Real Pink Susan G. Komen

This week, nearly 300 Susan G. Komen Center for Public Policy Advocates from across the country are coming together to call on federal lawmakers to help us bring an end to breast cancer. Joining me today are two of those advocates who will be in DC to talk about their experience as public policy advocates and share how you too can join in on using your voice and echoing our message on Capitol Hill.

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’re talking openly and honestly about just how difficult breast cancer can be, from being diagnosed to selecting the right treatment plan, to living day to day with metastatic breast cancer, and life after treatment
ends.


In today’s episode, we’re learning how a BRCA2 gene mutation has affected a family–both directly and indirectly. It is my pleasure to welcome Nikki, her mom, Anita, and her sister, Kim, to the conversation. Nikki is a three-time cancer survivor, and the only one in your family who has had cancer. Nikki was diagnosed the first time with uterine cancer at the age of 31, and six years later, diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent genetic testing. That’s when she learned she had inherited a BRCA2 genetic mutation, increasing the risk of cancers.

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 with Stage 3 luminal B invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer at the young age of 31 with no prior family history. She is mom of a 2-year-old, a DIYer and spends time trying to live a more simple, happy life.

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 just how difficult breast cancer can be – from diagnosis, to treatment, to living with metastatic breast cancer, to life after treatment ends.  A breast cancer diagnosis can be life altering for women and men at any age.


But imagine learning you have breast cancer while you’re pregnant. Today’s guests were both diagnosed with breast cancer during their pregnancy. They’re going to share about the range of emotions they experienced, their fears, their worries for their health and their babies’ health as they went through treatment, and how they are doing today.

It is common for people diagnosed with breast cancer to experience depression, anxiety, fear, and mental and emotional distress. Today’s guest was undergoing twice yearly screenings for breast cancer because her mother and aunt had previously been diagnosed. She was scheduled to leave 5 days later for a vacation, but then, Alecia Robinson was called back for additional screenings and diagnosed with stage 1A invasive ductal carcinoma ER, PR-positive, HER2-positive breast cancer. She is here today to share the mental anguish that can come with a breast cancer diagnosis, particularly in some of the unknown and “waiting” moments, and how she has been best been able to cope and move forward.

Breast cancer affects everyone differently, but It is common for people diagnosed with breast cancer to experience depression, anxiety and mental or emotional distress. The support of family, friends, and others can help as you go through diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Here today to help us navigate the toll that a breast cancer diagnosis can have on your mental and sexual health are two experts from City of Hope Chicago – Behavorial Health Therapist, Alexandria Callahan, and Sexual Health/Intimacy Nurse, Cindy Ingram.