Test Those Breasts ™️

Jamie Vaughn

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. 1d ago

    Episode 122: Rethinking Breast Cancer Screening w/ Dr. Ryan Polselli

    In this episode of Test Those Breasts, Jamie sits down with fellowship-trained breast radiologist, Navy veteran, and founder of MammoLink, Dr. Ryan Polselli, for an important conversation about the future of breast cancer screening, access, and education. Ryan shares how his frustration with the traditional screening model led him to create one of Florida’s fastest-growing mobile breast imaging companies — bringing mammography directly to workplaces, schools, and communities to eliminate barriers and save lives. Together, Jamie and Ryan discuss: Why nearly 50% of eligible women skip annual mammogramsThe biggest barriers making breast cancer screening harder than it should beWhy mobile mammography alone is not enough — and what truly makes screening patient-centeredHow Mammolink is partnering with school districts and organizations to improve accessThe dangerous misinformation around mammograms “causing cancer”Why ultrasound should never replace mammographyThe truth about dense breasts and supplemental imagingThe concerning rise of breast cancer in younger women (ages 35–40)Whether it’s time to reconsider the recommended age for screeningWhy annual screening matters — and what can happen when you delay, even by one yearThe insurance and policy implications of the new USPSTF biennial screening recommendationsThis conversation is packed with practical education, myth-busting, and a fresh perspective on how we can improve outcomes through earlier detection and better access. One of the biggest takeaways: Mammograms detect cancer. They do not cause it. And when paired with education and supplemental imaging when needed, they save lives. Connect with Dr. Ryan Polselli🌐 Website: Ryan Polselli 🚐 Mammolink: Mammolink 📘 Facebook: Facebook – Dr. Ryan Polselli 💼 LinkedIn: LinkedIn – Dr. Ryan Polselli 📸 Instagram: Instagram – @ryanpolselli 🐦 X: X – @rpolsel

    37 min
  2. Jun 23

    Episode 121: The Sisterhood Wouldn’t Let Me Play: Dave Catron’s Male Breast Cancer Story

    For most people, breast cancer starts and ends as a women’s conversation. But for Dave Catron, it became deeply personal. In this powerful and deeply important conversation, Jamie sits down with Dave, a firefighter, husband, father, and male breast cancer survivor, to talk about what it’s like to face a diagnosis that so few men ever see coming and even fewer talk about openly. Dave shares the story of finding a lump and the uncertainty that followed. Like many men, breast cancer wasn’t on his radar. The path to diagnosis came with confusion, delayed answers, and the hard reality that awareness around male breast cancer is still dangerously low. But what came after diagnosis was just as eye-opening. From treatment to survivorship, Dave opens up about navigating a world of breast cancer support largely built for women, and what that felt like as a man trying to find his place in it. One of the most unforgettable moments in this episode comes when Dave shares the now-famous line he uses when people ask about the pink bracelet on his wrist: "If someone sees my pink bracelet and asks, ‘Does your wife have breast cancer?’ I say, ‘No… her husband does.’" That one sentence captures the assumptions so many people still make. Dave also shares a moment that stopped Jamie in her tracks: being invited to a Tai Chi class for breast cancer patients, only to arrive and be told it was for women only. His response? "The sisterhood wouldn’t let me play." It’s a line that is both humorous and heartbreaking, and it shines a light on the very real gaps male survivors face when it comes to inclusion, support, and visibility. Jamie and Dave talk openly about: • The signs and symptoms Dave noticed • Why men often don’t think breast cancer can happen to them • The delays and disbelief that can come with a male diagnosis • How breast cancer impacts marriage, family, and identity • The emotional isolation of being a man in female-centered cancer spaces • Why education and awareness must include everyone • The importance of knowing your body and speaking up early

    35 min
  3. Jun 11

    Episode 120: Katelyn Armstrong – Breast Cancer, Mental Health, and Finding Yourself Again

    At 34 years old, Katelyn Armstrong was living what many would consider a healthy lifestyle. As a wellness influencer, she exercised regularly, prioritized nutrition, and focused on overall well-being. Breast cancer was the last thing she expected to hear. In this powerful conversation, Katelyn shares her journey through a triple-positive breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and the often-overlooked mental health challenges that follow. She opens up about advocating for herself when she knew something wasn't right, navigating the impact cancer had on her marriage, and making the deeply personal decision to remain flat after a double mastectomy. Katelyn also discusses how social media became a lifeline during treatment, helping her find connection, community, and ultimately a new purpose. Today, she uses her experience as both a survivor and mental health professional to support others facing the emotional realities of cancer. This episode is an honest conversation about identity, healing, survivorship, self-acceptance, and why mental health deserves a seat at the table in every cancer journey. In This Episode We Discuss:• Being diagnosed with triple-positive breast cancer at age 34 • The importance of trusting your instincts and advocating for yourself • Mental health challenges during and after treatment • How cancer impacted her marriage and relationships • Choosing to remain flat after a double mastectomy • Finding connection and community through social media • The realities of survivorship and identity after cancer • Supporting other survivors through mental health coaching • Why young women should pay attention to breast health • The importance of open conversations and early detection Find Kate on TikTok and IG: @k8armstr0ng/

    49 min
  4. May 26

    Ep. 118: The “And Then” of Cancer: Jake Messier on Stage 4 Male Breast Cancer (Pt. 2)

    In Part 2 of my conversation with Jake Messier, we go deeper into the realities of living with stage 4 male breast cancer. Jake opens up about metastatic breast cancer, scanxiety, survivorship, mental health, and the emotional rollercoaster of receiving good news… followed by an “and then.” We talk honestly about toxic positivity, advocacy, purpose, and what it means to keep moving forward when cancer doesn’t follow a straight path. Jake also shares how he turned his own diagnosis into a platform for awareness and support, using social media to educate others about the reality that men get breast cancer too—and why inclusion in breast cancer conversations matters. We also discuss: • Living with stage 4 breast cancer and the uncertainty of scans • The emotional toll of “scanxiety” and survivorship • Toxic positivity vs. allowing yourself to feel hard emotions • Supporting caregivers and family during cancer • Why men are still left out of many breast cancer conversations • Jake’s advocacy work and role in changing awareness around male breast cancer • Inclusion, representation, and underserved voices in cancer spaces • Susan G. Komen’s metastatic steering committee and national advocacy work • Why awareness matters: men get breast cancer too Jake Messier: 📧 theguywithstage4breastcancer@gmail.com 📱 Instagram & TikTok: @theguywithstage4breastcancer 🌐 Website: www.theguywithstage4breastcancer.com Male Breast Cancer Organizations Mentioned: • Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance: https://mbcglobalalliance.org/ • Male Breast Cancer Happens: https://malebreastcancerhappens.org/ • HIS Breast Cancer Awareness (for men with hereditary/genetic risk): https://www.hisbreastcancer.org/

    54 min

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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.