E14 | What Every Woman Needs to Know About Breast Cancer with CEO of Sharsheret, Elana Silber

Today’s episode is about something we all hope we never face—but so many women unfortunately do: breast cancer- Cancer is a word that can feel heavy, but my goal today is to arm you with the knowledge and information you need to have. Because the truth is  the number one risk factor for breast cancer is simply being a woman. And whether you want to talk about it or not, this disease impacts 1 in 8 women.  And as you will learn today, Jewish women are more likely to carry mutations that cause Breast cancer. So I invite you to listen to this episode all the way through. I promise—it won’t feel heavy or discouraging. Instead, it will leave you with the knowledge you want to have. We are living in a time where knowledge is power. The more we understand about our bodies, our risks, and the resources available to us, the more empowered we become to take action, advocate for ourselves, and support the people around us. Today’s episode is about leaning into that power—because with knowledge comes confidence, with community comes strength, and with both, comes hope. A breast cancer diagnosis can feel like the ground has shifted beneath your feet — and navigating the medical world, the emotional weight, and the sheer volume of information can feel impossible to do alone. That is exactly why Sharsheret exists, and why this conversation with its CEO, Elana Silber, is one every woman needs to hear.   The information shared on this episode is for educational purposes only. Please consult a licensed medical professional for advice specific to your health.   In this episode, Elana shares: Why every woman — regardless of family history, age, or background — is at risk for breast cancer, and why awareness must start at 25 The truth about self-exams: how to do them, why they matter, and why consistency is more important than technique What the BRCA gene mutation actually means, who carries it, and why Jewish women of all backgrounds — including Sephardic and Mizrahi — should pay attention Why ovarian cancer is called a silent cancer, what symptoms are often overlooked, and the latest medical advances in prevention The story of Sharsheret's founder, Rochelle Shoretz, who clerked for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, was diagnosed with breast cancer as a young mother, and built a movement from her own experience of isolation The full range of free Sharsheret services — peer support, genetic counseling, surgery preparation kits, fertility resources, financial assistance, and more Why Rita's own diagnosis at 34 — discovered while nursing a newborn — and her journey as a peer supporter for Sharsheret, reflect exactly the mission Sharsheret was built to fulfill Why you don't need to know what you need before you call — Sharsheret will meet you wherever you are   ✨Follow me on Instagram @JourneyWitRitaOrg  ✨Tag me on Instagram and share what resonated with you! Use hashtag #JourneyWithRitaPodcast   References: Visit www.sharsheret.org for more information and resources Connect with Sharsheret on Instagram and Facebook Connect with Rita @journeywithritaorg and @ritanaffasdesign Visit www.journeywithrita.org for more episodes and resources