SIS: Sisters in Survivorship

Sisters Network
  • 5.0 (2)
  • 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. 1D AGO

    9: Young Doesn’t Mean Safe: Kiara Prince on Being Diagnosed With Breast Cancer at 36

    At 36 years old, Kiara Prince was diagnosed with breast cancer with no family history, no genetic risk, and no warning signs. In this episode of SIS: Sisters In Survivorship, Kiara shares how she discovered her lump by accident, what it felt like to hear the words “you have breast cancer” at such a young age, and how she navigated the overwhelming decisions around surgery, treatment, and hormone therapy. Kiara also opens up about the financial realities of treatment, the support of her family and friends, and how she found strength through visibility, sisterhood, and faith. Her story is a wake-up call for young Black women to listen to their bodies, advocate for themselves, and never delay getting checked. This conversation is raw, emotional, and full of hope. Stay tuned as Kiara reminds us that survivorship is more than survival: it’s resilience, advocacy, and choosing joy in the face of fear. ✨ Learn more: sistersnetworkinc.org   🔔 Subscribe for more episodes of SIS: Sisters In Survivorship KEY POINTS:  - [3:31] Discovering the lump by accident while at home - [8:25] Going through a biopsy alone and getting the diagnosis - [11:07] The whirlwind of appointments, genetic testing, and facing reality - [13:49] Losing her job, navigating COBRA, and the financial strain of treatment - [15:20] Moving back to Texas for family support - [16:29] Surgery decisions: lumpectomy vs. mastectomy - [19:08] Facing the choice of chemotherapy vs. radiation - [22:57] Hormone suppression, side effects, and medical menopause at 37 - [29:58] Long-term medications and living with extreme fatigue - [32:21] Learning the statistics for young Black women with breast cancer - [35:34] How her family, friends, and father’s health guidance supported her - [39:37] The hardest part: telling her family and processing alone - [41:22] The power of visibility and young women sharing their journeys online - [43:53] What “survivor” means to Kiara today - [47:54] Kiara’s advice to young Black women under 40 QUOTES: "No one knows your body like you. If you see, feel anything abnormal that you know was not there a couple weeks ago, a month ago, get it checked out. Do not hesitate." – Kiara Prince "This diagnosis didn't break me, it actually built a new version of me." – Kiara Prince "Survivor means to listen to yourself. Listen to that inner voice – to never give up no matter what your diagnosis is, no matter what they're telling you, no matter what they're recommending or suggesting, to always just listen to yourself, to keep going, to keep a positive attitude – because that's the most important thing." – Kiara Prince "Being young doesn't protect you, but awareness does." – Kiara Prince RESOURCES:  Website - sistersnetworkinc.org IG -  @sistersnetwork YouTube Channel - @SisInSurvivorshipPodcast

    43 min

  2. JAN 28

    Survival Isn't The End: Dr. April Spencer on How to Move Forward With Intention

    In this powerful segment from SIS: Sisters In Survivorship, Dr. April Spencer, board-certified breast surgeon and author of Treat It, Beat It, Move On, explains why true healing requires more than surgery or chemo. Dr. Spencer challenges women to become the “surgeons” of their own lives by cutting out toxic people, environments, and habits that no longer serve them. She reframes cancer not as an obstacle, but as an opportunity to prioritize mental health, rest, faith, boundaries, and whole-body wellness. This conversation is a must-watch for survivors who feel stuck, exhausted, or pressured to return to “normal” after treatment. Healing is about becoming a better version of yourself and moving forward with intention. RESOURCES Dr. April Spencer Website - draprilspencer.com Website - sistersnetworkinc.org IG -  @sistersnetwork YouTube Channel - @SisInSurvivorshipPodcast

    4 min

  3. JAN 21

    8: Treat It, Beat It & Move On: Dr. April Spencer on Thriving After Breast Cancer

    In this episode of SIS: Sisters In Survivorship, Caleen Allen welcomes Dr. April Spencer, nationally recognized breast surgeon, author, and advocate known as the “praying surgeon.”  With over 20 years of experience in breast oncology, Dr. Spencer blends medical expertise with faith, helping women not only treat breast cancer but also beat it and ultimately move on. She shares the philosophy behind her book Treat It, Beat It & Move On, the importance of prioritizing “best health” beyond breast health, and why survivorship is about reclaiming purpose and power. From addressing the Black breast cancer crisis to the role of faith, rest, and lifestyle changes, Dr. Spencer reminds us that healing is not just physical…it’s actually a mix of spiritual, mental, and emotional aspects, too. Don’t miss this! Tune in and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement to treat it, beat it, and move on.  ✨ Learn more: sistersnetworkinc.org  KEY POINTS  - [00:00] Introduction - [2:59] Dr. April Spencer’s 22-year journey as a breast cancer surgeon and her passion for women’s health. - [3:32] Why she embraces being called the “praying surgeon” and the role of faith in healing. - [5:07] The inspiration behind her book, Treat It, Beat It & Move On. - [7:23] Redefining survivorship through mental, physical, spiritual, and financial “best health.” - [8:50] Why self-care and rest are vital for survival. - [9:56] Reframing diagnosis: “You may have cancer, but cancer doesn’t have you.” - [12:03] The danger of rejecting full treatment plans. - [13:51] The Black breast cancer crisis with higher mortality rates - [17:01] Why genetic testing matters for young women and high-risk patients. - [21:13] Stronger than ever: Moving forward after treatment. QUOTES  “Treat It, Beat It & Move On is a book that I launched in October of last year, and it was many years in the making. ... I wanted to inspire women to be the surgeons in their life, like the sole surgeon in their life, and cut out anything or anyone that wasn't adding value.” – Dr. April Spencer “You can't take care of anyone if you are not your mental, physical, spiritual, and financial best self.” – Dr. April Spencer “My practice philosophy is led by faith but rooted in facts. What's your diagnosis? What's the treatment strategy? We're not going to deviate from the plan…” – Dr. April Spencer “Healing isn't just about your body. It's believing that you can treat it, beat it, and move on.” – Dr. April Spencer RESOURCES Dr. April Spencer Website - draprilspencer.com Website - sistersnetworkinc.org IG -  @sistersnetwork YouTube Channel - @SisInSurvivorshipPodcast

    24 min

  4. JAN 14

    Newly Diagnosed & Overwhelmed? Here’s What to Ask Your Doctor

    When a woman is first diagnosed with breast cancer, the fear and overwhelm can be paralyzing. In this segment from SIS: Sisters In Survivorship, Dr. Nina Tamarisa, breast surgical oncologist at MD Anderson, breaks down exactly how she helps patients quiet the noise, understand their diagnosis, and make informed decisions about treatment. Dr. Tamarisa shares the key questions every woman should ask her surgeon, why referrals to fertility specialists, plastic surgeons, and integrative medicine matter, and the alarming rise of breast cancer in younger Black women. ✨ A must-watch for anyone navigating a new diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or learning how to advocate for your breast health. RESOURCES:  Dr. Nina Tamirisa Website - mdanderson.org/profiles/nina_tamirisa  Website - sistersnetworkinc.org IG -  @sistersnetwork YouTube Channel - @SisInSurvivorshipPodcast

    6 min

  5. JAN 7

    7: Your Care Should Fit YOU: How to Advocate for Treatment You Deserve | Dr. Nina Tamarisa

    In this episode of SIS: Sisters In Survivorship, host Caleen Allen sits down with Dr. Nina Tamirisa, breast surgical oncologist and associate professor at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Known for her patient-first philosophy, Dr. Tamirisa breaks down what every woman should know about breast surgery, treatment options, and advocating for yourself. From lumpectomy vs. mastectomy to breast reconstruction, shared decision-making, fertility concerns, and the rise of breast cancer in younger Black women, Dr. Tamirisa offers practical, compassionate insight that could save lives. She explains why listening matters as much as treatment, how lifestyle factors like age and density influence care, and what questions women should be asking their doctors. This conversation is a must for survivors, caregivers, and women who want to understand their choices, reduce fear, and approach their treatment care with confidence. ✨ Learn more: sistersnetworkinc.org KEY POINTS: - [0:00] Introduction - [6:19] Meet Dr. Nina Tamirisa, breast surgical oncologist at MD Anderson - [7:46] The role of breast surgical oncologists vs. medical oncologists - [8:03] Why listening to patients is central to care - [9:07] Lumpectomy vs. mastectomy - [11:02] Options for women with large tumors and reconstruction choices - [14:01] Building trust with patients in moments of fear - [16:06] Questions every woman should ask her surgeon - [17:18] How age, fertility, and lifestyle affect treatment planning - [18:52] The rise of breast cancer in young Black women - [20:11] Treating women with multiple cancers in different breasts - [20:52] “Their outcome is my outcome” – Dr. Tamirisa’s philosophy - [22:22] Challenges after surgery, including lymphedema and healing - [35:34] Dr. Tamirisa’s vision for patient care and reducing disparities QUOTES: “What we're offering to you for treatment is really tailored treatment, so we're taking into account that these are the important things in your life, but we also want to offer the best in the oncologic care.” – Dr. Nina Tamirisa “Part of what drew me to surgery, I think, is that I really, really care about my patients. And I think when you make an incision, you kind of own all the things that come with that, so it ties you to that patient forever.” – Dr. Nina Tamirisa “I always try to ask what's important to you, what matters to you, and then we were going to do our best to do whatever we can to treat this and make sure it doesn't come back.” – Dr. Nina Tamirisa RESOURCES: Dr. Nina Tamirisa Website - mdanderson.org/profiles/nina_tamirisa  Website - sistersnetworkinc.org IG -  @sistersnetwork YouTube Channel - @SisInSurvivorshipPodcast

    32 min

  6. 12/17/2025

    6: The Stress–Cancer Link: 2-Time Survivor Dee Manuel Cloud on Stress, Survival & Self-Advocacy

    On today’s episode of SIS: Sisters In Survivorship, host Caleen Allen sits down with Dee Manuel Cloud, a two-time breast cancer survivor, recovery strategist, and unapologetic truth-teller. Diagnosed first at 35 (and again at 38), Dee shares how stress, suppressed emotions, and “suffering in silence” shaped her journey as well as how she transformed her pain into purpose. From leaving an unhappy marriage, to walking away from a high-stress job, to embracing her truth as a member of the LGBTQ community, Dee opens up about the life changes that helped her not only survive but thrive. Now 17 years in remission, Dee calls herself a breast cancer recovery strategist and equips women to prioritize their health, reduce stress, set boundaries, and live authentically. She also speaks powerfully about why Black women must advocate for themselves, how stress and systemic inequities impact survivorship, and why living boldly is the only way forward. Tune in as this episode is a masterclass in resilience, advocacy, and authenticity. ✨ Learn more: sistersnetworkinc.org  🔔 Subscribe for more episodes of SIS: Sisters In Survivorship! KEY POINTS:  - [0:00] Introduction  - [3:20] Dee’s first breast cancer diagnosis at 35 - [6:43] A second diagnosis at 38 and the wake-up call about stress - [8:42] Treatment decisions: from lumpectomy to mastectomy - [12:05] Alopecia, wigs, and navigating hair loss with humor - [15:15] What she wishes she had done differently the first time - [16:14] The cost of silence and suppressed emotions - [17:30] Divorce, career changes, and coming out authentically - [19:52] Survivorship is more than ringing the bell… - [20:58] Becoming a “breast cancer recovery strategist” - [26:50] Why the Strong Black Woman narrative is dangerous - [30:51] What to say to young women newly diagnosed  - [39:29] Finding joy and purpose in helping women reduce stress QUOTES: "It's easier to live a healthy lifestyle than it is to manage sickness." – Dee Manuel Cloud "Quality of life is just as important as quantity of life." – Dee Manuel Cloud "Some gifts come wrapped in sandpaper, right? That's what breast cancer was for me… It taught me authenticity. It taught me vulnerability. It taught me to not live in fear and to go after the life I want instead of the life I thought I was supposed to want." – Dee Manuel Cloud "We don't rise to the level of our goals, we fall to the system of our strategies." – Dee Manuel Cloud RESOURCES:  Dee Manuel Cloud  Website - https://www.deemanuelcloud.com/  Website - https://www.sistersnetworkinc.org/  IG -  https://www.instagram.com/sistersnetwork/

    33 min

  7. 12/15/2025

    Steps You Can Take Today to Reduce Stress & Strengthen Your Health Long-Term

    In this powerful segment from SIS: Sisters In Survivorship, two-time breast cancer survivor Dee Manuel Cloud breaks down the truth about survivorship and why it doesn’t end when you ring the bell. She explains how stress weakens the immune system, why Black women face higher mortality rates, and how the “Strong Black Woman” narrative leads to burnout, suppressed emotions, and poor health outcomes. Dee shares the strategies that helped her stay in remission — from morning routines to accountability partners — and why boundaries, self-advocacy, and saying no are lifesaving tools for Black women. ✨ A must-watch for anyone navigating stress, survivorship, or high-pressure environments. Presented by Sisters Network Inc. RESOURCES:  Dee Manuel Cloud  Website - deemanuelcloud.com Website - sistersnetworkinc.org IG -  @sistersnetwork YouTube Channel - @SisInSurvivorshipPodcast

    8 min

  8. 12/10/2025

    How to Speak Up for Yourself in the Doctor's Office | Athena Jones on Self-Advocacy

    When doctors dismiss your symptoms, it can cost you everything. In this powerful segment from SIS: Sisters In Survivorship, award-winning journalist and two-time breast cancer survivor Athena Jones shares why Black women must challenge their doctors, push for screening, and ask for proof — not reassurance. She explains how insisting on answers saved a 31-year-old woman’s life, why bringing someone with you to appointments matters, and how sisterhood through Sisters Network Inc. offers life-saving support. ✨ This clip is a must-watch for any woman who’s ever felt dismissed in a doctor’s office. Self-advocacy saves lives. RESOURCES:  Athena Jones IG - @iamathenajones Website - sistersnetworkinc.org IG -  @sistersnetwork YouTube Channel - @sistersnetworkinc.8895/featured

    6 min
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About

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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