Real Pink

Susan G. Komen
  • 4.8 (98)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Weekly

Real Pink, a podcast by Susan G. Komen, is taking real conversations about breast cancer from the doctor's office to your living room. Hosted by Adam Walker, episodes feature candid conversations with survivors, researchers, physicians, and more. Find answers to your toughest questions and clear, actionable steps to live a better life, longer. At Real Pink, compassionate storytelling meets real inspiration and real support.

  1. 10h ago

    Episode 398: Men Get Breast Cancer Too: Know Your Normal

    Bret Miller was 17 when he first felt a lump behind his nipple. For seven years, providers told him it was calcium buildup or that it would go away on its own. It didn't. At 24, Bret was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer — a disease most people, including many of the doctors he saw along the way, don't associate with men at all.In this episode, Bret joins his oncologist, Dr. Priyanka Sharma of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, to unpack why male breast cancer is so often missed or overlooked by so many health care providers — and why most men have never been told what normal breast tissue looks or feels like for them in the first place. Together, they talk about what needs to change in clinical training and patient conversations, and what self-advocacy looks like when the system isn't built to catch what you're describing. This episode is part of the Komen Health Equity Revolution podcast series, which centers the lived experience of communities too often overlooked in breast cancer awareness and care — including men. 5 Key Takeaways Men need to know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer A persistent change in one breast should be investigated Nipple discharge can be a warning sign of breast cancer Patients should advocate for themselves and seek second opinions Healthcare providers should take concerning breast changes seriously Chapters 03:10 Bret's Seven-Year Journey to a Diagnosis 10:55 Why Male Breast Cancer Gets Missed 15:09 Knowing What Is Normal for Men 17:11 Turning a Diagnosis Into Advocacy 24:39 How Healthcare Providers Can Close the Gap Learn more at realpink.komen.org and komen.org Real Pink, by Susan G. Komen, shares real stories and expert insights to support people navigating breast cancer, from diagnosis through survivorship.

  2. Aug 10

    Episode 397: From Self-Advocacy to Survivorship: Choosing to Thrive After Breast Cancer

    Breast cancer treatment has a beginning and an end, but healing is often a much longer journey. Today, we are joined by Katie Wasserman, a remarkable mother of four who shares how trusting her instincts and advocating for herself led to her breast cancer diagnosis. She will talk about navigating treatment decisions, the impact it had on her body, and the physical and emotional healing that continues today into survivorship. From managing the fears that linger after treatment ends to intentionally choosing a life focused on thriving instead of simply surviving, Katie’s story is a powerful reminder that no one knows your body better than you do. Key Takeaways Trust your instincts when something feels wrong Self-advocacy can lead to life-saving care Asking for help strengthens recovery Small daily habits support healing and resilience Survivorship is about thriving, not just surviving Chapters 00:00 – Trusting your instincts 05:09 – The power of self-advocacy 07:51 – Recovery, support, and staying active 15:04 – Sharing the journey through Instagram 18:27 – Thriving beyond survivorship Learn more at realpink.komen.org and komen.org Real Pink, by Susan G. Komen, shares real stories and expert insights to support people navigating breast cancer, from diagnosis through survivorship.

  3. Aug 3

    Episode 396: You’re Never Fully Prepared for Breast Cancer

    When multiple loved ones are diagnosed with breast cancer within a short period of time, it can leave you wondering if, and when, it might become part of your own story. Megan May knew her family history meant that she was at greater risk of developing breast cancer. She prepared as best she could and underwent regular screenings. However, her diagnosis at age 40 still came as a shock because there are some things that no one can fully prepare you for. Megan is here today to share her story - how a series of family diagnoses prompted her to begin early screening, what it was like to hear the words no one wants to hear, and the physical and emotional challenges that followed. We'll talk about how why giving back through fundraising has become such an important part of her mission and how her family supports each other through it all. Key Takeaways Family history can help identify when earlier screenings are needed Early detection can allow cancer to be caught and treated quickly Supporting someone with cancer starts with simply being present Knowing your normal and getting screened can save lives Chapters 00:00 – Megan’s family history with breast cancer 02:20 – Starting early screenings 04:04 – Megan’s diagnosis and treatment journey 09:39 – Finding strength through movement and survivorship 14:46 – Supporting family and advocating for early detection Learn more at realpink.komen.org and komen.org Real Pink, by Susan G. Komen, shares real stories and expert insights to support people navigating breast cancer, from diagnosis through survivorship.

  4. Jul 27

    Episode 395: Beyond Treatment: How the Helpline Supports Disability in Breast Health Care

    Disability and breast cancer intersect in more than one direction. Some people develop long-term effects like lymphedema, neuropathy or cognitive changes because of treatment — effects recognized as disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Others are already living with a disability, of any kind, when a breast cancer diagnosis enters the picture. This July, in recognition of Disability Pride Month, Krista Park Berry, Director of Susan G. Komen’s Breast Care Helpline, returns to Real Pink to talk about how the Helpline supports people through their breast health experience no matter when their disability started, and what that support looks like for women of color in particular. Key takeaways No two disability experiences are the same Disability can exist before or develop after breast cancer treatment The Komen Breast Care Helpline provides personalized support and resources Accessible, whole-person care improves quality of life and health outcomes Chapters 00:00 – Understanding disability and breast cancer 02:08 – Treatment-related disabilities and ADA protections 06:26 – Supporting people living with metastatic breast cancer 08:11 – Navigating breast cancer with a pre-existing disability 12:11 – Health equity, women of color, and closing care gaps 13:36 – Why asking for help can change everything

  5. Jul 20

    Episode 394: Leveraging AI In Breast Cancer Research

    Artificial Intelligence is buzzy. There’s a lot about it in the news and a lot we think we understand about how to use it and a lot we may not fully understand. But the promise it holds is tremendous, and today we’re going to learn a little more about how it could benefit breast cancer research and patient care in the near future. Drs. Charles Perou at UNC Chapel Hill and Erika Crosby at Duke University are two very accomplished breast cancer researchers who are joining us today to share their perspectives on using AI now and in the future. Key takeaways AI is improving breast cancer screening and diagnosis. Researchers are using AI to save time on coding, writing, and data analysis. AI can help match patients to clinical trials more effectively. Human expertise is still needed to verify AI-generated results. AI has the potential to accelerate research and improve patient care. Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to AI in Breast Cancer Research 02:53 — Ethical Considerations and Responsible AI Use 04:33 — Current Clinical Applications of AI 08:12 — How Researchers Are Using AI in the Lab 11:17 — AI Limitations, Mistakes, and Critical Thinking 17:23 — The Future of AI-Assisted Cancer Research Learn more at realpink.komen.org and komen.org Real Pink, by Susan G. Komen, shares real stories and expert insights to support people navigating breast cancer, from diagnosis through survivorship.

  6. Jul 13

    Episode 393: Designing Better Clinical Trials: Why Patient Advocates Belong at the Table

    We know that clinical trials are a critical lifeline, offering new ways to prevent, detect, diagnose and treat breast cancer. Today, patient advocates are transforming clinical trials by bringing the real-world experiences of patients directly to researchers. By acting as a bridge between science and the community, patient advocates boost enrollment in clinical trials, and help build a lasting trust Today we are speaking with Dr. Lior Braunstein, a radiation oncologist and researcher at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Dr. Ellen Landsberger, a retired OB-GYN and patient advocate, also at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Together they are working on the ARCHER clinical trial, a study that is investigating a new treatment strategy for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. We’ll talk about what they are hoping to accomplish through the ARCHER trial, what their collaborative process looks like and how patient advocates in clinical trials can help improve patient outcomes. Key Takeaways: Patient advocates help design better clinical trials The ARCHER trial aims to improve treatment outcomes Patient voices shape research from the very beginning Clinical trials study both treatment and quality of life Better access helps more patients join clinical trials Chapters 00:00:00 – Why patient advocates belong at the clinical trial design table 00:04:44 – From breast cancer survivor to patient advocate 00:07:46 – How advocates shape research and address patient concerns 00:12:08 – Inside the ARCHER trial and its goal to improve metastatic breast cancer treatment 00:19:03 – Measuring quality of life and improving access to clinical trials 00:26:28 – How patients can become advocates and influence future research

  7. Jul 6

    Episode 392: When Your Voice Saves Your Life

    At just 32 years old, Keisha Kinison was working in women's health when she suddenly found herself as the patient. In this episode, we'll talk about what it was like to discover her diagnosis before a physician had the chance to call, why she made the difficult decision to change doctors during treatment, how her experience transformed her and the incredible support that helped carry her through. Woven throughout every chapter of her story is one powerful message: trust yourself, advocate for yourself, and never be afraid to seek the care you deserve. Key takeaways: Breast cancer can happen at a young age Self-advocacy is essential A strong support system makes a difference Treatment can involve unexpected setbacks Know your body and don't ignore changes Chapters 00:00 Keisha's breast cancer diagnosis at age 32 01:52 Testing, imaging, and receiving the diagnosis 05:12 Triple-negative breast cancer and treatment challenges 09:15 Advocating for herself and changing oncologists 12:11 The support that carried her through treatment 15:33 How cancer changed her career and advice for others Learn more at realpink.komen.org and komen.org Real Pink, by Susan G. Komen, shares real stories and expert insights to support people navigating breast cancer, from diagnosis through survivorship.

  8. Jun 29

    Episode 391: Tomorrow's Breakthroughs Depend on Today's Research Investments

    There is a lot of conversation right now about funding for cancer research and possible cuts to research projects that will improve our understanding and treatment of breast cancer. I’m pleased to be joined today by two researchers who are sharing their perspectives on the inextricable link between grant funding and sustained research.  Dr. Benjamin Schrank is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Dr. Donald McDonnell is the Glaxo-Wellcome Distinguished Professor of Molecular Cancer Biology at Duke University School of Medicine. Dr. McDonnell is a well-established researcher whose work focuses on developing new drugs to treat metastatic breast cancer.  Dr. Schrank is early in his research career and focused on harnessing the body’s immune system to improve response to treatments for metastatic breast cancer. Both recently received research grants from Susan G. Komen to support their innovative work that will help improve breast cancer care and patient outcomes. Key Takeaways: Breakthrough cancer treatments can take decades to develop Fundamental research is the foundation of future therapies Early-stage funding is critical for innovation Research funding directly impacts patients Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:40 Meet the researchers and their current projects 03:45 Why medical breakthroughs take decades to achieve 11:15 The critical role of grant funding in scientific research 20:20 Supporting the next generation of cancer researchers Learn more at realpink.komen.org and komen.org Real Pink, by Susan G. Komen, shares real stories and expert insights to support people navigating breast cancer, from diagnosis through survivorship.

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About

Real Pink, a podcast by Susan G. Komen, is taking real conversations about breast cancer from the doctor's office to your living room. Hosted by Adam Walker, episodes feature candid conversations with survivors, researchers, physicians, and more. Find answers to your toughest questions and clear, actionable steps to live a better life, longer. At Real Pink, compassionate storytelling meets real inspiration and real support.

Information

  • Creator
    Susan G. Komen
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    399
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 2019 Susan G. Komen
  • Show Website
    Real Pink

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