My Breast Cancer Advocate

Jill Frank
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Hosted by breast cancer advocate Jill Frank, this podcast offers real conversations, expert insights, and practical support for anyone navigating breast cancer—whether you're newly diagnosed, in treatment, or supporting a loved one. Honest, human, and here for you. Each week, I talk with patients, doctors, nurses, caregivers, and experts about the human side of breast cancer. We’ll cover the conversations you’ll have with your care team, how to make informed decisions, and the small things that can make a big difference during a hard time. This show is here for real talk, calm in the chaos.

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    Know Before It Grows: Breast Cancer Risk Assessment, Genetic Testing & Clinical Trials

    What if you knew your breast cancer risk before you were ever diagnosed? Dr. Melissa Frey, gynecologic oncologist and director of the Genetics and Personalized Cancer Prevention Program at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian, joins host Jill Frank for a deep dive into where cancer risk assessment stands today — and where it desperately needs to go. They cover cascade genetic testing and why only a third of at-risk relatives ever get tested, the genes beyond BRCA1/2 that doctors are missing (like PALB2), a surprising new statistic on genetic risk in the Ashkenazi Jewish community, and the real-world hurdles — imaging wait times, insurance, access — standing between patients and prevention. Jill also shares her own two-decade journey with breast cancer and genetic testing, including a cascade story that went the opposite direction: from daughter to mother. A candid, information-packed conversation for anyone who wants to be their own best advocate. Chapters 00:00 — Welcome, Dr. Melissa Frey00:32 — From Duke to Gynecologic Oncology01:12 — The Moment Cancer Genetics "Clicked"02:32 — Are We Actually in a Prevention Era Yet?04:07 — The Data Gap: Why Risk Assessment Isn't Reaching Patients06:14 — Are Risk Assessment Tools Available Nationwide?08:38 — How Far Off Is Seamless Risk Assessment?09:38 — An Already-Taxed System: Imaging Wait Times11:19 — A Real Patient Story: Risk Assessment Catching Two Cancers12:41 — The Cost-Effectiveness Case for Early Detection13:44 — Breast MRI vs. Whole-Body MRI: Clearing Up Confusion14:47 — What Is Cascade Genetic Testing?17:01 — Jill's Own BRCA Story & What a Negative Result Really Means18:29 — When Family Won't Engage: The Emotional Barrier20:28 — Clinical Trials for Risk Assessment & Cascade Testing22:39 — Lynch Syndrome, BRCA1/2, and Beyond: PALB2 and Other Genes25:14 — Are Expanded Gene Panels Available Everywhere?26:21 — Ashkenazi Jewish Founder Mutations: What the Research Shows28:50 — A First Visit After a Positive Genetic Result30:55 — Should People With No Family History Get Tested?32:45 — Just How Actionable Is This Information?34:15 — Delivering Hard News Without Leaving Patients to Google It35:50 — What Personalized Prevention Actually Looks Like37:55 — New Frontier: Cancer Testing During Pregnancy41:28 — One Tool Every OB/GYN in the Country Should Have44:15 — Where to Actually Go for Risk Assessment Today46:44 — Liquid Biopsy and the Future of Early Detection48:17 — The Patient Who Turned Her Diagnosis Into a Career50:32 — Jill's Family Story: When Cascade Testing Goes Upward52:09 — Closing Thoughts

  2. Jul 28

    How Immunotherapy is Revolutionizing Breast Cancer Treatment Right Now

    Most breakthrough advances in breast cancer right now are happening through immunotherapy — treatments that teach your immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. In this episode, Dr. Heather MacArthur of UT Southwestern shares how research like cryoablation plus immune therapy is helping change the future of care, with more promising options for preventing recurrence and improving outcomes. Key Topics Covered: The evolution of breast cancer immunotherapy from experimental to standard care, especially for triple negative breast cancerHow cryoablation (tumor freezing) can work synergistically with immune therapies to teach the body to fight cancerThe critical role of timing in administering immunotherapy pre- or post-surgeryCurrent success stories in metastatic and early-stage breast cancer trialsThe challenges and importance of developing predictive biomarkers for treatment responseHow to access clinical trials and advocate for personalized treatment optionsFuture directions: expanding immunotherapy to more breast cancer subtypes and improving quality of life Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction: The rapid advancement of breast cancer immunotherapy00:31 - Dr. Heather McArthur’s background and pioneering research in cryoablation and immune therapy01:28 - Overview of immunotherapy in breast cancer today and its impact on treatment guidelines04:04 - Why immunotherapy initially struggled in breast cancer and what changed that success07:08 - Significance of giving immune therapy before surgery for better outcomes12:25 - Results from key phase 3 trials combining immunotherapy with chemo for ER-positive breast cancer16:39 - How cryoablation works and its potential as an immune-stimulating therapy22:26 - Long-term follow-up and durability of responses seen with cryoablation and immune therapies26:30 - Managing side effects of immunotherapy and the importance of personalized treatment plans31:20 - The role of genomic tools like oncotype scores and KI-67 in tailoring therapy37:25 - The meaning of "cure" in breast cancer and how long-term remission is achieved41:14 - How to discuss clinical trials with your healthcare team and access new treatments46:32 - The current state of biomarkers to predict immunotherapy response and ongoing research49:23 - Biggest unanswered questions and future outlook for breast cancer immunotherapy52:13 - Key questions to ask your doctor about immunotherapy options and clinical trials Resources & Links:C ⁠UT Southwestern Simmons Cancer Center⁠⁠Jim Allison - Nobel Laureate for Immune Checkpoint Research⁠⁠KEYNOTE Trials for Breast Cancer⁠⁠Open Evidence Platform for Clinical Trials⁠⁠Liquid Biopsies and Genomic Testing in Breast Cancer⁠ Details: How Immunotherapy Is Revolutionizing Breast Cancer Treatment Right Now In this episode of My Breast Cancer Advocate, Jill Frank speaks with Dr. Heather McArthur, Clinical Director of the Breast Cancer Program at UT Southwestern Simmons Cancer Center, about how immunotherapy is transforming breast cancer care. Dr. McArthur explains why immunotherapy, once thought ineffective in breast cancer, is now improving outcomes for patients with triple-negative disease and showing promise in ER-positive cancers. She discusses why giving immunotherapy before surgery, combined with chemotherapy, helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer more effectively. The conversation also explores cryoablation, an innovative approach that freezes tumors to expose cancer cells to the immune system, potentially creating long-lasting immune memory. Dr. McArthur reviews current clinical trials, who may benefit most from immunotherapy, possible side effects, and why biomarkers are key to more personalized treatment. She encourages patients to ask their doctors if immunotherapy or a clinical trial may be appropriate, emphasizing that today's research is shaping tomorrow's standard of care and offering new hope for people living with breast cancer.

  3. Jul 1

    The First 7 Days After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis: A Step-by-Step Guide

    Jill Frank shares a compassionate, step-by-step guide for navigating the first week after a breast cancer diagnosis, emphasizing understanding, organization, and confidence in decision-making. Key Topics: Initial emotional response to diagnosisImportance of gathering information and asking questionsBuilding your medical team and understanding rolesDeciding who to tell and managing supportQuestions to ask your healthcare teamManaging online information and resourcesPreparing for upcoming appointments and logisticsThe difference between urgency and panic in decision-making Chapters 00:00 Introduction and overview of the first week after diagnosis 00:30 The emotional impact of diagnosis and initial reactions 01:28 The importance of giving yourself time to process 02:26 Understanding that timely does not mean rushed 02:57 Day 1: Processing and obtaining reports 04:26 Organizing your medical information and questions 06:51 Understanding your diagnosis and specific tumor factors 07:48 Key medical terms and what they mean 09:15 Genomic testing and personalized treatment options 10:11 The importance of gathering complete information 11:07 Building your care team and understanding roles 13:09 Choosing the right doctors and seeking second opinions 14:38 Deciding who to tell and managing emotional support 19:01 Preparing questions for your healthcare team 21:26 Managing online information and avoiding overwhelm 22:12 Protecting your peace and trusting credible resources 25:04 Preparing for upcoming appointments and logistics 27:03 Confidence over urgency: making thoughtful decisions 28:20 Reassurance: You don’t have to do this alone 29:27 Final thoughts: Confidence is understanding

  4. Jun 9

    The Power of a Second Opinion: Why Your Voice Matters in Your Cancer Journey

    Most women never realize how much a second opinion could change everything—until they hear Jill Frank’s personal story of uncovering critical details that her initial team missed. If you've ever felt dismissed, confused, or that something just doesn’t add up in your cancer journey, this episode is your wake-up call. Jill shares the raw, detailed story of her breast cancer diagnosis, treatment decisions, and the power of advocating for herself when the stakes are highest. From discovering a discrepancy in her staging to questioning treatment recommendations based on incomplete information, she reveals how intuitive suspicion and diligent record review uncovered truths her doctors didn’t initially share. Her journey highlights the importance of understanding your numbers—like KI67 and oncotype scores—and why asking whether your treatment is on- or off-label can make all the difference. You'll discover: The critical questions to ask your doctors about staging, risk, and treatment optionsHow to identify red flags in your medical advice and recordsThe nuances of off-label treatments and why full transparency is your rightPractical steps for seeking second opinions that can alter your path to recoveryThe surprising ways a drug meant for high-risk cases can sometimes produce remarkable results, even when used off-labelThis episode is essential listening if you're navigating a cancer diagnosis or supporting a loved one through treatment decisions. Ignorance and assumptions can limit your options—being fully informed opens the door to better outcomes, less invasive procedures, and peace of mind. Jill’s story proves that your intuition and questions are your best tools in a complicated system that often leaves patients in the dark. Trust your gut, review your records, and never settle for a one-sided story. Your health journey deserves true transparency—and this episode will give you the confidence to demand it. Because when it comes to your body, second opinions aren’t just an option—they’re a necessity. Chapters: Introduction to Second Opinions Jill introduces the importance of second opinions and shares her personal journey.Initial Diagnosis and Discrepancies Jill discusses her initial breast cancer diagnosis and the discrepancies she discovered.The Recurrence and Uncovering Truths Jill talks about her recurrence and how she uncovered critical information on her own.Treatment Decisions and Off-Label Use Jill explains the treatment decisions made, including the off-label use of Verzenio.The Impact of Verzenio Jill shares the surprising effectiveness of Verzenio despite the initial mischaracterization.The Importance of Informed Consent Jill emphasizes the need for honesty and informed consent in treatment decisions.Key Takeaways for Patients Jill provides actionable advice for patients, including seeking second opinions and understanding treatment options.Conclusion and Call to Action Jill concludes with a call to action for listeners to advocate for themselves and share their stories.

  5. May 13

    Reclaiming Sexuality After Breast Cancer: A Guide for Women

    This interview explores the impact of cancer treatments on female sexual health, addressing physical, emotional, and psychological aspects. Experts Drs. Katz & Tabisel provide insights on managing atrophy, emotional well-being, and communication with partners, emphasizing the importance of proactive education and support. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sexual Health and Cancer 02:56 Understanding the Impact of Cancer Treatments 05:52 Addressing Sexual Dysfunction Post-Treatment 08:44 Dilation and Vaginal Health 11:36 Navigating Emotional and Psychological Effects 14:50 The Importance of Pre-Treatment Education 17:54 Restoring Sexual Health After Cancer 20:45 Emotional Connections Beyond Sexual Intercourse 27:36 Navigating Sexual Health Post-Cancer 29:54 Understanding Changes in Sexual Intimacy 32:46 Breaking the Stigma Around Sexual Health 36:22 The Importance of Communication in Relationships 41:12 Empowering Women to Own Their Sexuality 47:48 Exploring the Essential Nature of Sexual Connection

  6. Apr 24

    Let’s Talk About Sex After Breast Cancer (Yes, Really)

    Sex after breast cancer—why aren’t we talking about it more? In this powerful episode, Jill Frank sits down with sexologist Dr. Ross Lynn Tabisel to break the silence around intimacy, desire, and body confidence after treatment. From unexpected side effects to the emotional toll on relationships, nothing is off-limits. They discuss what many patients aren’t told, why sexual dysfunction is so common, and how women can take back control of their bodies and their pleasure—on their own terms. Raw, real, and deeply validating, this conversation shines a light on an essential part of survivorship that deserves attention.

  7. Apr 9

    What Happens to Intimacy After Breast Cancer? (Teaser)

    What happens to intimacy after breast cancer? It’s one of the most common—and least talked about—challenges women face after treatment. In this upcoming episode, we sit down with Dr. Ross Lynn Tabisel and Dr. Ditza Katz of Women’s Therapy Center to break the silence around sex, healing, and reclaiming connection after cancer. No shame. No filters. Just real conversations that matter. Stay tuned for the full episode.

  8. Mar 27

    Breast Cancer Recurrence: Why Treatment Changes the Second Time

    When breast cancer comes back, everything changes — not just emotionally, but medically. In this deeply personal episode of My Breast Cancer Advocate, Jill Frank — two-time breast cancer survivor and co-founder of MyBreastCancerAdvocate.com — shares what it’s really like to face a recurrence 14 years after a double mastectomy. From the emotional shift between a first diagnosis and a second, to the complex and highly individualized treatment decisions that follow, Jill walks you through her real-world experience with: How treatment strategy evolves after recurrenceWhy systemic therapy (including hormone therapy and targeted drugs like Verzenio) may come before surgeryHow targeted treatment can reduce the extent of surgeryWhat to know about radiation options, including IMRT and VMATThe realities of side effects and recoveryWhy advocacy looks different — and more powerful — the second time aroundThis episode breaks down complicated medical concepts into clear, understandable insights — while also offering reassurance, perspective, and empowerment for anyone navigating recurrence. Key takeaway:Recurrence is serious — but it is not hopeless. When caught early, it is still treatable, manageable, and approached with curative intent. Whether you're facing recurrence yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode will leave you better informed and more confident in the decisions ahead. Next episode: Dr. Ross Tabisel joins us to discuss sexual side effects after breast cancer treatment — and what can be done to improve them.

  9. Mar 13

    Facing Recurrence — Advocacy After a Mastectomy

    Fourteen years after my mastectomy, I discovered something no survivor wants to face — a local breast cancer recurrence. In this deeply personal episode, I share how a small lump found during a routine OB/GYN visit led to same-day imaging, a biopsy, and ultimately a diagnosis of early local recurrence. I walk you through the difference between local and distant recurrence, why my original low Oncotype DX score didn’t predict this, and how advocacy — once again — changed everything. We’ll talk about: • Trusting your instincts • Navigating delays in today’s healthcare system • The importance of multiple medical perspectives • Early detection after mastectomy • Treatment decisions, including targeted therapy and surgery This episode is a reminder that vigilance doesn’t end after treatment — and that self-advocacy can make all the difference in outcomes. If you’re a survivor, newly diagnosed, or supporting someone through breast cancer, this conversation is for you. Knowledge is power. Advocacy is everything.

  10. Feb 27

    The Zigs and Zags — Surgery, Treatment, and Finding My Voice

    The Zigs and Zags — Surgery, Treatment, and Finding My Voice What happens after the diagnosis? In this episode of My Breast Cancer Advocate, Jill Frank shares what came next after transferring her care to MD Anderson—the surgery, the repeat testing, the treatment decisions, and the emotional pivots no one truly prepares you for. From undergoing a mastectomy and navigating reconstruction decisions to interpreting her Oncotype DX score of 9, Jill walks listeners through the complex reality of Stage 2B, ER/PR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. She opens up about choosing hormone therapy over chemotherapy and radiation—and the quiet emotional weight that comes with choosing less treatment based on data. This episode explores: • Why second opinions matter• The difference between stage and tumor biology• What the Oncotype DX test really predicts• The psychological burden of treatment decisions• Why “more treatment” isn’t always better treatment• The critical difference between local recurrence and distant metastasis Jill also shares the unexpected moment years later when cancer returned—locally, in the skin and chest wall after mastectomy—and the powerful advocacy lesson that followed. Breast cancer is rarely a straight line. It’s full of zigs and zags.And sometimes finding your voice is the most important part of the journey. Because knowledge is power—and advocacy makes all the difference. Subscribe and join the conversation.

  11. Season 1 Trailer

    Welcome to My Breast Cancer Advocate | Official Trailer

    Welcome to My Breast Cancer Advocate. In this short trailer, host Jill Frank—two-time breast cancer survivor and founder of MyBreastCancerAdvocate.com—introduces the heart behind the podcast and who it’s created for. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with breast cancer… are facing treatment decisions… trying to understand your pathology report… or wondering whether you should seek a second opinion—this podcast is for you. Each episode is designed to help you feel more informed, more confident, and more empowered as you navigate your care. Through personal experience, real conversations, and trusted guidance, Jill shares the advocacy lessons she learned firsthand—so you don’t have to figure it out alone. Because when it comes to breast cancer, knowledge is power—and advocacy makes all the difference. Subscribe now and begin your journey with support, clarity, and confidence.

  12. Feb 13

    Why I Became a Breast Cancer Advocate

    In the very first episode of My Breast Cancer Advocate, host Jill Frank—two-time breast cancer survivor and founder of MyBreastCancerAdvocate.com—shares the deeply personal story that transformed her from patient to advocate. Diagnosed thirteen years ago with Stage 2B ER/PR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, Jill walks listeners through the shock of diagnosis, the complexity of lymph node involvement, and the overwhelming process of assembling a medical team. She opens up about a pivotal moment—a life-changing phone call delivered in the wrong way—that became her wake-up call to step into her power and advocate for herself. From navigating surgical decisions and reconstruction changes to ultimately transferring her care to MD Anderson, Jill reflects on the lessons that shaped her mission: trust your doctors, but never give up your voice. This episode is about empowerment, informed decision-making, and reminding every woman facing breast cancer that she is not alone. Because knowledge is power—and advocacy makes all the difference.

Trailer

About

Hosted by breast cancer advocate Jill Frank, this podcast offers real conversations, expert insights, and practical support for anyone navigating breast cancer—whether you're newly diagnosed, in treatment, or supporting a loved one. Honest, human, and here for you. Each week, I talk with patients, doctors, nurses, caregivers, and experts about the human side of breast cancer. We’ll cover the conversations you’ll have with your care team, how to make informed decisions, and the small things that can make a big difference during a hard time. This show is here for real talk, calm in the chaos.

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