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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Welcome to the Komen Health Equity Revolution series on Real Pink — where patients, advocates, researchers and community partners come together to talk honestly about what's standing in the way of breast health equity, and what we're doing to change it. 

June is Pride Month — a time to celebrate identity, community and the courage it takes to live authentically. Today's conversation sits right at the heart of that. Because advocating for yourself, knowing your body and refusing to be dismissed, that's not just a health message. That's a love letter to who you are.

Our guest today is Shelby Smith. She was 30 years old when she noticed something felt off. No family history of breast cancer. Young, healthy, going about her life as a wife and mom to a 7-year-old daughter. But she trusted herself — and that decision changed everything.

Shelby faced a 12-centimeter tumor, a bilateral mastectomy, 16 rounds of chemo and 15 rounds of radiation. She did her own research, built her own notebook, asked her own questions — and came out the other side with a message she wants every young woman to hear: Know your normal. And when something doesn't feel right, advocate for yourself.

Key Takeaways:

• Trust your instincts when something feels off
• Self-advocacy can change outcomes
• Being informed helps patients navigate treatment
• Cancer can affect more than physical health
• Including loved ones in the journey matters

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Shelby's Breast Cancer Story

02:07 Discovering a Lump and Seeking Answers

04:37 Diagnosis, Testing, and Receiving the News

10:07 Research, Self-Advocacy, and Navigating Treatment

17:33 Identity, Family, and Talking to Her Daughter

24:46 Life After Treatment and Advice for Young Women

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.

A breast cancer diagnosis may feel like it changes your entire life in an instant, but it doesn’t get to define who you are or make all your choices for you. On today's episode of Real Pink, we're joined by Amanda Sangemino, a remarkable young woman whose diagnosis came at an age when cancer was likely the last thing on her mind. What began with a concern that was initially dismissed ultimately led her to trust her instincts, advocate for herself, and make a series of personal decisions about her treatment and future. Throughout the process, she was determined not to let fear and cancer make every decision for her. Today, she’ll talk about the choices that she made about fertility, surgical options and maintaining an active lifestyle and why trusting yourself can be one of the most powerful tools you have.

Key Takeaways:

• Mindset can play a powerful role during treatment
• Trust your instincts and advocate for yourself
• Maintaining normalcy can be empowering
• Don't let cancer make every decision for you
• A strong support system makes a difference

Chapters:
00:00 – Amanda's Breast Cancer Story Begins
01:28 – Finding a Lump and Receiving a Misdiagnosis
04:22 – Seeking a Second Opinion and Getting Answers
07:00 – Why Self-Advocacy Matters for Young Women
10:00 – Fertility, Menopause, and Treatment Decisions
14:43 – Choosing Surgery, Staying Active, and Building Support
23:09 – Amanda’s Final Advice

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.