Episode 291: Real Talk: A Mastectomy Isn’t A Boob Job

This is Real Talk, a podcast conversation where we’re digging deep into breast cancer and the realities patients and survivors face every day. We’re talking openly and honestly about just how difficult breast cancer can be, from being diagnosed to selecting the right treatment plan, to living day to day with metastatic breast cancer, and life after treatment ends. In today’s episode, we’re talking about mastectomies and how they aren’t boob jobs. Asha Miller was diagnosed with Stage 3 HER2-negative breast cancer at age 33. She was in great physical shape and never suspected the lump she found in her armpit. She underwent chemotherapy and surgery for a double mastectomy, followed by radiation that left severe burns on her skin. She thought she was finally finished with her treatment but a recall on her breast implants sent her back to the hospital for another surgery. Dr. Stephanie McCoy is a passionate advocate for health equity and a qualitative research professional at Susan G. Komen. With her extensive experience in public health, Stephanie works to ensure the work Komen does across various Mission programs is responsive to the communities we serve toward breast health equity for all.