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. 1h ago

    Episode 401: Just Diagnosed: The First 30 Days

    The first 30 days after being diagnosed with breast cancer can feel devastating. You’re processing a lot of information, dealing with emotions and often trying to figure out what to do next. Joining us on Real Pink’s 400th episode today is Jennifer Omholt, a journalist and 24-year cancer survivor who was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer when her son was just 16 months old. In the wake of her diagnosis, she desperately searched for something to ease her fear and confusion, but found nothing that offered comfort or clarity. Over the next two decades, she set out to create the resource she wished she’d had, so that no one would need to face the shock of a cancer diagnosis alone. Jennifer is here today to share her story and what helped carry her though her breast cancer experience. Key takeaways: You don’t have to solve cancer all at once; focus on the next best step. Finding the right medical team can make a profound difference in your care. Self-advocacy means asking questions, trusting your instincts, and seeking second opinions. Letting others help can ease the emotional and practical burden of cancer. The fear of a diagnosis can fade as you gain knowledge, confidence, and a sense of control. Chapters 00:01:23 — A stage three diagnosis with a 16-month-old son 00:03:25 — Finding ways to manage fear and uncertainty 00:07:57 — The first 30 days after a breast cancer diagnosis 00:09:59 — Building a medical team you can trust 00:15:07 — Why self-advocacy can change your treatment 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 31

    Episode 400: Real Talk: Living One Treatment to the Next

    Metastatic breast cancer cannot be cured but it can be treated. Treatment focuses on disease management while maintaining the best possible quality of life. The unfortunate reality is that a treatment will only work for so long, then another one is needed. Joining us today are two women living with metastatic breast cancer who are sharing their experiences, living one treatment to the next. They are tireless advocates for research and the breakthroughs that will ensure their next treatment is available, when they need it. They’re sharing how they live life to the fullest and manage their day-to-day care. Key Takeaways It’s important to find hope while living treatment to treatment Recognize the physical and emotional toll of treatment, even when you look well Advocate for research, clinical trials, and discoveries that lead to better treatments Live in the present, prioritize quality of life, and give yourself grace Chapters 00:00 — Living with metastatic breast cancer 03:25 — The reality of treatment after treatment 07:45 — The emotional weight of uncertainty 13:23 — Why metastatic breast cancer research matters 26:34 — Living in the present and finding hope 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 24

    Episode 399: Transforming Trauma into Triumph

    What happens when your life changes in an instant, and then, just when you think you’re beginning to rebuild, you’re faced with another life-altering diagnosis? Shannon Michelle knows that experience firsthand. After a devastating motorcycle accident left her in a coma with a traumatic brain injury, Shannon had to relearn how to walk, read, speak and navigate a life she no longer remembered. Then, during her recovery, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Today, Shannon joins us to talk about her breast cancer experience, the emotional realities of healing, and how an unimaginable series of events changed the way she sees her life. Key Takeaways Stay present, especially when life feels overwhelming Self-care is essential to recovery Accepting a new reality can be empowering Let go of what you cannot control Give yourself permission to be the best version of yourself today Chapters 00:00 — Surviving a devastating accident 04:30 — A breast cancer diagnosis 07:57 — The PATCH framework for healing 16:50 — Accepting a new reality 23:50 — Letting go of control 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. Aug 17

    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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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

  8. 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.

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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
    402
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 2019 Susan G. Komen
  • Show Website
    Real Pink