black women are less likely to participate in clinical trials than white women. We are going to discuss why that is and why it’s so important for Bl...

Episode 200: Happy 200th, Real Pink

21 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Adam Walker has dazzled our listeners as the host of Real Pink for 200 episodes. In today's episode, Samantha Harris, our very first guest, returns to...

Episode 199: Real Talk: Talking to Your Children About Breast Cancer

14 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This is Real Talk, a new podcast series where we’re going to break down the stigmas and feelings of embarrassment and talk openly and honestly about...

Episode 198: An Olympian’s Story of Feeling Betrayed by Her Body

07 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Healthy lifestyle choices, such as being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight and eating a balanced diet are linked to a lower risk of brea...

Episode 197: Managing Breast Cancer Like a Boss

31 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Caregivers provide much-needed support for those going through breast cancer. This can be in the form of emotional support such as listening or giving...

Episode 196: Understanding Your Risk Through Genetic Counseling and Testing

24 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone is at risk of breast cancer, but some are at higher risk than others. Understanding your risk starts with learning about your own risk factor...

Episode 195: Real Talk: Breast Cancer’s Mental Impact

17 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This is Real Talk, a new podcast series where we’re going to break down the stigmas and feelings of embarrassment and talk openly and honestly about...

Episode 194: Carlita McIlwain Remembers Her Mother as a Service-Driven Force of Nature

14 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Although metastatic breast cancer cannot be cured today, it can be treated. Treatment focuses on extending life and maintaining quality of life, both ...

Episode 193: Funding the Future of Groundbreaking MBC Research

13 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Susan G. Komen knows that even one more day without a cure for metastatic breast cancer is one day too many when lives are at stake. MBC is the most a...

Episode 192: Dr. Julie Palmer Researches Breast Cancer in Her Sister's Memory

12 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This is a promising time in metastatic breast cancer research. Many new treatments for MBC are under study and treatment is improving, allowing famili...

Episode 191: Finding Joy Again After Losing Jen

11 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The loss of a partner or spouse is a traumatic event in the moments leading up to the loss are traumatic as well. While family and friends can be stro...

Episode 190: An Eternal Sisterhood: Tara Coppedge Remembers Rhonda Howell

10 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tara Coppedge never imagined that one of her assignments as a reporter would result in forming a deep bond with Rhonda Howell, who had already been li...

Episode 189: Real Talk: Getting Real About Breast Cancer

03 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This is Real Talk, a new content series where we’re going to break down the stigmas and feelings of embarrassment and talk openly and honestly about...

Episode 188: Navigating the Healthcare System and Improving Patient Outcomes

26 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Patient navigators empower and guide patients to overcome barriers during cancer treatment, helping to ensure a seamless, high-quality breast care jou...

Episode 187: As a Latina, I Know We Need To Talk About Breast Cancer More

19 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Hispanic and Latina women and they are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage than non-Hisp...

Episode 186: Running For You Mom

12 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As with any major illness, breast cancer can have effects beyond the person who is diagnosed and the death of a parent can be one of the most signific...

Episode 185: Living with MBC in the Latinx community

05 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths for Hispanic and Latina women in the U.S., a fact that has driven today’s guest to become a pass...

Episode 184: The Relationship Between Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer

29 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Women are often the gatekeepers of the family’s health and the ones responsible for ensuring their family members stay on top of health information ...

Episode 183: Chances of Early Detection Improve With Screening & Diagnostics Program

22 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Breast cancer screening can help find breast cancer early when the chances of survival are highest. In this episode, we are going to learn more about ...

Episode 182: Body Dysmorphia After Surgery

15 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Every person’s experience with mastectomies is different. Some people might experience extreme body dysmorphia following their surgeries and others ...