Test Those Breasts ™️

Jamie Vaughn
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  • Medicine

This podcast by Jamie Vaughn is a deep-dive discussion on a myriad of breast cancer topics, such as early detection, the initial shock of diagnosis, testing/scans, treatment, loss of hair, caregiving, surgery, emotional support, and advocacy. These episodes will include breast cancer survivors, thrivers, caregivers, surgeons, oncologists, therapists, and other specialists who can speak to many different topics. Disclaimer: I  am not a doctor and not all information in this podcast comes from qualified health care providers,  therefore does not constitute medical advice. For personalized medical advice, you should reach out to one of the qualified healthcare providers interviewed on this podcast and/or seek medical advice from your own providers.

  1. 5d ago

    Ep. 134: Breast Imaging, Dense Breasts & Early Detection with Dr. Kimberly Beavers

    Did you know that breast cancer risk assessment should begin as early as age 25? In this episode of the Test Those Breasts Podcast, host Jamie Vaughn welcomes Dr. Kimberly Beavers, a fellowship-trained breast imaging radiologist and clinical assistant professor at NYU Langone Health, for an eye-opening conversation about breast cancer screening, dense breasts, personal risk, and self-advocacy. Dr. Beavers explains why mammograms remain essential for early detection, how dense breast tissue can affect screening, and when supplemental imaging such as ultrasound or MRI may be recommended. They also address common mammogram misconceptions, the importance of knowing your lifetime breast cancer risk, and the proposed Find It Early Act, which aims to reduce financial barriers to supplemental screening. Because breast health education should begin long before a diagnosis! In This EpisodeWhy breast cancer risk assessment by age 25 matters.Understanding dense breasts and supplemental screening.Mammogram myths, safety, and early detection.The Tyrer-Cuzick breast cancer risk assessment model.Advocating for personalized screening and care.The Find It Early Act and access to screening.Connect with Dr. Kimberly BeaversInstagram, LinkedIn, X & Bluesky: @kbeaversmd Helpful ResourcesBreast Cancer Risk Calculator: https://magview.com/ibis-risk-calculator/Dense Breast Information: https://densebreast-info.org/ACR Screening Guidelines: https://www.acr.org/News-and-Publications/Media-Center/2023/New-ACR-Breast-Cancer-Screening-Guidelines-call-for-earlier-screening-for-high-risk-womenFind It Early Act: https://finditearlyact.org/Support Test Those BreastsTest Those Breasts, Inc.® is a nonprofit dedicated to accessible, evidence-based breast health education, early detection, and advocacy. Learn more: https://testthosebreasts.org/ Support our mission: https://testthosebreasts.org/donate/ 💗 Find it early, Change the outcome.

  2. Oct 20

    Ep. 133: Beyond Breast Cancer: Mental Health, Going Flat & Moving Forward w/ Michele Pilon

    In Episode 133 of Test Those Breasts, host Jamie Vaughn welcomes Michele Pilon, founder of Washington Wellness with Michele, national Mental Health First Aid trainer, and breast cancer survivor. Diagnosed at 43 after discovering a painful, movable lump, Michele shares her journey through breast cancer treatment, her decision to embrace aesthetic flat closure, and the emotional and physical challenges of survivorship. Together, Jamie and Michele discuss mental health, medical anxiety, self-advocacy, body image, and the importance of having a supportive care team. Michele also challenges the idea that cancer survivors must be exceptionally "strong" or "brave," reminding us that sometimes moving forward simply means taking life one day at a time. An honest and empowering conversation about making informed choices, finding support, and navigating life beyond breast cancer. Connect with MicheleWashington Wellness with Michele Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wawellnesswmichele/ Website: https://wawellnessmichele.wixsite.com/westernwashingtonwel Mental Health ResourcesMental Health First Aid VideoMental Health First Aid Interest FormTeen Mental Health Awareness Interest Form988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 for free, confidential support.Aesthetic Flat Closure ResourcesNot Putting on a Shirt — Flat closure education and surgeon resources.Facebook Support Communities: Fantastic Flat FashionFierce Flat ForwardFabulously Flat Not ReconstructingSupport Test Those BreastsLearn more about our breast health education programs, attend a class, or support our nonprofit mission at https://testthosebreasts.org. Find it early. Change the outcome. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.

  3. Oct 14

    Ep. 132: Introducing Test Those Breasts at UNR! | Meet Founder Jamie Vaughn

    🎙️ New voices. New perspectives. Same mission. Welcome to the very first episode of the Test Those Breasts at UNR Podcast! University of Nevada, Reno student and host Sadhana Balasubramanian sits down with Jamie Vaughn, founder and president of Test Those Breasts, Inc.®, to talk about her breast cancer diagnosis, how her experience inspired a podcast and nonprofit, and why breast health education matters long before a diagnosis. From the personal story behind the TTB owl logo to Jamie's vision for reaching young adults, this conversation introduces the mission behind Test Those Breasts® and the students helping carry it forward. So, what is Test Those Breasts at UNR? It's a student-led club at the University of Nevada, Reno, supporting the mission of Test Those Breasts, Inc.®, a Northern Nevada 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to accessible, evidence-based breast health education. Through The MBA Program™ (My Best Act), our peer-to-peer breast health education initiative, students are helping their peers recognize warning signs, understand risk factors, and learn how to advocate for their breast health. As a Know Your Lemons® Global Partner, Test Those Breasts® uses their evidence-based breast health curriculum to bring accurate, accessible education into our communities. And now they're taking those conversations to the microphone! 💗 Want to get involved? Follow the UNR club on Instagram: @ttb.unr Email: testthosebreastsunr@gmail.com Learn more: https://www.testthosebreasts.org Find it early. Change the outcome. This podcast is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.

  4. Sep 15

    Ep. 131 When “99% Sure” Isn’t Enough: Genetic Risk, Self-Advocacy & Prevention with Krista Brown

    What happens when three specialists are almost certain something isn’t cancer, but your gut tells you to keep asking questions? In this episode, Jamie sits down with Krista Brown, MS, RN, oncology nurse navigator, breast cancer survivor, and cancer prevention advocate for a powerful conversation about hereditary breast cancer risk, genetic testing, early detection, and patient self-advocacy. After learning that she carried an ATM genetic mutation, Krista began increased breast screening and started planning a preventive mastectomy. When an MRI revealed an abnormality, she was initially advised to wait and follow up. Even after multiple specialists reassured her that it was almost certainly not cancer, Krista couldn't shake the feeling that she needed more answers. She advocated for herself and requested a breast biopsy  It was Stage 1A breast cancer. Krista and Jamie talk about hereditary cancer risk, genetic testing Genetic mutations, early detection, second opinions, prevention, lifestyle, and why advocating for yourself can be difficult, even when you're a nurse. They also explore one of Krista's most important messages: “Don't confuse being healthy with being invincible.” This conversation is a powerful reminder that breast cancer  prevention isn't about perfection. It's about knowing your risk, knowing your family history, getting appropriate screenings, asking questions, and becoming an active participant in your own healthcare. Connect with KristaInstagram: @cancer.prevention.rn https://www.instagram.com/cancer.prevention.rn/ LinkedIn: Krista Brown https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-brown-b71956249/ ResourcesTest Those Breasts® https://testthosebreasts.org Find it early. Change the outcome.® This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice.

  5. Sep 10

    Episode 130 (Part 2) Still Here, Still Becoming w/Krystal with a K

    In Part Two of my conversation with Krystal, we continue her breast cancer survivor story and explore what life after breast cancer can really look like, the plot twists keep coming.  Krystal opens up about dating after cancer, fertility, miscarriage, finding love, becoming a mom again, and the devastating experience of losing a dear friend to metastatic breast cancer. Then, what was supposed to be a breast reconstruction revision led to an unexpected discovery: remaining breast tissue and another breast cancer diagnosis. We talk candidly about breast reconstruction, DIEP flap surgery, body image, scanxiety, self-advocacy, and the emotional toll of being expected to stay positive or become a “beacon of hope” when you're struggling yourself. Krystal also shares why she eventually stepped away from nonprofit leadership, how Plot Twist: Still Alive became another way to connect through humor and honesty, and what she's creating next with Happily Epic After. This conversation is raw, funny, emotional, and very real, because surviving breast cancer doesn't mean you have to “get over it.” You may be changed by what happened to you, but you still get to decide what comes next. In this episode: Life after breast cancer: dating, fertility, motherhood and finding love Another breast cancer diagnosisDIEP flap reconstruction and body imageScanxiety, toxic positivity and self-advocacy after breast cancer Humor as a coping mechanismKnowing when it's time to choose yourselfPlot Twist: Still AliveHappily Epic AfterContent note: This episode includes candid conversations about cancer, miscarriage, grief, reconstruction, abuse, mental health and adult language. CONNECT WITH KRYSTAL & RESOURCES Plot Twist: Still Alive Website: www.plottwiststillalive.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/plottwiststillalive Facebook: www.facebook.com/share/1DDDaLCAQj/ Pink Warrior Advocates Breast cancer support, financial assistance, care kits, support meetups, and restorative tattoo assistance. www.pinkwarrioradvocates.org Dr. Chris Schneider | Austin Face & Body www.austinfaceandbody.com/our-providers/dr-chris-schneider/ Happily Epic After Retreats and adventures supporting women after cancer and other life-changing experiences. www.happilyepicafter.com Finding HER Again Retreat | October 23–25 | Texas Hill Country Applications for this retreat are closed, but cancer survivors can complete the Find Your Epic Profile to learn about future retreats and adventures. Sponsorships are also available to help warriors attend at no cost. Find Your Epic Profile: www.happilyepicafter.com/find-your-epic-adventure-profile

  6. Sep 1

    Episode 129 (Part 1): If I’m Too Much, Go Find Less! Cancer, Chaos & Krystal with a K

    Three-time cancer survivor. Nurse. Mom. Chaos coordinator. Podcast host. And a woman who is absolutely not interested in sugarcoating cancer. In Part 1 of Episode 129, Jamie sits down with Krystal with a K, host of Plot Twist: Still Alive, for a conversation that is raw, hilarious, emotional, occasionally profane, and very, very real. Krystal’s cancer journey began when she was just three years old. Decades later, at 32, newly divorced, raising two young children and fresh out of nursing school, she found a lump in her own breast. She would eventually learn that the radiation that helped save her life as a child may have contributed to her breast cancer years later. Krystal talks about the fear and anger, but also the absurdity and humor she found along the way—from BreastFest, where she shaved her head before cancer could take her hair, to $35 Amazon wigs with names, accents and entire backstories. Underneath the laughs is a powerful conversation about breast cancer in young women, using your voice, knowing your body, pushing back when something doesn’t feel right, setting boundaries around toxic positivity, and refusing to accept “you’re too young” as an answer. And perhaps the most Krystal line of the episode: “If I’m too much, go find less.” Because when it comes to your healthcare, sometimes you have to be too much. Part 1 closes with Krystal meeting Jen, a fellow young breast cancer warrior whose friendship would introduce her to advocacy, volunteering and a community she didn’t even know she needed. And that's where we leave you, because Krystal with a K has a whole lot more plot twists coming in Part 2. In Part 1Childhood cancer and the treatment that saved Krystal’s lifeFinding her own breast lump at 32Double mastectomy, Oncotype testing and chemotherapyBreast cancer in young women and why “you’re too young” isn’t good enoughLearning to use your voice and be “too much”Toxic positivity and boundariesConnect with KrystalPlot Twist: Still Alive Website: www.plottwiststillalive.com Instagram: @plottwiststillalive Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DDDaLCAQj/ Email: plottwiststillalive@gmail.com ResourcesPink Warrior Advocates www.pinkwarrioradvocates.org Happily Epic After www.happilyepicafter.com Connect with Test Those Breasts®Website: www.testthosebreasts.org Support our work: www.testthosebreasts.org/donate/

  7. Aug 27

    Ep. 128: When Survivorship Isn’t a Straight Line: Myra Marangi’s Story

    What happens when breast cancer is found early, but the health journey is far from over? In this episode of the Test Those Breasts® Podcast, Jamie sits down with Myra Marangi, a DCIS breast cancer survivor, lifelong dancer and fitness instructor whose survivorship journey has included reconstruction, lymphedema, unexplained pain and mobility issues, inflammatory myositis, and most recently, a ruptured breast implant. Myra shares the years-long process of searching for answers and learning to advocate for herself when she knew something wasn’t right. Jamie and Myra also talk candidly about breast reconstruction choices, the importance of researching your options and your surgeon’s experience, and how overwhelming it can be to make life-changing decisions while newly diagnosed. Myra’s advice? “Do your homework. Do your homework thoroughly.” In this episode: Finding breast cancer because of a change in the other breastNavigating reconstruction and unexpected health challengesThe importance of researching reconstruction options and surgical expertiseSpeaking up when something doesn’t feel rightWhy survivorship isn’t always a straight lineMyra’s work giving back through Dance for Hope Connect with Myra: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/love.life.myram/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyraSMarangi Find it early. Change the outcome.® This episode shares personal experiences for educational and awareness purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

  8. Aug 11

    Ep. 127 : Mara & David Langer - Part 2: Treatment, Partnership & Life After Breast Cancer

    In Part 2 of my conversation with Mara and David Langer, we continue their story by talking about what it really takes to navigate breast cancer treatment, and what happens when treatment ends. Mara shares practical advice from her own experience with chemotherapy, including the fear of that first treatment and the extraordinary experience of receiving chemotherapy while pregnant. David offers his perspective as a partner and caregiver, including the importance of communication, staying present, asking for help, and remembering that caregivers need support, too. We also talk about knowing your body, understanding your family health history, advocating for yourself, and seeking another opinion when something doesn’t feel right. And then we get into something that isn’t talked about nearly enough: life after treatment. Mara shares why survivorship can bring its own uncertainty, the importance of resources like Cancer Community Clubhouse, and why there isn’t always a return to “normal.” Sometimes it’s about learning to live in a new normal, and finding gratitude and presence along the way. Connect with Mara LangerFacebook: facebook.com/mblanger Instagram: instagram.com/mblanger2 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marablanger Resources MentionedCancer Community Clubhouse — A Northern Nevada cancer survivorship center offering support, connection, education, and resources for people affected by cancer, including survivors, care partners, and loved ones. Mara specifically recognizes Natalie and her team when discussing the importance of support after active treatment ends. Website: www.cancercommunityclubhouse.org Test Those Breasts — Find additional breast health and cancer resources under the Resources tab. Website: www.testthosebreasts.org Find it early. Change the outcome.

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About

This podcast by Jamie Vaughn is a deep-dive discussion on a myriad of breast cancer topics, such as early detection, the initial shock of diagnosis, testing/scans, treatment, loss of hair, caregiving, surgery, emotional support, and advocacy. These episodes will include breast cancer survivors, thrivers, caregivers, surgeons, oncologists, therapists, and other specialists who can speak to many different topics. Disclaimer: I  am not a doctor and not all information in this podcast comes from qualified health care providers,  therefore does not constitute medical advice. For personalized medical advice, you should reach out to one of the qualified healthcare providers interviewed on this podcast and/or seek medical advice from your own providers.

Information

  • Creator
    Jamie Vaughn
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    135
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Jamie Vaughn
  • Show Website
    Test Those Breasts ™️

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