SIS: Sisters in Survivorship

Sisters Network
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Non-Profit
  • Updated Semiweekly

SIS: Sisters In Survivorship amplifies the voices of Black women navigating breast cancer and gives every sister the tools to advocate, heal, and thrive. Presented by Sisters Network Inc., the nation’s only African American breast cancer survivorship organization, SIS: Sisters In Survivorship is where truth meets healing. Each episode amplifies real stories from survivors, caregivers, and advocates while bringing expert insight from leading doctors and researchers. Together, we break the silence on the Black breast cancer crisis and give you the tools to take action. From early detection and mammograms, to genetic risk, triple negative breast cancer, mental health, motherhood, and survivorship, SIS provides culturally relevant insight, resources, and sisterhood that speak directly to our community. Hosted by Caleen Allen, SIS is not just a podcast - it’s a lifeline. Because too many sisters are being diagnosed young, too many are being dismissed by the system, and too many are being lost before their time. Every sister deserves to be seen. Every sister deserves to be heard. Every sister deserves to be supported. Subscribe now and join the movement to stop the silence, amplify the voices, and save more lives.

  1. 5d ago

    The Reality of Cold Capping for Black Women During Chemotherapy | Amanda Butler

    After being diagnosed with breast cancer at 32, Amanda Butler's treatment became far more extensive than she expected. In this segment of SIS: Sisters in Survivorship, Amanda opens up about chemotherapy, radiation, double mastectomy, ongoing fatigue, and her difficult experience with cold capping and textured hair. She also shares how friends, family, and community made sure she didn't navigate treatment alone. RESOURCES Amanda Butler IG | @hiamandabutler Website - sistersnetworkinc.org IG -  @sistersnetwork YouTube Channel - @SisInSurvivorshipPodcast

  2. Sep 2

    19: Breast Cancer at 32: The Diagnosis That Changed How Amanda Butler Saw Her Body, Health & Life

    At 32, fitness professional Amanda Butler believed she was doing everything right. Then a breast self-exam uncovered a lump that would lead to a Stage 2 breast cancer diagnosis, a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, multiple surgeries, and a clinical trial. In this episode of SIS: Sisters In Survivorship, Amanda opens up about navigating breast cancer as a young Black woman, from having to advocate for fertility preservation before chemotherapy to grieving the loss of her breasts and rebuilding her relationship with her body. Now in remission, she shares why community became essential to her healing, how she turned her experience into a safe space for other survivors, and why women must keep advocating until they get the answers they deserve. ✨ Learn more: sistersnetworkinc.org  🔔 Subscribe for more episodes of SIS: Sisters In Survivorship! KEY POINTS  [0:00] Introduction to Amanda Butler [3:27] Amanda discovers a lump at 32 despite no known family history of breast cancer. [5:30] Receiving a diagnosis alone and the fear of what cancer could mean for her future. [6:45] On chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, radiation, and additional treatment. [8:44] The physical and emotional reality of cold capping, especially with textured hair. [12:24] Advocacy for fertility preservation after her doctors fail to initially present it as an option. [14:50] Confronting grief, body image, loss of control, and learning to love her body. [20:01] Her cancer journey online grows into a community and safe space for other survivors. [25:10] Young Black women to take action even when scared and keep advocating for answers. QUOTES  “Take action, even when you're scared. It's really important to advocate for your health, especially as a Black woman in the medical space.” – Amanda Butler  “It's really important that you show your doctor that you are human, and that this is also your life, and to continue advocating until you get your answers.” – Amanda Butler  “So many people mistake a double mastectomy as free implants, a free boob job, and it's not. It's an amputation.” – Amanda Butler  “If you really take care of your mind and your body, when these things come at you sideways, and it's a shock, you will be prepared.” – Amanda Butler  RESOURCES Amanda Butler IG | @hiamandabutler Website - sistersnetworkinc.org IG -  @sistersnetwork YouTube Channel - @SisInSurvivorshipPodcast

  3. Aug 26

    “We Have to Stop Being Afraid”: Bershan Shaw on Breast Cancer and Mental Health

    Bershan Shaw opens up about the mental and emotional realities of long-term breast cancer survivorship, from depression and scanxiety to losing seven women from her clinical trial. Seventeen years after her Stage IV diagnosis, she explains why survivors must speak up, why their visibility gives newly diagnosed women hope, and why Black women must stop letting fear keep them from screenings and honest conversations about their health. RESOURCES Bershan Shaw  Website - bershanshaw.com IG - @bershanshaw Website - sistersnetworkinc.org IG -  @sistersnetwork YouTube Channel - @SisInSurvivorshipPodcast

  4. Aug 19

    18: Given 3 Months to Live: How Bershan Shaw Survived Stage IV Breast Cancer 17 Years Later

    Diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in her early 30s and given just three months to live, Bershan Shaw was told the odds were against her. That was 17 years ago. In this powerful episode of SIS: Sisters In Survivorship, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, former Real Housewives of New York personality, and breast cancer advocate Bershan Shaw shares her extraordinary survival story. From the terrifying moment seven doctors walked in to deliver her terminal diagnosis, to navigating aggressive treatment, grief, fear, and uncertainty, Bershan opens up about how mindset, movement, faith, and radical self-belief became part of her healing journey. Tune in as she also speaks candidly about mental health, survivorship, why Black women must stop being afraid of screenings, and the urgent need for long-term survivors to share their stories so newly diagnosed women can see what hope looks like. ✨ Learn more: sistersnetworkinc.org  🔔 Subscribe for more episodes of SIS: Sisters In Survivorship! KEY POINTS  00:00 – Introduction 02:11 – How severe back pain led to Bershan’s stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis and being told it was terminal. 03:49 – After receiving the diagnosis, Bershan made a promise to God to use her life to motivate and transform others. 06:00 – Seventeen years later, Bershan has no evidence of disease and is not just surviving, but thriving. 06:13 – Why Black women’s participation in clinical trials matters for better data, research, and treatment. 09:48 – Long-term survivors need to share their stories so newly diagnosed women can see what survival can look like. 11:31 – Mental health is a regimen: Bershan uses meditation, journaling, movement, faith, and positive thinking daily. 13:02 – Fear keeps too many women from screenings, but avoiding breast health conversations can have serious consequences. 18:42 – Bershan’s message to newly diagnosed women: “Your cancer is not a death sentence.” QUOTES  “Your cancer is not a death sentence.” – Bershan Shaw “Cancer was my gift because it woke me up to living.”  – Bershan Shaw “Your mindset matters just as your medicine.” – Bershan Shaw “Hope matters. Hope really matters.” – Bershan Shaw RESOURCES Bershan Shaw  Website - bershanshaw.com IG - @bershanshaw Website - sistersnetworkinc.org IG -  @sistersnetwork YouTube Channel - @SisInSurvivorshipPodcast

  5. Aug 12

    Thinking About Breast Reconstruction? Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Explains Your Options

    Breast reconstruction isn't one-size-fits-all—and it doesn't have to happen immediately. In this conversation, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Camille Cash explains the reconstruction options available after breast cancer, why every woman deserves to understand her choices, and the little-known law that requires insurance to cover reconstruction. Whether you're considering implants, using your own tissue, going flat, or simply aren't ready to decide, this episode offers the guidance every survivor deserves before making one of the biggest decisions of her journey. RESOURCES Dr. Camille Cash Website - www.camillecashmd.com IG - @realdrcash Website - sistersnetworkinc.org IG -  @sistersnetwork YouTube Channel - @SisInSurvivorshipPodcast

  6. Aug 5

    17: Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Explains Breast Implants, Going Flat & Your Rights After Cancer

    Breast reconstruction after breast cancer is about far more than appearance. It’s about healing, identity, dignity, and knowing your options. In this episode of SIS: Sisters In Survivorship, host Caleen Allen sits down with renowned board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Camille Cash to break down what every Black woman needs to know about breast reconstruction after a breast cancer diagnosis. Dr. Camille Cash explains the full range of reconstruction options, from implants and tissue expanders to using your own tissue, delayed reconstruction, and choosing not to reconstruct at all. She also reveals why many Black women are still less likely to undergo reconstruction, even when insurance and access are not the barrier. This conversation also tackles the realities of radiation, lifelong surveillance after breast cancer, early diagnosis in younger women, the importance of 3D mammograms, and why advocating for yourself could save your life. ✨ Learn more: sistersnetworkinc.org  🔔 Subscribe for more episodes of SIS: Sisters In Survivorship! KEY POINTS  [0:00] – Introduction [3:31] – Dr. Camille Cash on being double board certified [6:30] – A breast cancer diagnosis often comes before reconstruction is even discussed [8:10] – Breast reconstruction is covered by law, like future revisions & symmetry procedures [9:39] – Reconstruction is optional [13:23] – Understanding implant-based vs. tissue-based reconstruction helps women make informed decisions [22:42] – Black women are choosing breast reconstruction at lower rates [24:57] – More young women are being diagnosed with aggressive breast cancers [31:28] – Breast reconstruction is about more than appearance [35:59] – Every woman deserves to know reconstruction options and community education  QUOTES  “Reconstruction isn’t just about looking good. It’s about healing and restoring identity.” – Dr. Camille Cash “One of the number one risk factors of breast cancer is having previous breast cancer.”  – Dr. Camille Cash “They still have the right to know about their reconstructive options, even if they decide they don’t want to do it.”  – Dr. Camille Cash RESOURCES Dr. Camille Cash Website - www.camillecashmd.com IG - @realdrcash Website - sistersnetworkinc.org IG -  @sistersnetwork YouTube Channel - @SisInSurvivorshipPodcast

  7. Jul 22

    Young, Black & Diagnosed: How Brooklyn Turned Her Cancer Diagnosis Into Advocacy

    Brooklyn Olumba shares how her breast cancer diagnosis at 28 led her to become the voice she was once searching for. In this segment, she opens up about feeling alone as a young Black woman in treatment, finding community online, and turning her story into advocacy, awareness, and hope for others. RESOURCES Brooklyn Olumba  Website - www.breastcancer.org/bio/brooklyn-olumba  IG - @brooklyn_style/  Website - sistersnetworkinc.org IG -  @sistersnetwork YouTube Channel - @SisInSurvivorshipPodcast

  8. Jul 15

    16: Diagnosed at 28: How Genetic Testing Helped Save Brooklyn's Life

    Despite being BRCA2 positive and under annual MRI surveillance since age 25, Brooklyn Olumba was diagnosed (at age 28) with hormone-positive breast cancer while in the middle of building her life, career, and future. In this powerful Season 2 premiere of SIS: Sisters In Survivorship, Brooklyn shares her journey as a young Black breast cancer survivor, from discovering her genetic risk and navigating treatment during the height of COVID, to facing financial toxicity, fertility decisions, reconstruction, and survivorship. She opens up about the moment she “pocketed” her diagnosis and kept working, why Black families must stop treating family health history like a secret, and how her twin sister’s preventative double mastectomy changed both of their lives. Now a passionate breast cancer advocate, Brooklyn uses her platform to help young women understand their risk, ask better questions, and advocate for themselves before it’s too late. ✨ Learn more: ⁠⁠sistersnetworkinc.org⁠⁠  🔔 Subscribe for more episodes of SIS: Sisters In Survivorship! KEY POINTS  [0:00] – Introduction [2:26] – Breast cancer can happen in your 20s [4:54] – Black women often "pocket" their pain [13:17] – Fertility decisions during cancer are overwhelming [16:59] – Family history isn't private information [21:12] – Community is part of healing [25:56] – Hope is something survivors can give each other [31:54] – Advocacy starts with asking questions [33:58] – Financial toxicity is part of the cancer journey QUOTES  “I pocketed it. And I think that is something, as Black women, that we do often. We just pocket it, and we say we’ll deal with it later.” – Brooklyn Olumba “A lot of times we think our disease is just your business only, but it impacts the whole family.”  – Brooklyn Olumba “Even asking your doctor questions is being an advocate for yourself.”  – Brooklyn Olumba RESOURCES Brooklyn Olumba  Website - ⁠⁠www.breastcancer.org/bio/brooklyn-olumba⁠⁠  IG - ⁠⁠@brooklyn_style/⁠⁠  Website - ⁠⁠sistersnetworkinc.org⁠⁠ IG -  ⁠⁠@sistersnetwork⁠⁠ YouTube Channel - ⁠⁠@SisInSurvivorshipPodcast⁠⁠

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SIS: Sisters In Survivorship amplifies the voices of Black women navigating breast cancer and gives every sister the tools to advocate, heal, and thrive. Presented by Sisters Network Inc., the nation’s only African American breast cancer survivorship organization, SIS: Sisters In Survivorship is where truth meets healing. Each episode amplifies real stories from survivors, caregivers, and advocates while bringing expert insight from leading doctors and researchers. Together, we break the silence on the Black breast cancer crisis and give you the tools to take action. From early detection and mammograms, to genetic risk, triple negative breast cancer, mental health, motherhood, and survivorship, SIS provides culturally relevant insight, resources, and sisterhood that speak directly to our community. Hosted by Caleen Allen, SIS is not just a podcast - it’s a lifeline. Because too many sisters are being diagnosed young, too many are being dismissed by the system, and too many are being lost before their time. Every sister deserves to be seen. Every sister deserves to be heard. Every sister deserves to be supported. Subscribe now and join the movement to stop the silence, amplify the voices, and save more lives.

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