235. AI in Breast Cancer Care: The Impact of Breast Friend AI with Jessica Baladad

Love the podcast? Send us a text!In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jessica Balidad, a remarkable woman who has turned her personal experience with breast cancer into a powerful advocacy platform. Jessica, a five-year survivor of stage 2B invasive ductal carcinoma, shared her journey from diagnosis to becoming a passionate advocate for women's health.Jessica's story is both inspiring and educational. She discovered her cancer through a self-breast exam, a practice she had been diligent about since having a benign tumor removed in college. Despite her family history of breast cancer, she faced challenges in getting her concerns taken seriously by medical professionals, highlighting the importance of self-advocacy and awareness.Jessica's experience led her to create the Feel For Your Life app, a free mobile application designed to educate women on how to perform self-breast exams, track changes and set reminders for regular checks. The app also includes a new AI feature, Breastfriend AI, which helps users understand their medical reports and prepare questions for their doctors, making the often overwhelming medical information more accessible and less intimidating.We also discussed the broader implications of breast cancer awareness and education, particularly among younger populations. Jessica has been instrumental in legislative efforts to include self-exam education in high school curriculums in Tennessee, aiming to empower the next generation with the knowledge to take control of their health.Additionally, Jessica shared insights into navigating the complexities of medical insurance, offering practical advice on how to handle claim rejections and advocate for necessary treatments.This episode is a testament to the power of turning personal pain into a purpose-driven mission. Jessica's work through Feel For Your Life is making a significant impact, providing essential tools and support for those affected by breast cancer.Attend a free virtual SurvivingBreastCancer.org event:https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/eventsFollow us on InstagramLaura and Will: https://www.instagram.com/laura_and_will/SurvivingBreastCancer.org: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/Breast Cancer Conversations: https://www.instagram.com/breastcancerconversations/About SurvivingBreastCancer.org: SurvivingBreastCancer.org, Inc. (SBC) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit virtual platform headquartered in Boston with a national and global reach. Through education, community, and resources, SurvivingBreastCancer.org supports women and men going through breast cancer. We provide a sanctuary of strength, compassion, and empowerment, where those diagnosed with cancer unite to share their stories, learn invaluable coping strategies to manage wellness and mental health, and find solace in the unbreakable bond that fuels hope, resilience, and the courage to conquer adversity.Support the showListener FeedbackIf this episode resonated with you, we invite you to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.You can also click the link in the show notes that says "Love this episode? Send us a text" to share feedback.Messages are completely anonymous.If you would like us to follow up directly, please include your email address in your message so we can respond.Latest News: Join our Mailing List - New content drops every Monday! Discover FREE programs, support groups, and resources from SurvivingBReastCancer.org! Become a Breast Cancer Conversations+ Member! Sign Up Now. Enjoying our content? Please consider supporting our work.